The charity Mind says debt is affecting the daily lives of many with mental health problems, with people often running out of money and not having enough to pay for food and heating.

Suzanne, 31, began experiencing mental health problems in 2001. She has since had two breakdowns and been hospitalised twice.

But she says her financial problems have made her situation much harder to cope with, and that she still only has around £5 a week to live on, after she has paid for food, bills and rent.

When she first became ill, she was working full-time as a personnel officer. Although she took three months off to cope with her diagnosis of depression, she felt under pressure when she returned to work.

Suzanne, from Welwyn Garden City, says: "The stress of work, where I was told I was away from the office too much because of psychiatric appointments and coping with my illness, plus the pressure of studying for an Open University diploma, led me to start having psychotic episodes.

"I then had my first breakdown early in 2002".

Suzanne's husband supported her after she left her job and stopped earning.

"I wasn't bringing in any money. I didn't claim benefits because I knew we could manage without."

Credit card debt

Unfortunately, Suzanne's marriage broke down in October 2003 and, although her husband supported her for some months afterwards, she eventually had to move out of her home to live with her father.

No longer taking her antipsychotic drugs, and once again attempting to cope with both a job and studying, she had another breakdown.

Her relationship with her father had broken down, and she was effectively homeless.

During this time, she had built up significant debts.

"When I got my divorce settlement came through, I used it all to pay off my £7,500 credit card and loan debt.

But even now, living in a housing association flat and receiving some benefits, she still finds it hard to manage.

"I'm not able to work really. I help out at a mental health charity for a few hours a week and earn £19.50 a week, and I get around £200 a fortnight in benefits.

"I have to contribute to my rent and council tax, plus all my other bills and food costs out of that.

"I'm left with around £5 a week."

She says money worries still trouble her every day.

"The debt may be paid off, but several times each day I have to check what I have.

"If I buy a tin of tomatoes for 15p, I have to budget for it."