A general practitioner reports an increase in patients presenting with mental health challenges attributed to the stress of personal debt.
Data from Citizens Advice indicates that North East England has the second-highest proportion of individuals requiring professional debt assistance, surpassed only by London.
In 2024, debt charity StepChange identified the North East as having the highest concentration of its clients, with 37 individuals per 10,000 adults seeking their services.
Dr. Kamlesh Sreekissoon, a North Tyneside GP, notes that individuals are often working “three or four jobs” in the lead-up to Christmas to manage their finances, subsequently experiencing mental health difficulties.
Stepchange’s North East clients cite the rising cost of living (19.3%) and a lack of control over finances (19%) as the most prevalent reasons for personal debt.
Notably, both statistics exceed the UK averages of 17.7% and 17.9%, respectively.
Citizens Advice highlights that many are accumulating debt to cover basic necessities like food and fuel, rather than luxury items, with added pressure to provide for Christmas festivities.
Dr. Sreekissoon emphasizes that debt-related stress is often exacerbated by family-related issues.
“At this time of year, you will see people juggling three or four jobs, also after caring for elderly relatives, parents, [they’re] stressed out and unfortunately struggling with their mental health,” said Dr. Sreekissoon.
He clarifies that the debt reported by his patients is primarily due to struggling to afford essential needs.
“It’s more the basics,” he said. “I see people taking on working long hours, doing two or three jobs, and just being kind of stretched out, not being able to see their kids, and that just burns people out which is really sad to see”.
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