Feeling low or anxious is a normal response when you've lost your job, been made redundant, or you're struggling with debt. You may be feeling, behaving or thinking in ways that are unfamiliar. But that does not necessarily mean you're suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder.

How to survive financial stress

Stay active

Keep seeing your friends, keep your CV up to date, and try to keep paying the bills. If you have more time because you're not at work, do some form of exercise – physical activity can improve your mood if you're feeling low.

Face your fears

For example, if you're going into debt, get advice on how to prioritise your debts. When people feel anxious, they sometimes avoid talking to others. Some people can lose their confidence about driving or travelling. If this starts to happen, facing these situations will generally make them easier.

Do not drink too much alcohol

For some people with money worries, alcohol can become a problem. You may drink more than usual as a way of dealing with your emotions or just to fill in time. But alcohol will not help you deal with your problems and could add to your stress.

Do not give up your daily routine

Get up at your normal time and stick to your usual routine. If you lose your routine, it can affect your eating – you may stop cooking, miss breakfast because you're still in bed, or eat snacks instead of having proper meals.

More help for money problems

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice is a good place to get information about benefits, how to deal with debt, what you're entitled to if you're made redundant and who to speak to if you're at risk of losing your home.

GOV.UK

GOV.UK has information about:

• redundancy and dismissals
• benefits
• managing debt

Finding a new job

The finding a job section of GOV.UK provides lots of advice for people looking for work, including tips on writing a CV, planning your job hunt and applying for jobs online.

Coping with debt

Citizens Advice offers help with debt. Other organisations offering helpful advice online include:

• Money Advice Service, or call 0800 138 7777 from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
• National Debtline, or call 0808 808 4000 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm
• StepChange Debt Charity, or call 0800 138 1111 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Mental health and money

The charity Mind has a money and mental health section on its website, which includes advice on how to manage debt.

Mental Health & Money Advice offers information and advice for anyone struggling with money because of mental illness, or whose financial situation is affecting their mental health.

When should you get medical help?

Most people who experience emotional distress will pick themselves up after a few days or weeks and then feel able to tackle challenges, such as finding a new job.

See a GP if you're still feeling worried, anxious or low after a few weeks. If you think it will help, the GP can advise you about psychological therapy services in your area.

You can also refer yourself directly to a psychological therapies service near you. Seek help immediately if you cannot cope, if life is becoming very difficult or if you feel it is not worth living.