Debt & Suicide: Feeling Suicidal Due to Debt

Feeling suicidal? There’s help available for you.

Urgent care:

• Call Samaritans at 116 123
• Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
• Call 999 or go straight to A&E if you can

More support:

• CALM: This suicide prevention charity is here to support people with their mental health and help them see that suicide isn’t the only option. You can call the suicide prevention helpline at 0800 58 58 58, or you can access the live chat here.
• Mind: For support from mental health charity Mind, including emergency advice, crisis resources, helplines and mental health information, you can click here.
• Papyrus: If you or a young person you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can contact Papyrus by phone at 0800 068 4141 or by text at 88247.
• SOS Silence of Suicide: This charity is here to stop the silence and start the conversation around suicide. You can contact them at 0808 115 1505 or visit their get help page.

Some of the information mentioned here is sensitive and might be distressing for some people. You can contact the helplines highlighted above if you need help with any issues mentioned in this post.

Suicide is a complex issue that can be driven by a combination of factors, including life events, relationships and financial issues. While it’s important to recognise the complexities of mental health, here we’ll be highlighting the link between debt and suicide and where you can find help, support and advice for related issues.

The link between debt & suicide

As we’ve mentioned, just one single factor can rarely be pinned down as the cause of why somebody takes their own life. Instead, it’s often the culmination of several factors that leave people feeling trapped, overwhelmed, or like they’re a burden to others, which can cause suicidality. These feelings aren’t just associated with mental health issues, though – they’re also commonly felt by those struggling with debt. The overlap in how mental health and debt problems can make people feel is the thing that most often links these two together.

According to A Silent Killer Report by The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute [Source: Report], people in problem debt are three times as likely to have thought about suicide in the past year. The risk of suicide also becomes much higher for those with multiple debt problems.

One of the biggest issues with problem debt is that many will suffer in silence. This might be because they don’t want anybody to know they’re struggling, don’t feel comfortable sharing information about their personal finances, or due to the nature of the debt if it’s linked to other personal issues such as gambling. A double stigma exists around financial difficulties and suicide, which can also make people less likely to speak up about suicidal thoughts. All of this can cause feelings of isolation, loneliness, frustration and hopelessness. When people experience the lack of control that can come with dealing with problem debts, they can become more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts, especially without a good support network.

Although the statistics and findings around suicide and debt paint a bleak picture, with the right support and advice, alongside breaking stigmas by talking openly about these issues, financial problems can be resolved and taking this last-resort option can be preventable.

Getting help with your mental health and financial situation

Help is available for those struggling with their mental health and finances. While we’ve already highlighted some of the charities and organisations that specialise in supporting those struggling with mental health-related concerns, the following additional resources can also offer helpful financial advice and guidance. Finding a solution for your problem debt can help steer you in the right direction and improve your mental health.

StepChange

Find out how to get your finances back on track and get support for your debt worries with StepChange. Their impartial and confidential advice and guidance can be taken at your own pace to make sure you’re not overwhelmed and have time to think about what’s best for you.

MoneyHelper

MoneyHelper is a government-backed charity geared towards offering free guidance on all things money-related. Whether you’re worried about how you’re going to pay the bills or have questions about benefits and pensions, their free guides are accessible to all.

National Support Network

As part of our partnership with the National Support Network, you can access our comprehensive Support Hub which contains information on a huge number of vetted support services and resources. You can sign up for the Support Hub here, where you can find advice on coping with suicidal thoughts, suicide prevention toolkits for the workplace and how to support someone who is feeling suicidal.

How UK Debt Service works with the National Suicide Prevention Alliance

At UK Debt Service we’re members of the National Suicide Prevention Alliance (NSPA) which allows us to work with the alliance on reducing the stigma around suicide, encouraging help-seeking, providing appropriate support and affecting real change in suicide awareness and prevention. The collaboration also helps us create an effective action plan to adequately support our customers who may have been affected by suicide or know somebody who has. To find out more, head over to our suicide prevention page, where you can also find our helpful booklet titled Let’s Talk About Suicide.

Allowing people to feel comfortable to open up about mental health and problem debt can help them move away from a dark place and see hope again. With the help of family, friends, charities and other organisations, it’s possible to prevent suicide as a result of debt and improve your situation.

Please note that links from this website exist for information only. We accept no liability for the information found on any external sites featured here. The existence of a link to another website does not imply or express endorsement of its provider, products or services by UK Debt Service.  

If you’re struggling with debt, speak to a member of our team who may be able to help you understand all options available based on your individual circumstances.