NI has 'most money concerns'

The poll found that 66 per cent of Northern Irish people placed worries about money in their top five -the figure is 17 per cent above the UK average.

This is quite a jump from the findings of last year's poll. In 2011, the region stood at 49 per cent which was just one per cent below the UK average.

Northern Ireland also has the highest level of people who are most concerned about housing, rent and mortgage issues. At 22 per cent, this is an increase of four per cent on 2011's result and also eight per cent higher than this year's UK average.

Almost half of NI people surveyed were worried about family, friends and relationships.

It seems that 2012 was not enjoyed by everyone in the north either. Only fourteen per cent felt that they had a good year or the best year ever. Again this was a decrease on the previous year and the lowest result from all the regions.

However, there were some issues over which Northern Ireland had the highest figures.

Reliance on religious and spiritual beliefs is far higher in the region than elsewhere.

But, the poll also revealed that NI had the most number of people reliant on drugs. Twenty one per cent of people rely on prescription drugs, while recreational drugs would be the choice of six per cent.

A 'grin and bear it' attitude is how many in the province choose to deal with their problems, with very few wishing to talk about any issues in their life.

Paul Wilson, Samaritans Northern Ireland, said that this is a concern.

"Northern Ireland has the highest levels of worries over money and families, but the lowest numbers of people who talk about their problems, which is a concern. Sometimes it can be difficult to turn to friends and family, but it can help to see your situation in a different light and find a way forward.