A report by the NSW Mental Health Commission found that financial stress is exacerbating mental health concerns in New South Wales. The survey of over 2000 people revealed that more than half of respondents reported their mental health had worsened due to financial difficulties, with four out of five individuals concerned about the cost of living. This concern coincided with a 10% increase in loneliness, with around 20% of participants reporting they often or always felt left out or isolated. The report's author, NSW Mental Health Commissioner Jennifer Black, attributed this issue to financial pressure preventing people from affording basic needs such as housing and social activities.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/nsw-is-in-a-cost-of-living-crisis-here-s-what-it-is-doing-to-our-health-20250115-p5l4k1.html