Effect of increased costs of living on mental health

DR MARGARET NAKHID-CHATOOR

NOT ALL of us can swipe a card easily at the supermarket to pay for groceries or are able to put three square meals on the table to feed our families on a daily basis. In the last two years, the uncertainties of the pandemic created many job losses and pay cuts for men and women who have had to make major adjustments to their lifestyles and minimise their eating choices and expenditures.

What may seem like “no big thing” for some has become a constant worry, shame and embarrassment for many, when the money is gone and the month has just begun. When the costs of living rise faster than our wages, more people will experience financial difficulties, and money worries will impact mental health in a serious and debilitating way.

Why are so many groceries unashamedly exploiting their loyal customers by such exorbitant increases in food prices, the worst that I have ever seen in this country, thus placing a strain on many households? Wages have not increased and there seems to be no sympathy for a population that is bending under this increased strain on pocket and tolerance levels. Something has to give and it has begun to show in the increases in criminal activities, suicide rates, relationship issues and general poor mental health and well-being.

October is Mental Health Awareness Month. The theme for this year is “Make mental health and wellness a global priority.” Is mental health a priority for policymakers in this society, who shake their symbolic whips and make us jump every time that budget changes are made in the interest of the economy? No real concern seems to be given as to how these “necessary” measures have begun to affect the overall mental health of citizens and, more importantly, no time given to make adjustments to these changes in households. At least these changes could have come into effect in the new year, giving people time, yet again, to see where corners could be cut.

Without money, it is a fact that people feel vulnerable, display many anxiety-related symptoms and panic attacks, as they constantly worry about unpaid bills and mouths to feed, which can lead them into choosing undesirable behaviours such as the “pimping” out of their girl and boy children, and other nefarious activities.

The move to increase the retirement age from 60 years to 65 years is a key example of a lack of awareness on the effect of financial changes to mental well-being. Sure, it will ease the economy, but will it ease the anxieties and sleepless nights of those who were looking forward to a much-needed rest, after more than 45 years for some, in the workplace?

This disregard and continued lack of awareness about the significance of mental health and well-being for this society by significant stakeholders was clearly seen in the Republic Day awards. Many accolades were given to everything else, but not even a mention to the mental health counsellors and hotline experts who helped more than 2,000 citizens, free of charge, every day for the last two years and counting, to weather the storms in their lives during the pandemic and provide comfort to a population that was reaching out for mental and psychological help amidst their many personal and domestic difficulties. Not even a thank you!

Even before the budget, the concerns by many citizens of the increases in the costs of living and the financial pressures that came with layoffs, drastic pay cuts and retrenchments were addressed in counselling sessions. Now more so it is envisaged that the new increases will further impact mental health, causing anxiety, low mood and stress as people make difficult decisions about what they can and cannot afford.

Poor mental health also affects one’s ability to manage money, such as not knowing where to start or how to make the dollar stretch a little more…and more. But take heart, people. Let us look at a few changes that can be made in these difficult times:

• Keep track of your spending. If you know where the money goes, it will be easier to plan. Create a monthly budget. Buy the essentials like food first.
• Identify your spending triggers – when you are stressed out, did that shopping spree or online shopping calm you down? Perhaps you can revisit this and limit impulse spending.
• Manage your stress levels – exercise always boosts energy levels. No fancy gym here, but running in place in the morning and getting your stretches in. Stop your worrying at intervals, and let your mind and body relax.
• Eat healthy foods. Limit the everyday spending on lunches.

Not all of us can do, but those who can should do. In this age of uncertainty, I thank all the people on the hotlines who continue to provide mental health services to our people. There is burnout across many levels and in all pockets of the society, from the very young to the old. It is important, therefore, to proactively address the stresses in our lives to minimise the negative effects they can have on our overall health.

In this month of October, let us be more conscious of our mental health and that of the people in our lives. Take care. Be safe.

Dr Margaret Nakhid-Chatoor is a psychologist and educator