12 May 2008
People with mental health illnesses could be at risk of ending up "trapped in a cycle of debt and poverty", a charity has claimed.
Research by Mind found that people with mental health problems are three times more likely than the general population to go into debt.
More than half (56 per cent) of the 1,800 people who responded to Mind's survey said they had gone without food due to running out of money, while 51 per cent had gone without heating for the same reason.
Respondents were found to owe an average of £3,250 on store and credit cards, with 70 per cent unable to pay their bills on the final reminder.
Paul Farmer, chief executive of the charity, said: "With many unable to work due to ill health, Mind has found that people are becoming dependent on credit to pay for everyday essentials."
Some 91 per cent said debt worsened their mental health problems.
The study was conducted for Mind Week, which takes place from May 10th to 17th.
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