Debt problems put stress on relationships
By Mr Bankruptcy
2nd June 2025
A debt problem can seep into every aspect of life. It puts strain on relationships, affecting couples, families, friendships and business partnerships.
If you are taking action to find financial advice and deal with debt, it’s important not to neglect your relationships at the same time.
Social effects of debt
As a debt advisor, I’ve come to recognise many of the ways that a problem debt can harm a relationship; here are some of the most common that I see:
- Rising stress levels. Debt problems prey on the mind, often 24/7. This distraction can lead to neglecting friends, partners and family, leading to arguments and letting people down.
- Changing spending patterns. Your spending habits and priorities may change, commonly without the knowledge of a business or family partners, leading to disagreement and conflict.
- The emotional impact. Debt can cause significant emotional distress, including depression, feelings of shame, guilt or social embarrassment, especially if you see yourself as a provider. All of this can make you secretive or reserved, which people who know you will notice and may feel hurt by.
Relationship damage and debt
As well as a change in your behaviour, the psychological effects of debt come in many forms. Your family will be worried about you, but communication can become strained, making it more difficult to open up and be honest, even to someone close. This makes it harder for couples to discuss financial issues and work together to find a solution.
Changes in your behaviour or personality can also lead to partners drifting apart and loosening those bonds of trust you’ve built up over time.
Financial insecurity will affect family dynamics, making other members of the family more stressed, even children. They may not understand the financial implications of unmanageable debt, but they can sense the emotional effects on their parents, which potentially impacts on their own well-being and development.
Relationship support, hand-in-hand with financial advice
If you’re struggling with unmanageable debt, it’s essential to seek help from a debt advisor or financial counsellor. They can provide guidance on managing the problem, negotiating with creditors, and exploring debt solutions.
But there are resources available in the UK to help manage relationship pressures as well as financial ones. Seeking counselling or therapy together can help you and your partner to communicate more effectively and work through financial issues. Here are just some of the options available for a more holistic approach to your problems:
- Relate. A UK-wide charity providing relationship counselling and therapy to couples.
- The Spark. This is a Scottish charity that offers counselling services for individuals, couples, and families experiencing relationship difficulties due to debt.
- National Debtline. Offers free debt advice and support via phone and online services.
- Money Advice Scotland. This service offers free debt advice and support to help manage debt and relationship pressures.
- StepChange. A debt charity providing free debt advice and support to help individuals manage debt.
- Support groups. Joining a support group or online community can provide a safe space to discuss financial struggles and find support from others experiencing similar challenges.
Getting professional debt advice can help you manage your debt and reduce financial stress. Websites such as Citizen’s Advice and the Government’s own website provide general advice, but everyone’s situation will be unique.
Include everyone in the conversation
Don’t forget that your financial problems affect more people than just yourself. Family assets including your car, even your home, may be at risk. So it’s important to include everyone affected by your debt in the conversation.
Isolation can be one of the worst effects of trying to deal with a debt. It’s a vicious cycle: trying to hide a problem or deal with it on your own can drive away the very people who can give you the emotional support you need.
But by seeking help and working together, you can address debt-related issues and protect the most valuable things you have – your relationships.
James Rosa Associates
It’s usually a good idea at some point to talk to a specialist debt advisor who can help you to explore your personal circumstances and identify your best options.
James Rosa associates is a firm of debt advisors and debt adjustors well known for our supportive, non-judgemental and friendly approach.
We offer a full range of advice and professional services to individuals, business owners and directors faced by unmanageable debt and who want a solution. We also help anyone involved in a civil or commercial dispute.
Our range of services include:
We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN665061) to work with clients to produce bespoke solutions to fit their specific circumstances.
Are you entitled to one of our free consultations?
We know how unmanageable debt can affect lives and we want to help as many people as we can. If you are ready to face your debt problem, or you want to bring a dispute to a swift and cost-effective resolution, then contact James Rosa Associates; you may qualify for our free consultation service.
Ring 0845 680 7217 or email enquiries@jamesrosa.co.uk today and take the first step towards a more positive future.
Please be advised that all views expressed in these posts are those of the author and not of James Rosa Associates ltd.