Pictured is Beyond Blue’s Clinical Spokesperson Dr Grant Blashki who said “It’s been a tough year as people grapple with cost-of-living pressures, high inflation, continual rate rises, and economic uncertainty”..
New Beyond Blue data reveals one in five people’s mental health is being extremely impacted by the rising cost of living. A new community survey commissioned by Beyond Blue found financial pressures are the number one stressor for people as we head towards the end of year.
The survey found, the overwhelming majority (77 per cent) say they feel stressed heading into the end of the year – almost a third feel “quite a bit” or “extremely” stressed.
83 per cent report the rising cost of living is negatively impacting their mental health, with one in five respondents reporting that impact is extreme. People aged 18 – 49 were more likely to report the cost of living was having a negative impact on their mental health, and almost a third of all respondents say they are unlikely to put a plan in place to manage their mental health.
Beyond Blue’s Clinical Spokesperson Dr Grant Blashki said “Beyond Blue is prepared for an increase in demand for its support service this month”.
“Last December, we saw a 41 per cent increase on the monthly average in contacts to the Beyond Blue Support Service, and we expect the same, if not more, this year,” said Dr Blashki.
“As the holiday season approaches, financial stress is having a significant impact on people’s mental health, it’s a time of great reflection, loneliness for some, and impossible financial expectations for others, such as buying presents or travelling to see family”.
*The Ipsos Community Sentiment Poll surveyed a representative sample of 1,000 people in November.