Skip to content
Men's Mental

Learn

Money worries

Debt, joblessness and the pressure to provide. How money stress affects the mind.

Get help now

Money problems are one of the biggest sources of shame and stress for men. Being unable to provide as you want to can feel like a personal failure. It is not. Hard economic times affect many families, and your worth is not your income.

A smiling man handing a document to a bank teller at the counter

How money stress shows up

  • Sleepless nights

    Going over the numbers in your head, over and over.

  • Avoiding the problem

    Not answering calls, not opening messages, hiding the situation from your partner.

  • Shame and withdrawal

    Staying away from friends or events because you cannot afford them or fear being asked.

  • Risky coping

    Gambling, betting, borrowing from risky sources or drinking to escape.

Taking small steps

  1. 1

    Write down the real picture

    What you owe, what you earn and what is due first. Facing the numbers is often less frightening than not knowing.

  2. 2

    Talk to creditors early

    Many will agree a payment plan if you contact them before you fall behind.

  3. 3

    Share the load

    Talk to your partner or someone you trust. Hiding it makes it heavier.

  4. 4

    Avoid quick fixes

    Betting and unregulated lenders usually make things worse.

Talk to someone

  • National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline

    0800 678 678

    Run by the Mental Health Authority. Toll-free.

    Free to call

  • National Emergency Line

    112

    Police, ambulance and fire. Use it if someone is in immediate danger.

    Free to call

Keep reading