North Tyneside Patients Face Mental Health Crisis Linked to Rising Debt
NORTH TYNESIDE – A local GP reports a surge in patients presenting with mental health problems directly linked to financial stress and debt. Dr. Kamlesh sreekissoon, practicing in North Tyneside, says he’s witnessing patients overwhelmed by teh pressure of making ends meet, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas.
The North east is a regional hotspot for debt issues, with north-east England having the second highest number of people requiring professional assistance, surpassed only by London, according to Citizens Advice. Debt charity StepChange data for 2024 confirms this, revealing the North East has 37 clients per 10,000 adults – the highest concentration in the UK.
StepChange’s North East clients most frequently cite the rising cost of living (19.3%) and a lack of control over finances (19%) as primary drivers of their debt, exceeding national averages of 17.7% and 17.9% respectively.
“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,” Dr. Sreekissoon explained. He emphasized that the debt isn’t stemming from frivolous spending. ”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.”
Citizens Advice reports that many individuals are falling into debt simply to cover essential costs like food and fuel, alongside the added financial strain of providing for the holiday season.
