Fuel Poverty and Mental Health. #mhuk
February 6, 2012 by Dawn Willis
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As a person living in fuel poverty (spending 10% or more of total income on fuel) I welcome this study. I have depression and agoraphobia. I spend most of my time at home. Right now I’m constantly going on emergency gas because my standing charge and fuel cost is so high. I’m on a prepayment meter, which my fuel company touted as being cheaper for people on low incomes, but in fact it’s more expensive. I have to top up the meter even in summer when I don’t need the heating on, because of the standing charge. My previous bills were around £28 a month. Now I’m spending £40+ a month in winter, and around £16 a month in summer/autumn. It doesn’t help my mental health, especially when the emergency runs out and I have to go to the shop to top up my gascard. With agoraphobia it can be very difficult getting out, and forcing myself to go out can be a hindrance more than a help. Sometimes I will put on my little electric radiator layers of clothes and freeze until it gets dark, because going out in the day is too difficult, I don’t want people to look at me or I’m too anxious. So yes, fuel poverty does impact on one’s mental health.