Because of not having money, I've been going without medication to help me breathe and to get my medication for chronic pain conditions like my spine and leg pain.
Living with disability and chronic health issues was a stark reality for many respondents. Financial hardship prevented some from accessing medical and essential healthcare. Some community members reported their physical health conditions were exacerbated, alongside the mental and emotional stress of managing financial difficulties
Many reported their financial struggles led to increased experiences of loneliness and social isolation. Financial constraints likely limited opportunities for social engagement, reinforcing cycles of isolation and emotional distress
Struggling through
73% reported they were stressed about money every day
66% identified their mental health and emotional wellbeing as one of their greatest challenges of the past year
66% acknowledged their financial situation had a negative impact on their mental wellbeing
63% reported their financial situation led to feelings of shame
63% reported often feeling lonely
58% were unable to visit a doctor, dentist or optometrist due to a shortage of money
47% could not afford prescription medication
46% reported their mental health was worse now compared to a year ago
27% could not afford necessary aids or equipment, such as a wheelchair or hearing aid to manage their disability or chronic health condition
What people shared with us
Factors that contributed to worsening mental health
Financial hardship – stress due to insufficient income, mounting debt, high cost of living or a lack of funds for essentials
Housing instability – no secure housing, the impact of homelessness, the risk of eviction and insecure or temporary accommodation as well as the difficulty of maintaining a stable living environment
Interpersonal violence, abuse and crime – domestic and family violence, harassment, assault and criminal victimisation
Grief and loss – mourning the death of loved ones or experiencing other significant personal losses
Social isolation and loneliness – feeling disconnected from friends, family and community support networks
Physical health problems – chronic illness, disability, injury and other medical conditions
I just sit at home and do nothing, go nowhere, see no one. I have no friends and feel very lonely and unhappy. I am sick of what is happening, as I see no future. It will just get worse. This is not living a life, it’s a sentence.
75-year-old woman from Tasmania
I pray to God to help me. I go on, depend on my faith that I will be able to, but end up crying alone a lot. I pray every day that God will help me.
58-year-old man from South Australia
[Financial hardship] has depressed us both to the point of not wanting to live at times. Somehow, we get past those horrible thoughts and push forward.
58-year-old woman from Victoria
How the Salvos help
The Salvos deliver deliver a broad range of programs, activities and events to support community engagement and social, emotional and spiritual connections.