Chapter 9 - Finance and Mental Health

Summary

The relatively recent ‘commodification’ of higher education in UK culture has consequences for the overall mental wellbeing of university communities. Students arrive with differing levels of financial confidence. Many graduate with increased financial stresses. Debt and financial concern are associated with poorer mental health and academic under-performance at university and lower levels of well-being after graduation. It is worth sensitively asking troubled students – and staff - about financial worries. More than 40% of UK students with a mental health disorder reported being in debt, compared with 17.5% of those without a diagnosis. Debt is associated with depression, suicide, self-harm, problem drinking, drug dependence, neurotic and psychotic disorders, and eating disorders. The combination of financial stress with maladaptive coping strategies such as gambling, sex working and drug dealing can lead to damaging association with criminal sub-cultures. Students experience vicious spirals as mental disorder and financial concerns interact over their university career. They are more likely to seek timely support when they perceive financial advisors as sympathetic and supportive rather than angry and blaming. Financial ‘savvy’ can be explicitly taught and supported, with benefits for mental health.