19 September 2023 , 10:44
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Over a quarter of Brits (27%) feel the cost-of-living crisis has left them struggling with their mental health – with those living in Edinburgh and Leicester the worst affected.
Financial difficulties have seen adults grappling to save money where they can, by cutting down on socialising, cancelling gym memberships, and even forgoing healthy food.
And with two in five, of the 2,000 adults polled, fearing they may not be able to afford to heat their home this winter, it is no wonder that many are feeling disheartened, and concerned about their mental wellbeing.
Other cities where residents are struggling most include Glasgow, London, Newcastle, and Leeds – with 14% of those surveyed even admitting they are taking showers less regularly, in a bid to keep their energy bills down.
British Gas, which commissioned the research, has teamed up with Professor Green to raise awareness of the struggles so many are facing, and to highlight the free support available in the new phase of the British Gas Post Office Pop-Ups.
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Some of the top things leaving Brits disheartened include cutting back on socialising, and having to cancel gym memberships (SWNS)The musician and mental health advocate said: “As a parent, your first instinct is to protect and provide – and when you’re doing everything you can, and that’s still not enough, it has a profound impact on your mental health.
“Shame, stigma, and fear can keep people from speaking up for help, but it’s the best thing you can do – for yourself, your family, and your community.
“Stress and anxiety breed in uncertainty, so I really encourage you to visit a British Gas Post Office Pop-Up, or contact the British Gas Energy Trust, to help you gain confidence in, and control of, your future.”
The research also found that other sacrifices being made include not buying birthday gifts for loved ones (21%), while 5% admit their kids are missing out on new toys.
However, just over half (55%) believe their mental health would definitely improve if they were more financially stable.
People in Manchester were found to be most likely to skip using heat or electricity to keep their homes warm, while those in Edinburgh were most likely to report that they have had issues with money that have led to incurring additional debt, like credit cards.
Only 27% of all adults polled, via OnePoll, are confident they are accessing all the benefits they may be entitled to when it comes to support with their energy bills.
One in ten also believe the rising cost of energy has caused them a great deal of additional stress – and 25% baldly state they are expecting to struggle to pay their energy bills through the rest of the year.
Nearly the same amount (24%) said the current cost-of-living crisis has been just as bad for their mental health as the Covid-19 pandemic.
British Gas Energy Trust CEO, Jessica Taplin, said: “Debt and money stresses are debilitating, which is why we are delighted to be offering money and energy advisors, funded by us, in Post Offices across the country.
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“Working with an artist like Professor Green can really help raise awareness, and let people know it’s good to talk about the things that are worrying them.”