The reasons for this are manifold, ranging from the pressures of living on a low income – especially for an extended period of time – to patterns of spending associated with certain health conditions, in the case, for example, of manic spending sprees. People experiencing mental health problems may also find it difficult to access help and may tend instead to withdraw and let debts pile up, especially if they find communication difficult. This often leads to things reaching crisis point before anyone realises there’s a problem.

Benefit disruption caused by hospital stays and by entering and leaving employment, delays in processing benefit claims, and ignorance as to benefit entitlement are also major factors. A credit card can seem a more immediate, reliable and less stigmatising option than an application for disability benefits, especially for someone who may not consider themselves to have a mental health problem.

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If you are in debt you might find these websites useful:

• Citizens Advice Bureau
• National Debtline
• Gregory Pennington