Worries over credit card debts and other economic troubles are causing more people to fall physically and mentally ill, doctors have reported.
According to a study carried out by the Family Doctor Association in partnership with the Post Office, since the onset of the credit crunch, around three in four GPs have witnessed a rise in the number of patients coming to them for help with stress or depression.
In addition, fears over money worries and possible job losses have also been attributed to a rise in the number of cases relating to sleep disorders, impotence and diet problems over the past year, with the under-30s seen to be the most affected by the economic downturn.
Commenting, Dr Peter Swinyard, chairman of the Family Doctor Association, said: "Money worries have always been a major cause of depression and stress-related illness but there is no doubt that the events of the past 18 months have exacerbated the effect."
People may be suffering from financial pressure due to the expense of raising a family, with a new report from LV= suggesting that it now costs around £201,000 to bring up a child up until the age of 21.
Posted by Tom Burroughs.
