 said the cost-of-living crisis was damaging their health. The Health Foundation has called it an 'emergency' and nine in ten pharmacists in England have reported having patients going without medicine because they cannot afford prescription charges. GP Dr Rachel Ward, who is based in Didcot, Oxfordshire, said: 'When money is tight, other factors such as diet, exercise and the ability to heat our homes are affected. 'Over time, these changes have a negative impact on our health.' So what can be done? You might not have any control over the economy, but you can take control of your health. People who are struggling share their stories and we look at ways to find help. MENTAL HEALTH MONEY and mental health form a 'vicious circle', says Stephen Buckley, head of information at charity Mind. He adds: 'People facing tough financial situations are more likely to have a mental health problem, and those with an existing mental health problem are more vulnerable to the effects of financial distress.' More people being pushed into poverty will only exacerbate the problem, says charity Mental Health Concern, while Britons in the lowest 20 per cent income bracket are already two to three times more likely to develop mental health conditions than those in the highest. Meanwhile, 47 per cent of therapists report clients are cancelling or pausing sessions because they can no lo){kind=link}
WE are all feeling the crunch, whether at the supermarket till, petrol pump or wondering how long we can leave it until the heating gets switched on.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is due to lay out his and PM Rishi Sunak’s new Budget on Thursday.
But the cost of living is biting and it is not just hurting our bank balances.
Our health is suffering too.
Families are making impossible choices between being warm and putting food on the table.