A study by a mental health charity has found that many people with mental health problems often go without food because of financial problems.
The charity Mind says that almost three-quarters of people with mental health problems run out of money at the end of each week and virtually all those questioned said debt had made their health problems worse.
The charity conducted a poll of 1,800 people and found that people with mental health problems are three times more likely to be in debt than the general population but two thirds were reluctant to tell creditors about any mental health problems.
However of the remainder who did inform the creditor of their issues, 83% had nevertheless been harassed about debt repayments regardless; 91% said debt had made their health problems worse.
Mind has called on banks and other creditors not to hound those with mental health problems but instead to find ways to help them.
Mind says as most households face rising fuel and food prices, the issue is particularly pertinent.
The survey found that half of the respondents had been contacted by bailiffs, who threatened to break in and take things or get the person sent to prison.
The British Bankers' Association says bank staff are not health practitioners and cannot diagnose mental health problems; Mind says people living with mental health problems are particularly vulnerable to being trapped in a cycle of debt and poverty and many are unable to work because of ill health.
Mind says a worrying trend is emerging of people becoming dependent on credit to pay for everyday essentials and many are left facing a debt mountain that they have no means of repaying.
Mind says those on lower incomes are only able to get credit from lenders who charge very high interest rates.
The charity is launching a section on its website to help people with financial problems and has called on banks and other creditors to help people with mental health problems who are struggling.
It suggests a change in practice such as waiving fees when a customer has been too unwell to manage their finances and introducing mental health awareness training for bank staff and says creditors are duty bound not to hound their customers, especially when they are coping with serious health problems.