Recent studies have shown that there is a conclusive relationship between mental health problems and debt. As many over-burdened consumers can attest to, having overwhelming debt is extremely stressful, and as reported by “An Uphill Struggle”, a British study on the correlation between debt and mental health, many of those surveyed who were receiving disability benefits blamed debt for the onset of their mental health problems. Moreover, the survey found that 50% of the respondents who were receiving disability benefits feel socially excluded and face added stress with threats of legal action, eviction, or repossession.

One of the chief ways to reduce the stress associated with this problem is to seek debt relief. Sometimes just seeking debt advice can dramatically reduce the anxiety related to financial problems. Acknowledging the problem is one of the first steps to getting relief because it ameliorates any feelings of social exclusion or helplessness, and anecdotal evidence suggests a positive relationship between debt relief, healthy relationships, and social well-being.