There is a lot of uncertainty around the cost of living crisis at the moment. As everything continues to soar such as petrol prices, energy costs, inflation, and rising housing costs it is leaving many people and families feeling worried and uncertain about the future.
It is completely natural to feel worried, stressed, and many other emotions over finances and when things feel uncertain but please know you are not alone and there are things you can do and support available to help.
There are things you can do to help with how you are feeling about the cost of living crisis uncertainty at the moment.
Limit exposure to the news
News reports and articles can be scary to read as they tend to exaggerate how things are and make things sound worse than what they are in reality. They can be known to spark a lot of fear in people by not explaining things fully. Limiting your exposure to the news and news articles can be a good way to look after yourself during this time.
Don’t overwork yourself
It may seem like something you feel you need to do by picking up more shifts or taking on multiple jobs in order to earn more money, but this can lead to more issues such as having a negative impact on your mental health or reaching burnout.
Join a support group
There are many support groups that are available locally and on social media sites such as Facebook where you can connect with people experiencing similar situations, and where people are sharing hints and tips on how to save money or how to look after yourself during this time.
Reach out to loved ones
It is important at this time to access support from friends and family, and don’t be alone with your worries or feelings – a problem shared is often a problem halved.
Reach out for help
There is a variety of help available to support you during this difficult time, whether that is debt and financial advice/support or just someone to talk to who will listen to you – some support organisations available are:
Step Change – offers free debt advice and support: https://www.stepchange.org/
National Debt line – offers free, independent debt advice: https://nationaldebtline.org/
Samaritans – are a free listening service: https://www.samaritans.org/
CALM – a free talking service: https://www.thecalmzone.net/
If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, and need a safe non-judgmental space to talk. PAPYRUS is here for you. Call HOPELINEUK for free, confidential advice and support on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039 967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org from 9am to midnight every day of the year.
