Simple act Aussies can no longer afford

As the cost of living continues to bite down hard across the country, new research shows just how much of a mental toll it’s taking on Aussies.

A survey of 1500 people who had reached out to the The Salvation Army for help over a 12-month period revealed that cost-of-living pressures were the main contributors to their poor mental health.

Sixty-seven per cent recognised the negative impact their financial situation had on their mental health, with 71 per cent losing sleep frequently over this.

Sixty per cent also said their financial circumstances had led them to stop spending time with friends and family.

Four in ten admitted to stop having people over in order to save money on energy bills, a move that resulted in 62 per cent expressing feelings of loneliness.

While it’s normal to seek help for your mental health, 46 per cent said they can’t afford counselling services for themselves and 29 per cent can’t afford it for their children.

The Salvation Army’s Major Brendan Nottle said these results were not only heartbreaking but becoming more common.

“It is extremely sad to see these figures and to hear of the countless individuals and families who are struggling not only financially but emotionally and mentally,” he said.

“We know there are hundred of thousands of Australians in need of safe accommodation, meals, financial assistance and other practical support.

“We also know there are potentially even more people who need a listening ear, a place for community and connection and a reason to have hope.”

The survey also looked into those with pets, with 77 per cent reporting that their pet provided much-needed emotional support during these difficult times.

Close to two-thirds (64 per cent) went a step further and revealed that their pets brought meaning and purpose to their lives, with 57 per cent saying they’ve skipped meals so that their pets could eat.

One of the respondents, who wished to remain anonymous, said their animals gave them “a reason to get up and get out and do things”.

According to The Salvation Army annual report 2022-23, it provides assistance to one person every 17 seconds.

It also gave more than 1.2 million beds to those facing homelessness, with more than 1.63 million meals being provided.

The Salvation Army public relations secretary Andrew Hill told NewsWire there had been a 40 per cent increase in people seeking their services in the last 12 months, which prompted the research.

“We started to see a spike around Christmas time, and that has increased this time of year as we head into winter,” Mr Hill said.

“That 40 per cent increase is people coming because of the cost of living crisis, people not being able to afford to put groceries in the grocery cart, not being able to afford to turn the lights on, pay for the electricity bills and just maintain general cost-of-living expenses.”

While donating what money you can to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal can help, Mr Hill acknowledges that not everyone can donate funds.

“You can always donate goods to the Salvos, whether that’d be clothing or furniture,” he said.

For more information, head to The Salvation Army’s website or call 13 SALVOS.