One in three Australians find dealing with money stressful and overwhelming, in particular during the holiday season. At this time of year we make many decisions about money, which can cause worry and stress.
There are a range of digital mental health resources available to support individuals, families and businesses dealing with financial stress. The resources below provide information, peer support, telephone and online counselling support for financial stress.
For more information on digital mental health resources for stress you can view or download our factsheet Digital Mental Health for Managing Stress.
Beyond Blue
Financial Wellbeing
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/staying-well/financial-wellbeing
Beyond Blue is an Australian mental health organisation providing information and support for a range of mental health and wellbeing topics. The Beyond Blue website includes information on financial wellbeing, how financial health and mental health are linked, financial counselling, financial hardship and mental health. They also provide guides for times of financial difficulty and links to support services including the National Debt Helpline and Money Smart. Beyond Blue also provides moderated online forums where people can access peer support and discuss issues relating to mental health and wellbeing, including financial wellbeing.
Health Direct
Financial stress and your health
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/financial-stress
Health Direct is a national virtual public health information service, providing 24/7 information, advice and referral for Australian health and mental health issues. Their website includes information on financial stress and health, including how financial stress impacts health, causes for financial stress, tips to deal with the impacts of financial stress, and links to help with planning, budgeting, managing money and mental health support.
Kids Helpline
Managing Your Money
https://kidshelpline.com.au/young-adults/issues/managing-your-money
Kids Helpline is a free, confidential counselling service for young people aged 5-25 years, by phone, email and over the web. Their website includes information on managing money for young adults aged 18 to 25, such as tips to help individuals manage their money, making a budget, setting savings goals, and more ways to reduce stress about money. The Kids Helpline phone, email and webchat can also provide support for young people seeking help or support for financial stress.
Lifeline
Financial Stress
https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/information-and-support/financial-stress/
Lifeline is a crisis support and suicide prevention service providing phone and online chat support, and information. Their website includes information on a range of issues relating to mental health and wellbeing, including financial stress, the warning signs and links to access practical and psychological support.
Mensline Australia
Financial Stress
https://mensline.org.au/dealing-with-stress/financial-stress/
MensLine Australia is a 24 hour advice, therapy, and support service for men with family and relationship concerns. Their website provides information on a range of issues relating to relationships, parenthood, men’s mental health and family violence, including financial stress. This includes information on the causes of financial stress, signs of financial stress, and links to short-term and long-term help.
Money Smart
Money Smart is an online resource from the Australian Government designed to help Australians take control of their money and build a better life. They provide tools, tips and guidance to reduce financial stress and make informed decisions for greater financial wellbeing. Their website includes easy steps and guidance on managing money, reducing debt, planning for the future, growing wealth, and more.
National Debt Helpline
Financial Counselling
The National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service helping people tackle their debt problems. They provide free, confidential telephone and online chat services where people can speak to professional financial counsellors to help them get back on track. Their website includes information on a range of issues relating to financial stress, concerns and financial counselling.
ReachOut
How to Manage Financial Stress
https://au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-manage-financial-stress
ReachOut is an online mental health service for young people, providing information and peer support on a range of topics. Their website provides information on managing financial stress, including personal stories, causes for financial stress, tips for financial stress management and ways to cope with stress.
ReachOut Parents
Dealing with financial stress
ReachOut Parents is an online mental health service for parents of young people, providing information and peer support on a range of topics. Their website provides information on dealing with financial stress, including how to cope with feelings of financial stress, having a conversation about money with your teen, and tips for dealing with your financial situation.
Ahead for Business
Financial Stress
https://aheadforbusiness.org.au/resources/financial-stress?highlight=finance
Ahead for Business is a digital hub helping small business owners take action on their mental health and wellbeing. Their website provides information, advice, guidance and resources on a range of issues including financial stress. They provide tips for dealing with financial stress, and links to assistance for financial help.
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