Money and mental health quiz

You may have a critical level of financial stress and you may be feeling exhausted, anxious, defeated and hopeless.

Based on your answers to our questions you are in the ‘critical’ stage on the financial and mental wellbeing scale.

We're sorry things have been really tough for you recently. Many people experience money challenges, so please know that you are not alone. We are here for you.

Start a live chat with a Beyond Blue counsellor

Chat with a financial counsellor

If you're feeling suicidal or in immediate danger

Please call 000, go to your nearest hospital emergency department or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

You may be

  • Feeling troubled, sad or overwhelmed

  • Avoiding thinking about your financial situation

  • Having difficulty connecting with your family and friends

  • Feeling like you have low motivation to complete daily activities, or struggling to follow your normal routines

  • unmotivated and unable to complete daily activities

It's never too late to take action

If you’re experiencing money challenges and it’s affecting your mental wellbeing, it’s common to find yourself avoiding certain activities, like opening bills, answering the phone, or connecting with others.

While avoidance might make you feel better temporarily, it won’t help address the underlying issue, which can build up the more you avoid it.

It's best to take action to relieve the situation. It's never too late and you don't have to do it alone.

 

What you can do now for your mental wellbeing

1. Call or chat with a Beyond Blue Counsellor 

The Beyond Blue Support Service provides 24/7 free counselling and referrals via phone 1300 22 4636, webchat or email.
Start a live chat now

2. Check in with your health provider

We strongly recommend checking in with your provider or GP to get support. There are a range of mental health professionals that can provide expert help.
Talk to a mental health professional

3. Talk to someone you trust

Financial issues can be complex. Your mental health condition may impact your ability to make appropriate financial decisions. It’s a good idea to ask a friend or family member for help.
I need help, how do I ask for it?

4. Connect with our online peer support community

Anonymously read, share and learn from people who understand what you're going through at the Beyond Blue Forums.
Visit our Forums

5. Take the anxiety and depression (K10) test

The K10 test has 10 questions which helps you understand what do based on where you are on the mental health continuum.
Start the K10 test

What you can do now for your financial wellbeing

Talk or chat to a financial counsellor

Financial counselling offered by the National Debt Helpline is a free, independent service provided by skilled professionals who offer practical advice and support to people experiencing financial stress. 

Financial counsellors can help you

  • explore your options
  • access eligible financial supports, concessions or grants
  • negotiate with your creditors
  • put plans in place to manage your debts/bills
  • get your finances back under control. 
Chat with a financial counsellorCall The National Debt Helpline to talk to a financial counsellor

Learn about other resources or services

  • Moneysmart is a government owned website that will help you take control of your money with free tools, tips and guidance.

  • Concessions and grants - Each state and territory government has a range of rebates and other assistance to help ease cost of living pressures. It is always worth checking what you’re eligible for.

  • Way Forward – A free service that helps people in financial hardship get out of debt faster and avoid bankruptcy. They negotiate with creditors, establish budgets and provide debt repayment plans.
  • Good Shepherd - Confidential service supporting people who have experienced financial abuse to feel more confident with money and plan for the future.
  • Ask Izzy - An A-Z directory of community support services. These include emergency housing, meals, money, legal advice, domestic and family violence support and more.
  • Foodbank - Links surplus food and groceries to people in need, across every state and territory in Australia.

Financial wellbeing and mental health affect each other

Financial challenges can cause significant stress, which can impact our mental health. And the state of our mental health can make it harder to get on top of our finances.

There can be a lot of shame around talking about financial issues, especially when times are tough.

However, getting support to take control of your finances can bring a sense of relief, security and peace of mind.

It’s never too early or too late to seek support. If you’re experiencing financial stress or mental health challenges, we want you to know you’re not alone, and that help is available.

Graphic showing cyclical relationship between financial wellbeing and mental health

Areas that affect financial wellbeing

Some factors can negatively impact your financial health. It is never too late to seek support.

 

Gambling

Gambling can sometimes get out of control. Gambling Help Online offers free online support for anyone affected by gambling in Australia.

Payday loans

Short-term credit contracts, are easy to apply for, often via your phone. However, they have high interest rates and fees which could leave you in a worse position.

Using credit to pay bills or debts

It’s tempting to use credit, but this is only a temporary fix and may make your situation worse. Better options are to ask for more time to pay or make a payment arrangement.

Buy now pay later schemes

This may seem like an easy option but can lead to more financial difficulties, especially if you have multiple accounts or use it to pay for basic needs (e.g. groceries)

Consumer leases

If you need a computer, electrical appliance or TV, a lease or rent-to-buy arrangement may seem like a good solution. But these arrangements have very high interest and fees. You may end up paying a lot more for the item.

Alcohol & drugs

Alcohol and drugs may affect your decision making. The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline is a free 24/7 confidential service for everyone.

Financial abuse

Financial abuse is a form of family violence in which money and finances are used to coerce, control or hurt someone.

It can include many things, like controlling and preventing access to money, stopping someone from getting a job, forcing someone into unwanted loans, or sabotaging resources like housing, food, transport, study or employment.

Financial abuse can occur with other forms of violence and abuse.

1800RESPECT’s Financial Abuse Support Toolkit is available to anyone impacted by financial abuse.

The National Debt Helpline website provides tips for how to protect yourself financially. 
Call 1800RESPECT helplineLearn about the Financial Abuse Support Toolkit

Further resources

  • Credit Smart - An online self-help resource designed by the Australian Retail Credit Association to help you understand credit reporting and how to view, control or repair your credit information.
  • Financial difficulty - The Australian Banking Association has put together this detailed site with helpful information about how all Australian banks approach financial hardship.
  • MoneyMinded - A community tool designed by ANZ to help you build your skills, knowledge and confidence in managing your money.
Illustration of two people in a hot air balloon

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