More than one in three adults have avoided asking for financial help due to fear of being judged, with many choosing to struggle in silence, according to a new poll.
Stigma Around Financial Struggles
The survey of 2,000 Brits found that 70 per cent felt a stigma around needing additional money to get by, and 66 per cent believed difficulty is still seen as something to hide rather than talk about. The impact extends beyond finances, taking a toll on mental wellbeing. Respondents reported feelings of stress (49 per cent), anxiety (47 per cent), and overwhelm (35 per cent) when faced with money worries.
Impact on Relationships and Daily Life
The research, commissioned by GroceryAid for Mental Health Awareness Week, also found that the pressure has at times impacted relationships with friends and family (29 per cent). One in 10 were unable to enjoy leisure time or activities due to daily money stress.
Kieran Hemsworth, CEO of GroceryAid, which provides relief for grocery workers and their families, said: “Sometimes the biggest step is reaching out for help, but ‘finance-xiety’ shouldn't be a taboo. Financial worries don’t just affect your bank balance – they can have a real impact on your mental health too. No one should feel they have to struggle alone. There is support available, and speaking up sooner can make a huge difference, both financially and emotionally.”
Last year, GroceryAid provided £4.6 million in financial grants to help supermarket workers, delivery drivers, and warehouse operators make ends meet. “It’s not a handout, it’s the help you have earned,” Hemsworth added.
Delays in Seeking Help
The research also found that 29 per cent have been in a position where they asked friends or family for financial assistance to afford essentials. Of these, 57 per cent needed help with bills, 46 per cent with the food shop, 37 per cent with rent or mortgage, and 21 per cent with insurance. A further 16 per cent have applied for financial support like a grant, and 18 per cent have considered it. However, 22 per cent said they had not applied and ‘would never do this’, showing the stigma runs deep.
Those who received financial support waited an average of nearly three months before accessing it. Nine per cent waited over a year, prolonging financial strain and emotional impact. Reasons for delay included feeling too embarrassed (45 per cent), not knowing where to turn (37 per cent), and worrying about what others would think (36 per cent). Many simply didn’t know support was available (47 per cent), according to OnePoll findings.
Benefits of Receiving Support
Once they received support, 41 per cent felt more in control of their situation, 38 per cent saw improved mental wellbeing, and 32 per cent reported reduced issues at home. Others gained a sense of stability and security (32 per cent), greater confidence in daily life (30 per cent), and improved relationships (26 per cent). 87 per cent agreed that receiving financial support can be a lifeline.
Megan Archer-Fox, known as That Girl in Debt, cleared £40,000 of credit card debt and has partnered with GroceryAid to urge others to drop the shame. She said: “Debt used to be the first thing I thought about when I opened my eyes in the morning. To everyone else, I appeared happy and successful but in reality, I was desperately struggling. It got to the point where debt was on my mind every day, affecting every part of my life. But I was too upset and ashamed to speak about it. When I eventually started opening up, it felt like a weight had been lifted. Talking helped get rid of that feeling of shame. My debt had me in a chokehold for years, but when I finally started being honest, it lost its power. I realised I wasn’t alone and shouldn’t be embarrassed. I’d encourage anyone facing financial difficulties to reach out for support early.”
Six Ways to Take Back Control of Money Stress
That Girl in Debt offers these tips:
- Face up to it: Being brave and facing your debt is the first step.
- Talk to someone: Confiding in a trusted friend or family member can make a huge difference.
- Check what support you’re entitled to: Grants don’t need to be paid back and can provide breathing space.
- Allow yourself setbacks: If you go over budget, learn from it and carry on.
- Be realistic: Don’t cut out all treats if it will make you lose motivation.
- No more shame: Debt is normal; don’t let shame stop you from getting help.
