Member Article

Recession takes its toll on health

A mental health charity on Wearside has seen a 70% rise in demand for help as people struggle to cope during the recession.

Washington Mind says referrals have increased from 221 in 2007/08, to 376 last year.

A further 59 people have asked for help in the last two months.

The charity says more people are coming forward with issues directly linked to the recession, such as work-related, financial and relationship problems.

Jacqui Reeves, services manager, said: “We have seen a shift in that more people are presenting with issues directly related to the recession.

“Typically they are telling us of work-related and relationship issues and financial difficulties, alongside deterioration in physical health, sleep problems, problematic alcohol and prescription drug use, often with unhealthy anger and domestic violence.

“Also, because people have less money to spend on themselves and their families on treats, days out, family holidays etc opportunities to relieve the pressures and have something to look forward to are limited.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .