Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: Are Debt Worries Pushing Men to Work Longer Hours?
Trust Deed Scotland® research reveals that 61% of male customers worked longer hours or more than one job to help pay their debts, while 97% wished they had sought help sooner.
November marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges affecting men’s mental wellbeing and encourage more open conversations about mental health.
At Trust Deed Scotland®, we understand that financial difficulties can affect far more than someone’s bank balance.
Debt worries can impact relationships, sleep, physical health and mental wellbeing.
For some people, working additional hours or taking on a second job might feel like the only way to keep up with repayments.
But when working harder still isn’t enough to make debts affordable, what impact could that additional pressure have on our mental health?
Our latest customer survey of existing Protected Trust Deed and Debt Arrangement Scheme customers highlights why it’s important to talk about the relationship between debt, work and wellbeing.
61% of men worked longer hours or more than one job to pay their debts
As part of our recent customer survey, we asked:
Did you work longer hours or work more than one job to help pay your debts?
The results revealed:
61% of male respondents had worked longer hours or more than one job to help pay their debts.
50% of female respondents reported doing the same.
That’s an 11-percentage-point difference.
While men in our survey were more likely to report taking on additional paid work to manage their debts, the findings also demonstrate the significant financial pressure affecting both genders.
Individual circumstances can make a considerable difference to someone’s ability to take on additional work.
Childcare, caring responsibilities, health conditions and other commitments may limit the opportunities available.
Indeed, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that women spent an average of 57 minutes more per day on unpaid work than men in March 2024.
Our findings aren’t about who works harder. They demonstrate the different ways people respond to financial difficulties, and how increasing workloads can introduce additional pressure.
Could longer working hours be putting mental health at risk?
Our findings are consistent with wider UK employment patterns.
According to the ONS, men work more paid hours per week and more overtime hours on average than women.
Working additional hours can help people increase their income, particularly when household budgets are under pressure.
However, when longer hours become a necessity rather than a choice, maintaining a healthy balance between work, rest and family life can become increasingly difficult.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognises that excessive workloads and other workplace demands can contribute to work-related stress.
Its figures for 2024/25 revealed that an estimated 964,000 workers in Great Britain experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety, resulting in 22.1 million working days lost.
Although our research does not establish a direct link between additional working hours and burnout, it highlights a potential concern.
For people already struggling with unaffordable debt in Scotland, the pressure to earn more money could be adding to an already stressful situation.
And for those who feel unable to talk openly about their worries, that pressure can be particularly difficult.
Half of UK men have experienced poor mental health
Research published in the Bupa Wellbeing Index 2025 found that 50% of men in the UK had experienced poor mental health at some point in their lives.
Yet, despite growing awareness of mental health difficulties, barriers to seeking support remain.
The same research found that:
- 37% of men admitted hiding a mental health issue from their partner.
- 30% of men said they didn’t know where to turn for mental health advice or support.
- Only 40% of men who had experienced mental health difficulties said they would seek advice from a medical professional.
Research from Aviva in 2024 also found that 33% of men said they never discussed mental health in the workplace.
Interestingly, the same proportion of women reported this, demonstrating that difficulties opening up about mental health can affect everyone.
These findings are particularly relevant when considering the additional pressure of trying to manage unaffordable debt.
For someone already worried about money, working extra hours while keeping their concerns private could leave fewer opportunities to get the support they need.
And while we can’t assume that every man feels pressure to deal with his problems independently, research suggests that stigma and expectations surrounding masculinity can sometimes make asking for help more difficult.
As the mental health charity Mates in Mind highlights, creating supportive environments and encouraging conversations before someone reaches crisis point are important parts of protecting mental wellbeing.
Why Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month matters in Scotland
The importance of supporting men’s mental health is also highlighted by the latest official statistics.
According to National Records of Scotland, there were 703 probable suicide deaths in Scotland in 2025.
The probable-suicide mortality rate among men was 3.1 times the rate among women.
These figures cannot tell us how much financial pressures or employment circumstances contributed to individual deaths.
However, they reinforce the importance of recognising mental health difficulties, reducing stigma and helping people access appropriate support.
Financial worries are just one of many challenges that can affect someone’s wellbeing.
But they’re also something that people shouldn’t have to manage alone.
The impact of debt doesn’t stop when the working day ends
Unfortunately, finishing work doesn’t always mean switching off from financial worries.
Whether it’s worrying about the next payment, checking your bank balance before payday or wondering how to afford household bills, debt-related stress can follow people home.
Our recent research found that 9 out of 10 Trust Deed Scotland® customers had experienced sleepless nights because of their debt worries.
Poor sleep and persistent financial anxiety can make everyday challenges feel even more difficult.
For some men, there may also be a perceived expectation to provide financially for their families or deal with problems independently.
However, financial difficulties aren’t a personal failure.
Changes in circumstances, rising living costs, illness, relationship breakdowns or unexpected expenses can all make previously affordable commitments difficult to maintain.
Nobody should feel they have to sacrifice their health and wellbeing simply to keep up with debt repayments.
97% of men wished they had asked for help sooner
Perhaps one of the most revealing findings from our recent survey concerns how people felt after seeking help.
97% of male respondents told us they wished they had sought debt advice sooner.
Interestingly, the result was exactly the same for women, with 97% also wishing they had taken that first step earlier.
It’s a powerful reminder that although people’s experiences of financial difficulties may differ, the feeling of wishing they’d acted sooner is remarkably consistent.
Many people spend months, sometimes years, trying to manage financial difficulties independently.
They may work extra hours, cut back on everyday spending or borrow further money to cover existing commitments.
Sometimes these measures help, but when repayments remain unaffordable, delaying professional advice can prolong the worry.
And as our customers’ experiences demonstrate, taking that first step can make a meaningful difference.
Real experiences: When debt affects mental health
Behind every statistic is a real person with their own circumstances, worries and reasons for seeking help.
Across our Trustpilot reviews, customers regularly describe the emotional impact of debt and the relief they’ve experienced after speaking to our advisers.
James: Struggling with mental health and wishing he’d called sooner
In October 2026, James shared his experience of struggling with his mental health and feeling that he had nobody to rely on for support.
He described feeling very low before contacting Trust Deed Scotland®.
James explained that Jamie, his adviser, treated him with patience and understanding, helping him feel more comfortable discussing his circumstances.
Reflecting on his experience, James wrote:
“I just wish I’d done it sooner.”
His experience reflects the findings of our survey, where 97% of men wished they had sought help earlier.
David: Feeling like his life was back on track
Another customer, David, shared his experience in September 2026 after receiving support from William.
David described the process positively and explained that the support he received had helped him feel more confident about his future.
He wrote:
“Not only has my mental health improved but I feel like my life is back on track.”
It’s encouraging to hear customers describe improvements that go beyond their finances.
Scott: Finally getting a better night’s sleep
Scott also shared a positive experience in September 2026.
After receiving guidance from Jack, Scott described feeling more reassured about his financial circumstances and being able to sleep better at night.
For someone who has been worrying about debt, getting a better night’s sleep can be a welcome change.
These experiences are individual, and everybody’s circumstances are different. However, they reflect a recurring theme across our customer feedback: the emotional relief that can come from finally addressing financial worries.
9 out of 10 customers said their mental health improved after entering a debt solution
Our recent customer research found that approximately 90% of respondents said their mental health improved after entering a debt solution.
Financial difficulties can affect many aspects of our lives, so it’s encouraging to see customers reporting improvements in how they feel after taking action.
Of course, a formal debt solution isn’t suitable for everyone, and improving financial circumstances won’t necessarily resolve every mental health concern.
However, finding a manageable way forward can help reduce one significant source of worry.
For some people, simply having an honest conversation about their debts is an important first step.
You don’t have to keep working more to manage unaffordable debt
If you’re struggling with debt in Scotland, there may be options available to help you manage your repayments more affordably.
Depending on your individual circumstances, formal Scottish debt solutions such as a Trust Deed or the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) may be appropriate.
Our experienced advisers can explain the options available, including their benefits, risks and potential consequences, so you can make an informed decision.
We also understand that working long or irregular hours can make finding time to seek advice difficult.
That’s why we offer confidential debt advice by telephone and WhatsApp.
You can message us at your own pace, and our advisers are available for telephone appointments until 8pm Monday to Thursday.
There is no judgement, no embarrassment and no obligation to proceed.
Looking after your mental health: Where to find additional support
Research from Bupa found that 30% of men didn’t know where to turn for mental health advice or support.
At Trust Deed Scotland®, we recognise that financial difficulties don’t always happen in isolation.
Debt worries can be connected to other challenges affecting our health, relationships or personal circumstances.
While our advisers can help you explore your options for dealing with unaffordable debt, we recognise that you may also need support in other areas of your life.
That’s why we’ve created a dedicated Support and Signposting Services page.
It brings together organisations offering support for mental health, stress, anxiety, depression and a wide range of other challenges, including gambling, bereavement, family difficulties and housing concerns.
This includes organisations such as Breathing Space, SAMH, See Me and Samaritans.
Whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to face it alone.
This Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, start the conversation
Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your finances.
If you’ve been working longer hours, taking on additional jobs or sacrificing time with loved ones to keep up with repayments, remember that support is available.
Our survey revealed that 97% of men wished they had sought debt advice sooner.
If there’s one message we’d like to share this Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s that asking for help is a positive step, not a sign of weakness.
We’ve helped more than 30,000 people in Scotland since 2009, and we understand how difficult that first conversation can sometimes feel.
If you’re worried about unaffordable debt, we’re ready to listen.
If you do something about your debt today, you can stop worrying about it tomorrow.
Get confidential Scottish debt advice
Telephone: 0141 221 0999
WhatsApp: Message Trust Deed Scotland®
Online: Explore your debt help options
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 8pm. Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Sources and further reading
Trust Deed Scotland® customer survey, 2026. Findings reflect respondents to the relevant questions and are not representative of all adults in Scotland.
Office for National Statistics: Gender pay gap in the UK, 2026.
Office for National Statistics: Beyond GDP insights, June 2026.
Health and Safety Executive: Work-related stress statistics.
Mates in Mind: Men’s Health Awareness Month, November.
Bupa Wellbeing Index 2025: Lifting the Lid on Men’s Health.
Aviva: Fewer than one in ten men would tell their employer about mental health struggles, June 2024.
National Records of Scotland: Probable Suicides in Scotland, 2025.
Trust Deed Scotland® customer reviews on Trustpilot.
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