In a recent survey of more than 550 people by Work Avenue, a leading employment and business support organisation for the Jewish community, 85 per cent of respondents told us how the crisis is putting their household under financial pressure.
And these pressures are impacting on mental health, both in the community and the country as a whole. More than four in ten of those taking part in the survey said the crisis has had a direct negative effect on their mental wellbeing.
Money worries can cause anxiety and stress, and even embarrassment or shame, with people often feeling helpless and not knowing where to turn for advice and support.
The issues have been exacerbated by coming so soon after the Covid-19 pandemic.
For many, it does really seem like one disaster after another.
That’s why it has never been more important to look after our mental health, whether currently in work or actively seeking work.
Here are six quick tips from Work Avenue, which has more than a decade of experience helping people with the self- confidence, wellbeing and mental health around work:
1) Reduce uncertainty
It’s the not knowing that can really increase our stress and anxiety. Sit down and plan your budget, not just for the next week but for the whole year ahead. It may seem difficult and daunting to do this, but getting a realistic idea about your income and outgoings is important.
By writing everything down you can get a true perspective of where you are with things.
It can also help you work out what you may be able to cut back and identify where financial assistance may be available.
2) Take stock of how you’re feeling
Often, we bottle up our feelings inside, especially when it comes to money worries. Make sure to give yourself space and time to express how you are feeling.
Please don’t keep things to yourself. Now is the time talk to other people about what you are experiencing —whether you speak to a partner, friend, one of our team at Work Avenue or a mental health professional.
3) Get a good night’s sleep
Often, as we worry, a vicious circle is created. We lie awake worrying at night and then that lack of sleep makes everything feel so much worse.
There are some easy tips to follow such as creating a routine by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, trying to avoid sleeping in the daytime and, as hard as it may seem, leaving your phone and other electronic outside of the bedroom when you go to bed.
The Mental Health Foundation has a great guide to getting a good night’s sleep.
You can read the guide here: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
4) Take a breath
We mean this both literally — breathing exercises such as those found on the NHS website can help to calm anxiety and panic — and figuratively.
It’s always good to reflect on what makes you feel happy and fulfilled, especially when things seem lost or hopeless.
One idea may be to write out a list of your skills, qualities and achievements, both personally and professionally, and take a moment to celebrate them.
5) Speak to your employer
Employers are well aware of the financial and mental health issues people are facing right now and some businesses are offering extra support to their employees.
For those who are in work, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.
Speak to your boss, or contact your HR department, who will treat your questions with complete confidentiality. You could also ask your union or workplace representative for advice.
And, although companies are facing the same issues with bills and costs as individuals, now might be the time to ask for a pay rise — especially if your firm is doing well or you are in a period of high performance.
6) Come and see us
At Work Avenue, we often meet people at their lowest point, for example after being made redundant or seeing a business fail, and it’s our job to guide them to the next step in their careers and businesses. That is why we take the mental health of our clients so seriously.
All our employment and business advisers have undergone mental health training and we treat everyone we meet sensitively and in strictest confidence.
We know no two people are the same and that’s why our service is bespoke, with advisers able to offer one-to-one guidance and support before, during and after their job search.
If you would like support — whether that means guidance about planning and applying for a new job or help with working out how to adapt your business in these times — please do get in touch with Work Avenue by emailing reception@theworkavenue.org.uk or go to our website:
www.theworkavenue.org.uk
Emma May is director, employment and operations at Work Avenue
