Mental health charity Mind says there has been a surge in calls to its helplines since the start of the recession.
There has been an overall increase of calls by up to 28% this year compared to last.
And advisors say calls about personal finance and employment issues have doubled since 2008.
Adding that some 40% of calls are going unanswered because of demand, and warns there are funding issues.
The charity says calls to its five-day-a week infoline and legal lines have steadily increased since the service opened over 20 years ago.
In 2011-2012 it responded to over 40,000 enquiries.
Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, said people's mental wellbeing was being affected by factors like job security, working conditions and financial security.
"All of these can be affected during tough economic times and, as we head back into recession, we are seeing an ever growing need for what we have to offer.
"The era of austerity shows little sign of abating and more and more people need our help.
"At the same time the local Mind network is facing the challenging situation of increased demand for services and potential cuts to funding."
SANE, another mental health charity, confirmed that it had also noted the impact of the recession on its services.
They said: "There has been a disturbing increase in the number of people with depression and anxiety due to financial uncertainty contacting our helpline for information and emotional support.”
(H)
|
