Around one in four adults in the UK experience a mental health issue in any given year.
Mental health issues cover a range of experiences, including anxiety and depression, schizophrenia, and phobias, as well as many other conditions. They can also be for short periods of time or last much longer.
It’s also important to remember that experiences of mental health conditions vary greatly from person to person and can also change over time, sometimes even from day to day.
Debt and Mental Health
Experiencing a mental health issue does not automatically mean that you are unable to manage your money or deal with your debts, but it can make it more difficult.
Research shows that 50% of adults who are struggling with debt, also have a mental health issue.
At Ditch Debt with Dignity (DDwD), we understand that being in debt can be stressful and that is why we are here to assist you on how you can deal with your creditors.
If you’re currently struggling to pay off your debts whilst dealing with mental health problems, you can contact us at DDwD for free debt advice. The more you relay to us about your circumstances, the more we can find a way to help you out. This includes determining whether you need a Debt and Mental Health Evidence Form (DMHEF) or not. We can also send a copy of the form, when necessary, whether this is via email or post.
You don’t have to worry as all the information is kept confidential and we will guide you on how you can complete the form. This includes assisting you with the correct steps to follow for the process, giving you the support, you need.
The Debt and Mental Health Evidence Form (DMHEF)
DMHEF is a form that allows your creditors to see whether you are suffering from any mental health issues and keeps your creditors informed about your mental health findings from your doctor or health care professional. This is of course with your consent. Presenting this form to your creditors may help them consider or arrange special measures due to your circumstances.
You can give this blank DMHEF form to a health care professional to complete.
Once you’ve presented the completed form to your creditor, they must make appropriate changes in collecting the debt. This is done in consideration of your case. Based on your experience, creditors are likely to consider and be more sympathetic to your situation if they’ve got a detailed and well completed DMHEF form.
Moreover, you must also complete a consent form if you wish a health care professional to fill in your DMHEF form. This form ensures that you are grateful for having them complete your medical details to be sent to your creditors.
Both the DMHEF and the consent form have been accepted and approved by the Information Commissioner’s Office and display the Plain English Campaign’s, Crystal Mark. It’s also distinguished by the FCA, the company that manages the credit industry.
It is rare for creditors to write off your debt completely when you present a DMHEF form. However, they can be more considerate and sympathetic towards collecting your debt. Moreover, they may have special considerations in place for you.
How Ditch Debt with Dignity Can Help You
If you’re struggling with debt while having mental health issues, Ditch Debt with Dignity can help. Our client adviser will give you free advice online or over the phone, depending on your circumstances.
Visit our website to find our free resource, The Road to Reclaiming Financial Peace.
There are many ways in which we can support you through this difficult time, just get in touch with us at info@ditchdebtwithdignity.com or call us on 01224 900168 and we will be there for you.