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In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, we put together a list of coping strategies from the Mental Health Foundation to help you deal with loneliness and prevent some of the mental health problems that can come with it.

It’s also important to know if you are struggling with loneliness and dealing with debt, although the situation can feel overwhelming, daunting and as if it’s only happening to you, the truth is it can happen to anyone – and at any time.

Coping strategies to help with feelings of loneliness

  1. Try to do some enjoyable things that will keep you busy
  2. Try to do things that stimulate your mind
  3. Think about doing a physical activity
  4. Try to engage with the people you meet in your daily life
  5. Find people that ‘get you’
  6. Spend time with pets
  7. Try to use social media in a positive way

Talking therapies can help

Talking through your feelings with a counsellor or therapist can help you cope with feelings of loneliness. If you’re worried about money, there are free counselling services out there to help.

The Samaritans helpline is open 24/7 and you can get in touch about anything that’s troubling you – no matter how big or small you think the issue is – they’re here to help.

If you’re concerned that you’re developing a mental health problem, you should seek the advice and support of your GP as a matter of priority. If you’re in distress and need immediate help and are unable to see your GP, you should visit your local A&E.

Addressing your debts whilst dealing with loneliness

When you’re feeling isolated, it can be even more difficult to pick up the phone and make a call. We often hear from our clients that making that first step to contact us is the hardest – but once they have, they start to feel like a weight has been lifted from their shoulders.

We also know that debt and mental health problems often come hand-in-hand, but that the two things can exist independently too.

That’s why we work with a range of organisations to make sure those who are being affected by mental health, gambling, addiction, bereavement, domestic abuse and illness can easily be referred for extra support, if required.

We also make sure we offer support through a wide range of channels, including Live Chat, as we recognise not everyone is the same, and what works for someone may not work for someone else so we’re flexible with our debt advice journeys to suit your needs.

We don’t just provide debt advice

We work very closely with a wide network of charities and support organisations to ensure any other needs you have are met to help you improve not just your financial wellbeing, but your overall wellbeing too.

We hope you’ve found these coping strategies useful and remember you’re not alone, there are people out there who want to and who can help. If you just want to do a bit more reading around wellbeing, our website is full of resources to help, and if you’re struggling with debt repayments and want to get on top of your finances, remember we’re here to help.