A third of adults in the North West never speak about mental health – and it’s set to get worse due to the cost of living crisis

Almost one in three adults in the North West surveyed (32%) never make space in their day or the time to speak about their mental health according to research conducted ahead of Time To Talk Day (2 February).

And the cost of living crisis, on top of the long lasting impact of the pandemic, is affecting people’s ability to make space and manage their mental health.

The mental health of over four in five North Westerners (81%) surveyed has been affected by the cost of living crisis.

The poll was conducted as part of Time to Talk Day, the nation’s biggest conversation about mental health. It aims to spark millions of conversations about mental health in communities, schools, homes, workplaces and online.

Worryingly, a over a fifth (22%) are also reporting the cost of living crisis has decreased a lot or slightly in how often they are able to make space to have a conversation about mental health.

Almost half (47%) of these respondents said that their reason for fewer conversations is that everyone is struggling right now and they don't want to burden others.

Previous research by Mind, Rethink Mental Illness and Co-op for Time To Talk Day 2022 found that 39% of respondents across the UK said that their mental health had got worse as a result of the pandemic and 41 per cent of those who experienced their mental health worsening at any point during the pandemic blamed it on money worries. The cumulative effect of Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis is taking its toll on the nation’s mental health.

Activities like Time to Talk Day are helping, by providing tips and resources for having those conversations. The latest research found that in the North West: 

• over a quarter of people (26%) say more knowledge and understanding around mental health would make it easier to talk about mental health
• over a quarter (26%) would welcome tips to help people start a conversation
• a fifth (20%) say someone in their local community who has the skills to support people with their mental health.

Yet the cost of living crisis threatens to significantly hinder our ability to continue with the everyday ways we usually look after our mental health. Those for whom the cost-of-living crisis caused a decrease in how they make space to have a conversation about their mental health, the survey also reveals that:

• 21% of respondents can’t afford to take part in my usual social activities that help me to talk about their mental health 
• 23% of respondents are having to work longer hours to cope with rising cost of living so have less free time
• A shocking 16% simply can’t afford to contact their support network to have these conversations (e.g. over phone, text, social media), showing the real impact of digital poverty
• 16% can’t afford to travel to their usual support networks in communities.

And it’s feared the impact of the cost of living crisis on our mental health will become even worse – three fifths (63%) of respondents in the North West expect this, of those respondents for whom the cost-of-living crisis has caused a decrease slightly or a lot in how often you make space to have a conversation about their mental health, whether speaking themselves or listening to others.

Faris Khalifa, 34, from Liverpool has lived experience of depression, anxiety and PTSD. He also has a physical disability, which means it can be hard for him to leave the house. Because of this, he makes space on social media and when he’s gaming to talk about mental health. Sadly, the cost of living crisis has made it even more difficult for him to get out – and worrying about money has impacted his mental health too.

He says: “Not having as much money due to the rising cost of living has impacted everything. I question everything I spend. Even if I do manage to get out for a coffee with a friend to talk about my mental health, I’m always worrying about money in the back of my mind.”

Time to Talk Day 2023 is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in England, See Me with SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) in Scotland, Inspire and Change Your Mind in Northern Ireland and Time to Change Wales. It is being delivered in partnership with Co-op as part of a shared ambition to reach those who wouldn’t usually engage with mental health support.

Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, said: “It’s vital we make space in the day for a conversation about mental health. Yet so many of us are finding that looking after our mental health has taken a back seat.

“Worryingly we fear stigma if we speak up, we can no longer afford to access the things or places that keep us mentally well, or we don’t want to be a burden on others. We know that talking about our mental health and listening to others about their experiences can help us feel less alone, more able to cope, and encouraged to seek support if we need to.

“That’s why it's time to talk and to listen this Time to Talk Day.”

Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation, Co-op, said: “With the cost of living crisis, and the ongoing impacts from the pandemic, it’s never been more important for us to be able to talk about how we’re feeling – and making connections in our community can play a key part in this.

“Our research shows a fifth of people rely on their communities for support, that’s why we’ve been working in partnership with Mind, SAMH, Inspire and others to bring communities together to kickstart conversations this Time to Talk Day.”

Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said: “Talking about our mental health with someone we trust can help us feel less isolated and encourage us to reach out for support. It’s even more important during the difficult times we’re living through, and we hope this Time to Talk Day sparks millions of conversations about mental health.”

The partners are supporting communities across the UK to encourage mental health conversations by providing free resources, including tips on how to have the conversation, and running a UK-wide awareness campaign.

Every conversation matters and people are encouraged to make space in the day for a conversation about mental health. Whether that is texting a friend, chatting to a colleague or neighbour, or raising awareness in your community. This is a chance for all of us to talk, to listen, and to change lives. 

In addition to supporting Time to Talk Day 2023, Co-op colleagues, members and customers have raised over £8m for Mind, the Scottish Association for Mental Health and Inspire. The partnership is funding mental wellbeing services in over 50 local communities across the UK. Over 22,000 people have received support from the services, so far.

For information about Time to Talk Day, including tips on starting the conversation, visit: timetotalkday.co.uk.