Areas of Britain where mental health is worst hit by cost of living crisis revealed

People in Edinburgh, Leicester and Glasgow are suffering the most with their mental health in Britain due to the cost of living crisis.

A survey of 2,000 adults found that 27 percent have suffered significantly from their well-being due to a lack of financial means.

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Newcastle, London and Leeds are other key cities where people are most affected.

Cutting back on social activities, gym memberships, and nutritious foods to save money are the reasons why so many people feel discouraged and worry about their mental well-being.

And 40 percent dread winter because they don’t know if they will be able to pay their energy bills to heat their home.

The survey was commissioned by British Gas, who are working with Professor Green to raise awareness of the struggles so many face and highlight the free support available in the new phase of British Gas Post Office pop-ups.

The musician and mental health advocate said: “As a parent, your first instinct is to protect and provide for yourself, and when you do everything you can, and it still isn’t enough, it has a profound impact on your mental health.

“Shame, stigma and fear can stop people from seeking help, but it’s the best thing you can do – for yourself, your family and your community.

“Stress and anxiety breed uncertainty, which is why 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 your future and control it. »

The study found that 14 percent of adults reduce the frequency of their showers to reduce bills, and 21 percent don’t buy birthday gifts for their loved ones.

One in 20 (five percent) say their children miss new toys.

Just over half (55 percent) believe their mental health would definitely improve if they were more financially stable.

It was found that people in Manchester were most likely to avoid using heating or electricity to keep their homes warm.

But people in Edinburgh were most likely to report having had money problems that led to taking on additional debt, such as credit cards.

Only 27% of all adults surveyed via OnePoll are confident they have access to all the benefits they may be entitled to when it comes to help with their energy bills.

One in ten people also believe that the rising cost of energy has caused them a lot of extra stress.

And 25 percent simply say they expect to struggle to pay their energy bills for the rest of the year.

Almost the same number (24%) said the current cost of living crisis has been just as bad for their mental health as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jessica Taplin, CEO of British Gas Energy Trust, said: “Debt and money stress is debilitating, which is why we’re delighted to offer money and energy advisors that we fund in offices post office across the country.

“Working with an artist like Professor Green can really help raise awareness and let people know that it’s okay to talk about the things that worry them.”