Have you ever struggled with debt? It’s a far more common issue than you might think – yet many of us find it hard to talk about.

Research commissioned by StepChange Debt Charity shows that:

• Half of UK adults have experienced problem debt at some point in their lives.
• 44% of people who have experienced debt didn’t tell anyone about it.
• 40% of people expect their financial situation to worsen over the next 12 months.

People can find themselves in debt for a number of reasons. Redundancy, sudden rises in household costs (such as mortgage rate changes or fuel bills), or unexpected expenses (such a broken appliance or boiler, or a car break down), are common issues our community tells us about.

Debt can leave people feeling like things are spiralling out of control. The things that might help them feel more in control of their finances, such as household budget plans and building up savings pots for a rainy day, can feel out of reach.

Check if you’re eligible for benefits

If your finances are feeling really tight, a helpful first step is to see if you’re eligible for any additional benefits or government support. If you’re in the UK, use our InBest Benefits Calculator.

Dealing with debt stress

The worry created by debt can have a significant impact on mental health: consuming our thoughts, causing anxiety and depression, and affecting our sleep. 79% of people surveyed by StepChange said that their debt problems caused significant stress.

This is where Foothold’s online support can help:

• Use our Mental Health Check-In Tool – an anonymous tool that asks a series of clinically validated questions to better understand your current experience of worry, anxiety and low mood.
• Visit our Wellbeing Hub, where you’ll find more information on both mental and financial wellbeing topics including ‘Taking Control of Debt’, ‘Managing Worries’, and different types of anxiety.
• Sleepstation offers similar support you’d get in a sleep clinic, from the comfort of your own home. After an initial assessment to understand what kind of sleep problems you’re experiencing, trained experts will work with you to help you put what you’ve learned into practice.

Debt doesn’t define you

Vikki Brownridge, CEO at StepChange Debt Charity, says:

We know talking about debt can feel daunting. Money remains one of society’s most closed‑off topics, yet open conversations can make a huge difference for anyone struggling.

With problem debt affecting one in two people, breaking down its stigma is essential. When we reduce the shame and silence around debt, we remove one of the biggest barriers stopping people from seeking the help they deserve.

Get help with debt

While debt can feel overwhelming, it’s important that you don’t ignore the problem. StepChange has free advice and support to start getting your finances back on track.

You don’t have to carry the burden alone. Reaching out for support and talking about it can get you started with practical steps to address the issue.