Title: Overwhelming Debts and Mental Health: The Hidden Connection
Subtitle: One in Five Over-Indebted Individuals Attempt Suicide, Study Shows
Published at 5:30 p.m | Updated 17:49
In a heartbreaking account of the devastating consequences of debt and anxiety, a woman named Sanna opened up about her struggles with debt and multiple suicide attempts. Sanna’s story sheds light on the alarming connection between financial troubles and mental health issues that many individuals face in silence.
Sanna’s breaking point came when she found herself drowning under mounting debts and unopened letters from the Bailiff. Desperate to escape the suffocating burden, she got into her car and purposefully crashed into a tree at a high speed. Miraculously, she emerged from the crash unscathed, her life spared. It was then that she discovered a farewell letter to her parents in her car’s glove compartment.
Her story is not uncommon. According to a study conducted by Lund University, one in five over-indebted people have attempted suicide. The study interviewed 641 individuals struggling with debt, and when asked about their psychological well-being, close to 20% admitted to having attempted suicide at least once. Disturbingly, 40% of those individuals revealed they had made multiple attempts.
Henrik Levinsson, a psychologist and lecturer at Lund University, emphasizes the urgent need for proactive healthcare regarding suicide prevention and financial issues. He suggests that primary care professionals should inquire about patients’ financial situations when seeking treatment for mental health problems. Collaborations with budget and debt counseling services can be instrumental in providing swift debt relief.
The link between mental illness and financial problems is well-documented, but the precise cause-and-effect relationship requires further exploration. It is unclear whether mental illness leads to indebtedness or if debt triggers mental health issues. Levinsson also highlights the importance of addressing the stigma and taboo surrounding over-indebtedness, as individuals often feel isolated, burdened, and ashamed, unable to seek help.
Sanna echoes Levinsson’s suggestions for improved mental health support and intervention. Despite struggling with anxiety and depression, Sanna believes that psychiatry plays a crucial role in addressing the underlying issues that contribute to debt spirals and mental health deterioration. She stresses the dire need for accessible and appropriate psychiatric care, urging mental health professionals to act swiftly.
Sanna’s journey towards healing is ongoing. After contacting the Bailiff, she discovered a staggering debt of approximately SEK 700,000 (approximately $83,000). Living with wage garnishment and planning to apply for debt relief, she continues to face numerous challenges. The weight of her financial situation prevents her from living a “normal” life, filled with dreams of marriage and children.
While Sanna still grapples with anxiety and depression, she is grateful to have survived her suicide attempts. Her harrowing experience has given her a glimmer of hope for a brighter future. By sharing her story, Sanna hopes to shed light on the widespread issue of over-indebtedness and its impact on mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or having suicidal thoughts, there are several helplines and resources available, such as SOS Alarm 112, Mind Suicide Line 90101, and Care Guide 1177.
No one should have to suffer in silence, and by opening up conversations and seeking help, individuals like Sanna can find the support they need to face their challenges and regain control of their lives.