Debt and my mental health
Debt and mental health are closely linked — looking after yourself matters as much as the bills.
This guide helps you
- Understand the link between debt and mental health
- Know it's okay to ask for support
- Take small, manageable steps with debt
- Find free financial and emotional help
- Know who to call if you're in distress
6 min
You're not alone
Money worries and mental health affect each other deeply — debt can weigh heavily on how you feel, and feeling low can make dealing with debt harder. If this is you, please be gentle with yourself. Many people experience this, and support is available for both sides.
This is general information, not financial advice. For the money side, a free financial counsellor can help — National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007. For how you're feeling, Lifeline 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 are there any time.
Looking after yourself
Your wellbeing comes first. A few gentle reminders:
- It's okay to ask for help — with the debt and with how you feel.
- You don't have to fix everything at once; small steps count.
- Talking to someone — a counsellor, friend, or helpline — can lighten the load.
Small steps with debt
- Start with one thing, such as opening your mail or listing your debts.
- Let creditors know you're going through a hard time and ask about hardship help.
- Ask a financial counsellor to take some of the weight by speaking to creditors for you.
- Take breaks and be kind to yourself along the way.
You can read about hardship and support options in our help centre.
Free help available
- National Debt Helpline — 1800 007 007 for free, confidential financial counselling.
- Lifeline — 13 11 14 for crisis support, any time.
- Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 for mental health support.
If you ever feel unsafe or in immediate danger, please reach out to one of these lines straight away.
Key takeaways
- Debt and mental health affect each other — both deserve support
- Small steps count, and a counsellor can take some of the weight
- Free help is available: 1800 007 007 for debt, 13 11 14 and 1300 22 4636 for wellbeing
Frequently asked questions
I'm too overwhelmed to deal with my debts — what can I do?
Start with one small step and let others help. A free financial counsellor (1800 007 007) can speak to creditors for you. For how you're feeling, Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are there any time.
Can a financial counsellor deal with creditors so I don't have to?
Often, yes. With your permission, a financial counsellor can advocate on your behalf and handle conversations with creditors, which can ease a lot of the stress.
Where can I get support if my debt is affecting my mental health?
Lifeline (13 11 14) offers crisis support any time, and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) offers mental health support. For the financial side, the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) can help.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Your situation is unique and rules can vary by state and over time — for advice on your circumstances, speak to a free financial counsellor (National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007) or get legal help.
Know your options, know your rights
A free, plain-English guide to dealing with debt in Australia — and the people who can help.