Worries over finances and job security have led to a significant rise in the numbers of patients suffering from stress related illnesses, according to new research amongst UK family doctors by the Post Office and the Family Doctors’ Association.

Over three quarters (78 per cent) of GPs have seen an increase in the number of patients showing symptoms of stress or depression over the last 18 months. Men have fared worst, with an 82 per cent rise in the number reporting stress linked to money worries, compared to 74 per cent of women.

Job security is the primary cause of stress with a third (31 per cent) of patients confiding in doctors that fear for their jobs is causing stress-related illnesses, and a further third (29 per cent) claiming that general financial concerns are impacting their health. 15 per cent also admitted that the financial needs of other family members are a contributing factor to their wellbeing.

The under 30s, in particular, appear to be feeling the pressure with half (49 per cent) suffering from sleep disorders. A further 16 per cent of this age group are seeking help for diet problems from their doctor and 12 per cent are experiencing impotence.

These illnesses can be attributed to the financial problems many young people currently face - one in four admit to worrying about debt (24 per cent), 25 per cent cite job security as a concern and 19 per cent worry about being able to pay bills.
When it comes to treatment, of those GPs surveyed, a third (30 per cent) said they were prescribing anti-depressants to under 30s for stress and 39 per cent had referred them to counsellors.

The findings support those from the Post Office’s Finance: A Family Affair report, published in conjunction with independent research consultancy Freshminds last month, which found that the younger generation is becoming increasingly financially pressured. The under 30s age group is already worrying, not only about their own financial situation, but about how they will support older generations in the future. Over half of under 30s (55 per cent) worry about how they will support their parents in retirement.

Dr Peter Swinyard from the Family Doctors’ Association said: "Money worries have always been a major cause of depression and stress-related illness but there is no doubt that the events of the past 18 months have exacerbated the effect. Remembering that a problem shared is often a problem halved, we would encourage any patient who is feeling the strain of financial worries to seek the appropriate advice or support, from their family and loved ones and from financial institutions which might be able to work with them to resolve them."

Doug Strachan, Financial Services Director at the Post Office, said: "This latest survey amongst UK GPs only serves to highlight further the findings from our Finance: A Family Affair report that many families - the youngest generations in particular - are under great financial pressures due to the recession.

"While it is imperative for people to be open with their families and loved ones about money problems and address them head-on, it is also crucial to get to the root of the problem by being careful when making financial decisions. Headline figures can often look appealing at first glance, but it is important to read the small-print before tying yourself into a deal - whether it’s a credit card or a mortgage.”

"Do as much research as you can and don’t be afraid to seek advice before you make big financial decisions from people who can help, such as Citizens’ Advice or consumer organisations. Getting the right guidance can provide peace of mind, and help you to avoid money worries, especially those which manifest themselves physically and emotionally, altogether in the long-run."

Source: Royal Mail Group