MOUNTING debt, personal troubles and problems with welfare benefits are leading to increasing numbers of people suffering from mental health issues.

That is the view of the Citizens Advice Bureau in Mid Devon, which says it is seeing an increase in the number of people seeking out its services.

The charity says that people seeking help from Citizens Advice with was debt problems also face issues in other areas of their lives.

Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon Citizens Advice (TNM&W Devon) said it helps around 1,000 people every year in the Mid Devon District alone who are suffering from debt issues and money worries.

More than half of these people also have problems with welfare benefits.

According to the charity, the demand for advice around debt and benefits is consistently on the rise.

Recent statistics from Tiverton’s Job Centre show that, on average, more than 300 claimants a month are using their service.

A study from Citizens Advice revealed people with high levels of debt are 24 per cent more likely to experience poor mental health, and that those with mental health problems are twice as likely to be behind on their bills.

Vicki Rowe, chief executive officer of TNM&W Devon Citizens Advice, said although the service is inundated, that if people are struggling they should still contact Citizens Advice. “Debt can feel like a huge burden in people’s lives, but Citizens Advice is here to help lighten that load,” she said.

“Falling into debt can create a vicious circle of misery in people’s lives.

“Some of the people we help with debt problems have other difficulties in their lives and together these can lead to significant emotional and mental distress.

“We’re keen to work closer with local GP surgeries, as we are doing in other areas of Devon, giving doctors an opportunity to prescribe advice appointments with our charity, tackling issues such as debt that may be affecting their patients’ health.”

The charity believes that getting advice can make a real different to people struggling with debt.

Visit www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk to find your nearest office.