If financial stress is impacting your health and relationships, here are some tips to help you through this difficult time:
*Be aware of your emotions- write down your worries to help you through this difficult time
*Look after your health- Eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor if you have a medical condition that can be made worse by stress
*Share your feelings with supportive friends- Identify people you can talk to about how you are feeling, and who will help you stay positive
*Be honest with your family- Tell them about the situation and how it might affect the household budget. If your relationship with your partner is under stress, contact Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277 for support, advice and counselling
*Write up a budget- Write a summary of your finances and include how much money you need to cover each of your major costs. You may need to limit spending for a while.
*Contact your bank- Most financial institutions have policies in place to help customers experiencing financial problems
*Contact a social worker on the Centrelink Employment Services Line- Call 132 850 (Mon-Fri) or visit a Services Australia customer service centre