"People are really, really struggling": Cost of living crisis takes toll on Suffolk's mental health
Financial worries have seen a rise in the number of people seeking support
The rising cost of living is thought to be causing a big impact on the mental health of people in Suffolk.
Petrol is nearing £1.90 a litre, prices have gone up by approximately 9% in the past year due to inflation and the cost of gas and electricity is at a record high.
A poll by Opinium recently found that 43% of motorists are driving less or making shorter journeys since the price of fuel began to soar in March.
Earlier this week a Sky News poll revealed almost a third of people feel their mental health is worse now than six months ago.
We spoke to Suffolk-based Graham Carrington from Time to Talk.
Time to Talk is a mental health peer support group that provides a safe space for people to voice their concerns without judgement.
He told us he's seen a definite increase in the number of people reaching out for support after struggling with their finances.
"I see people doing what they can, but there's an awful lot of people, I would say millions of people, out there generally who are struggling, trying to keep afloat.
"I guess we got benefits coming in, which is good for the lower paid, but we've had quite a few people in Time to Talk who are just below the threshold for the benefits that are coming in.
"And next year we've still got the rise in costs and reduction in pay. And they (people) are really, really, really struggling.
"It's really impacting on their on their that their their well being "
"A lot of people who have got smart meters so they can work out how much that is costing at the moment.
"The sun shining. It's a lovely warm. And they're finding out that even with everything switched off, except from the fridge, it's costing so much a day.
"And there's terrified that when it comes to winter they're not getting money to pay for the fuel."
Many are thought to be cutting out luxuries and binning subscription services in an attempt to bring down monthly bills.
Moreover, many are delaying major milestones in life like getting married, buying a house or having a child as costs soar.
"A lot of people are reducing those down because they're all monthly costs, which all add up. And it's a fun things in life. So life is hard for millions of people because of it" Graham added.
"Learning people's personal stories of how they tackled debt or anything else, can really help.
"We allow people just to try and talk openly, confidentially and nonjudgmentally to help people through. It's a tough time though for sure."
"A threat of pandemic proportions"
The Royal College of Psychiatrists says the cost of living crisis poses a "threat of pandemic proportions" to our mental health.
Head of the RCN, Dr Adrian James says the NHS could reach unprecedented levels as we try and cope with the rising price of food, fuel and other essentials.
He added there was a £300m "black hole" in mental health funding caused by inflation, which he said would be partly taken from a recently-announced £1.5bn funding for local services - but he said more support will be needed next year.
Last month the chancellor announced a £15bn package to help the most vulnerable deal with the rises, but ministers have said they cannot help everyone.