Mental health support

In a demanding and stressful world, mental health impacts us all, and it has never been more important to make sure you're looking after yourself.

We aren’t mental health experts, but we do understand the importance of creating supportive spaces for everyone. Everyone experiences stress and low days, it’s the nature of being human. However, when your mental health starts impacting your day-to-day life and you’re finding it challenging to cope, it’s time to reach out.

If you’re experiencing mental health issues, we always recommend speaking with a qualified professional. 

Why is mental health important? 

Mental health plays a vital role in our overall wellbeing and can affect everything from work, our social lives, and our physical health. It encompasses emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing and affects how we think, feel, and act. 

Mental health is not simply the absence of mental illness. Rather, it is a state of wellbeing where individuals can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, maintain meaningful relationships, and contribute to their communities. 

When we are mentally healthy, we are better equipped to handle unexpected challenges, tackle any setbacks head on, and lead fulfilling lives. Having a mental illness doesn’t mean that you can’t lead a fulfilling life, especially when it's managed in a way that supports your wellbeing. 

We recognise that mental health is important, and our aim is to support both our employees and customers with their diverse mental health needs.

How financial concerns impact mental health

Financial concerns are often closely tied with mental health, and the stress and anxiety they cause can lead to even more serious conditions, such as depression. 

Money-related concerns can stem from anywhere, including unemployment, debt, financial instability, or struggles to meet repayments. The constant pressure to make ends meet and the fear of financial uncertainty can have a profound impact on a person’s mental wellbeing.

Financial stress can spark a vicious cycle where it not only affects your mental health, but also your ability to make effective financial decisions. It could lead to impaired decision making, decreased productivity at work, and strained relationships, which can further exacerbate the financial challenges. The impact of financial concerns on our mental health is not limited to low-income individuals or households. It can affect anyone, anywhere, in any stage of life. 

Mortgages and mental health

We can’t talk about financial stress without addressing mortgages. The mortgage industry can be a particularly unique place when it comes to stress, and it’s largely because mortgages are often so closely linked to major life changes. Not only that, but you have an obligation to manage your monthly repayments. Examples of life changes that can impact your mortgage could include: 

• Divorce

• Bereavement

• Moving home 

• Financial pressure 

We absolutely acknowledge that anyone can struggle with their mental health, regardless of whether there are external factors or not. Major lifestyle changes and the stressors associated with them are likely to only further exacerbate this. 

Managing your mental health

There are a few things you can do to manage everyday stress, and the NHS recommends staying active, staying away from alcohol, and sticking to a daily routine. Additionally, resources like the Mental Health Foundation recommend the following: 

• Learn to understand and manage your feelings

• Talk to someone you trust for support

• Find non-destructive coping mechanisms

• Get help with debt problems

• Ensure you’re getting enough sleep

• Follow a nutritious, balanced diet

• Plan things to look forward to

For those experiencing emotional distress with symptoms that do not dissipate after a few days or weeks, the NHS also recommends speaking to your GP about therapy services in your area.

If you feel you cannot cope, get help immediately by calling 111 or contacting a helpline such as Samaritans at 116 123. 

Resources 

• Mental Health & Money Advice can offer further support for those experiencing issues with mental health and money. If you support or work with someone who may be experiencing challenges in their life surrounding mental health and money, they have resources to guide you.
• Mind is a not-for-profit charity that offers support and information for anyone living with a mental health issue. They are able to offer support for a variety of mental health concerns, advice concerning therapies and medication, and tips for everyday living, money, and work.
• If you don’t know where to turn, Heads Together offers support and advice for your mental health. No matter who you are or what you’re going through, they believe everyone needs and is deserving of support. Their Shout crisis text line is available 24/7, and they have a comprehensive directory of mental health providers on their website.

Do you require additional support?

To help us tailor your homebuying journey to your needs, let us know if you have any specific requirements or have recently experienced a change in your circumstances.

If you have any additional accessibility issues that you’d like to make us aware of, or if there’s anything that you think we can improve on, click here.

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