Conor D’Arcy, Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health

Bombarded: reducing the psychological harm caused by the cost of living crisis

6 December 2022

Please note: this policy note contains information about suicide and self harm that readers may find distressing. If you’re in need of support, you can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 anytime of the day – or you can text SHOUT to 85258. For information about where to find support with your money or mental health, you can find some resources on our get help page

This policy note explores the continued impact of the cost of living crisis on our collective mental health. It reveals the severe extent to which rising costs and mounting financial pressures have contributed to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and in some cases, suicidality. 

In light of our findings, we outline urgent measures that government, regulators and firms should adopt to reduce the harm that the cost of living crisis is having on people’s mental health and finances.

In particular, we are calling on the government and the Financial Conduct Authority to set clear limits on the number of times creditors can contact people in debt.

Read the full policy note here.

Learn more about our campaign to Stop the Debt Threats here.