Steven’s Story
A cut in benefits caused Steven’s mental health to deteriorate. He contacted the Mental Health and Money Advice service who helped him to make a claim and get him back on his feet.
"It just felt like everything came at once, and I had nowhere to turn. I felt as though I had failed as a dad."
“I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression years ago. I was on the road to recovery when I got a letter saying that because my son was turning five, the Income Support I was getting would stop. I didn’t know what to do, and I relied on these payments to live off. I didn’t have any other welfare benefits because I didn’t know how to make a claim.”
Battling feelings of loneliness and worry, Stephen didn’t know where to turn or how he would support his son. His mental health got worse, and he developed agoraphobia, which had a massive impact on his day-to-day life. After talking through his problems with an ex-partner, Stephen decided to search for help and was referred to our Mental Health and Money Advice service.
Read more about how the service helped Stephen apply for Universal Credit, receive medical support and get his life back on track. Read Stephen’s story.
To get support with your mental health and money problems, visit Mental Health and Money Advice.
Please note: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.