Mental health, money and work problems happening at the same time

Start with safety and urgent health needs

If you or somebody else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental health help but it is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111.

If things are not urgent but your mental health is affecting daily life, contact your GP or an appropriate mental health service. You do not need to wait until work or money has completely collapsed.

Protect income and priority bills

List what money is expected, what may change and which bills have the most serious consequences. Speak to a free debt adviser if you have missed priority payments, expect to miss them or are facing court, bailiff, energy or housing action.

• Housing costs
• Council Tax
• Gas and electricity
• Food and medication
• Child maintenance or essential travel
• Any court or enforcement deadline

Choose what to share with work

You do not have to give every personal detail. Explain how your health is affecting work and what change may help. This might include clearer priorities, written instructions, a temporary workload change, different hours, more breaks, time for appointments or a conversation with occupational health.

Ask what support the employer already offers, such as an employee assistance programme, wellbeing contact or sickness process.

Keep separate notes for health, work and money

Use three short notes rather than one long account. Health: symptoms, treatment and safety. Work: tasks, hours, communication and agreed changes. Money: income, urgent bills and advice contacts.

This makes it easier to share only the information each organisation needs.

Review the plan before making a permanent decision

When possible, avoid resigning, taking expensive credit or agreeing to unaffordable repayments while you are in the most distressed part of the situation. Get health, employment and money advice first.

A temporary adjustment, fit note, payment arrangement or supported return may give you more choices later.