We aim to make our website as accessible as possible. However if you use a screen reader and require debt advice you may find it easier to phone us instead. Our phone number is 0 8 0 0 1 3 8 1 1 1 1. Freephone (including all mobiles).

Many of our clients know how debt affected their stress levels. Once stress takes hold, it can quickly spread into other areas of life. We asked our clients how they felt before coming to us for debt advice. This is what they told us.

If you relate to any of the below, please visit Debt in Mind for help and support to deal with your debt and the stress it can cause.

woman in her pjs on the sofa

Orla, Northern Ireland

"I suffer from depression and other mental illnesses which have been compounded further with stress due to debt."

man sat on the floor next to paint tin

Mark, West Midlands

"Being in debt is an awful feeling, one of regret and shame."

woman in garden

Gail, Hull

"I was at the point of no return...I had felt like I had been diagnosed with a rare illness with no cure."

    @TimeToChange

"Anyone can experience a mental health problem, so talking about it is important. The little things can make a big difference."
#TimetoTalk

  @TimeToChange

"Alex: I think ending this whole taboo on #mentalhealth would be really beneficial for those affected. "

Helen, Lanarkshire

“Losing my beloved husband in early March almost finished me...I became afraid to answer my own telephone in case it was more calls about the outstanding debts. All in all a truly dreadful time."

mother and child playing on the floor

Lora, Kent

"The situation was getting more and more out of control, which hugely affected my personal life and nearly destroyed my family."

man awith bankcard and phone in hand

Amin, Surrey

"I was on the verge of complete ruin and was considering ending my life before I contacted you."

mum doing her paperwork

Lucy, London

"I was suffering from anxiety because I felt like I had no control over my finances."

Peter, Hull

"I can be found wide awake usually worrying. I dread to think where I would have been without your help support and intervention."

Glynis, Essex

"To be in financial difficulties is traumatic enough, but to try and deal with the complexities of the paperwork is extremely daunting"

Catherine, Chesterfield

"Before contacting the charity I was unable to sleep and was fearful of the mail being delivered or a knock on the door."

man on phone

John, Cumbria

"Nobody likes to be in debt, but sometimes these things happen. When I had to get in touch with StepChange it was probable the lowest point in my life."

couple on sofa

Elaine and Barry, Devon

"If anyone finds themselves staring at a mountain of paperwork...feeling numb and helpless, the best phone call they could ever make is to StepChange."

couple at a canal holding hands

Jacqui, Dundee

"I was contemplating suicide as the pressure was too much"

Free debt advice

If you’re struggling to pay your debts, don't suffer in silence. You can use our online debt advice tool. You'll get a personal budget to help you manage your money, and advice that's specifically tailored to your situation. 

Or, if you’d prefer to talk to us, call our helpline and our expert advisors will help you get your situation back on track.