Money worries and mental health are closely linked, and it can work both ways: debt can affect how we feel, and struggling with our mental health can make it harder to deal with money. If that sounds familiar, please know there's nothing to be ashamed of, and there is kind, free, non-judgemental help available whenever you're ready to reach out.
You don't have to have everything figured out to ask for support. Taking one small step — a phone call, a conversation, opening one letter — is often enough to start feeling more in control.
The short answer
- Debt and mental health often affect each other — you're not alone, and it's not a personal failing.
- Free, confidential and non-judgemental debt advice is available, and it's a good place to start.
- Your GP, a charity or a support line can help with how you're feeling — you can reach out at any time.
- The Breathing Space scheme can pause most creditor action and interest while you get advice.
- There's a special version of Breathing Space for people receiving mental health crisis treatment.
You are not alone in this
When debt builds up, it's common to feel anxious, low, or to avoid opening post and answering the phone. That avoidance is completely understandable — but the debt rarely goes away on its own, and the worry can grow. The good news is that reaching out for help almost always makes things feel more manageable, because you no longer have to carry it by yourself.
Look after how you're feeling
Your wellbeing matters just as much as your finances. If low mood, anxiety or stress is affecting your daily life, it's worth speaking to someone. You could:
- Make an appointment with your GP, who can talk through how you're feeling and what support might help.
- Contact a mental health charity such as Mind, which offers information and a listening ear.
- Reach out to a support line if you need to talk to someone today.
Please don't wait until things feel unbearable to reach out — support is there for you at any stage, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Getting help with the debt itself
Free debt advice is one of the most effective ways to lift some of the weight. An adviser will never judge you; their job is simply to look at your situation and explain your options calmly. You can find free, impartial guidance through MoneyHelper, an independent service set up to help people manage their money, as well as through debt charities.
If you'd rather understand the practical steps yourself first, our guide on dealing with your debts yourself breaks the process into small, manageable pieces. And if letters or calls from collectors are adding to the stress, knowing your rights when dealing with debt collectors can help you feel more in control.
The Breathing Space scheme
Breathing Space, also called the Debt Respite Scheme, is designed to give people room to deal with their debts without pressure. Once you're accepted, most of your creditors must pause enforcement action, and interest and charges on qualifying debts are frozen for a period while you get advice.
The standard scheme
Anyone struggling with problem debt can apply for standard Breathing Space through a debt adviser. It typically lasts up to 60 days, giving you time to get advice and consider a longer-term plan without creditors chasing you.
The mental health crisis version
There's also a mental health crisis Breathing Space for people receiving crisis mental health treatment. It can be requested on your behalf by an Approved Mental Health Professional, and the protections last for as long as your crisis treatment continues, plus a further period afterwards — so you can focus on getting well without worrying about creditors.
Looking further ahead
Breathing Space is a pause, not a solution in itself, but it can be the calm you need to decide what comes next. When you're ready, there are several routes forward, from an informal debt management plan to a formal IVA that can write off part of what you owe. If you're not sure where to begin, it can help to read a plain-English overview of what insolvency means and the options available. There's no rush to decide, and the right choice depends entirely on your circumstances — something an adviser can help you weigh up gently, at your own pace.
How IVA Advice Online can help
We understand that debt is about far more than numbers, and we'll always treat you with kindness and respect. There's no pressure and no judgement here — just a calm conversation about your options, whenever you feel ready. Our advice is free, and if a formal solution turns out to suit you, we'll explain everything clearly first. If you'd like someone to talk to, please get in touch. Things can get better, and you don't have to face this alone.