Stress and addiction rise blamed on recession

SUPPORT groups dealing with the least well-off and unemployed are facing an increase in demand from men suffering recession-related health problems.

Men suffering from stress and anxiety accounted for most of the people contacting groups like St Vincent de Paul, Citizens Information centres and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).

Some 56% of organisations reported a jump in demand linked with alcohol or drug dependency, while feelings of isolation and family conflicts also led to an increase in pleas for help.