Help with Debts and Depression

depression

Hi Everyone,

I suffer from Bi – Polar (rapid cycling) and other medical problems. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to work for 3 years.

High debts have built up, they are all in my name and so far they are up to date. Thanks to my wife. But it can’t go on. My wife only works part time. And the pressure on her is so unfair.

I know that Bankruptcy is my only option – but I honestly can’t face it at the moment – my psychiatrist has recently changed my medications to try and control the low moods – but he mentioned it may take months for them to take effect.

In the meantime I desperately need help to deal with my creditors. I’ve heard you can do debt programmes with debt charities or the cab.

Although I can write all the details I do get very anxious talking about the debts.

And the thought of creditor phone calls and debt collectors turning up at the house makes me absolutely desperate with worry.

I’m so sorry for rambling but my question is do any of the debt charities have a department that helps people with clinical depression.

I just feel it would be unfair to burden a non-specialist debt councillor with my health “problems”.

And is there a way that creditors and their collection agencies can try and understand people with mental problems.

I know I have to pay the price for being in debt – and I know creditors can take all the actions they wish - I just need some specialist help to deal with them.

I’ve noticed just how kind you are in helping people, but please don’t feel I need any sympathy, I just need you, if you can to point me in the right direction.

Thanks so much for listening.

Sunnylooloo

Hi

I'm really not sure but didn't want to just read and run.......

I'll give you a bump up and I am sure someone will along with some advice. You seem to already know that you need to contact one of the debt charities but I understand with your illness you are just not sure which way to turn.

Take care and someone with much more knowledge than me will be along soon

LL

stevemarsh1976

Hi Depression

Sorry to hear about what your going through but you have come to the right place as these boards really are a great source of advice and comfort.Whilst I cant begin to imagine the extent of exactly what you are going through everyone here has or is going through BR so at least understands this part.

• Consumer Credit Counselling Service - Website: CCCS Telephone: 0800 138 1111
• National Debtline - Website: National Debtline Telephone: 0808 808 4000
• Citizens Advice Bureau - Website: Citizens Advice or visit your local CAB centre (find nearest)

These are your starting place. I spoke to the CCCS personally and the lady I spoke to was wonderfull, very helpfull and understanding. Couldnt say if they are especially trained in depression cases as such but they will be used to dealing with many people going through tough situations.

There is a section here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1639589 where you can ask some questions if need be, a CCCS councellor will be able to answer at least your initial concerns.

Any questions fire away and im sure someone will be able to answer

curly04

Hi Depression

Big Hug from me.

I was depressed that lead to some of my debt, but this was due to a lot bad news etc. So not the same.

I don't know how you are feeling, but all I want you to know is that you are not alone.
There is wonderful people on this forum who will help you where ever we can.
You may get the odd rude person, but ignore them if you do.

Stay in touch

Curls

depression

Thank you all very much, I am so glad that I found this forum, I just knew how kind and helpful you would be, and I so greatly appreciate it.

confused76

hi there and welcome
as others have said the debt charities are very helpful. i would suggest that you contact one of them and first of all tell them that you have bipolar and are struggling to deal with your creditors. i am sure from memory that they will contact creditors on your behalf if you need help.

you can have a face to face appointment with the CAB, or telephone advice from the cccs or national debt helpline, depends what you feel more comfortable with.

just take it step by step and you will get the help you need. it is difficult to talk about at first, but just remember that the debt charities want to help you and understand how you are feeling.

please keep posting on here and we will support you any way that we can
good luck x

IF

Hello depression, just echoing what everyone has said about contacting one of the debt charities. As confused has said the CAB would be 'my' option for you, they will help you with the forms and also be able to help with getting access to your file from your GP. Please let us know how you get on.

Best wishes
If...x

catastrophe10

Hey Depression,

Im a Beeper too

This time last year My Doc and CAB tried to get my debts written off as I accrued them as a direct result of a manic episode 2003-2005. Im sorry to say in my case all apart from 2 creditors didn't want to know, and instead of them being more lenient the hassle intensified.

In 2003-05 I was at the height of my powers: still in a great career, so credit was easily obtainable, I will always remeber phoning up for one loan,whilst manic: I was asked what I wanted it for, I replied 'Treats' and they were only too happy to give it to me.
However as is the nature of the beast - what goes up, must come down...In 2005 I resigned from my career due to a complete mental breakdown, I wont bore you with the details, but it resulted in me owing just shy of £50,000 with no money to pay it off.

For 5 YEARS I didn't open any post, didn't answer the phone, hid from bailiffs, hardly left the house until I thought enough is enough and in mid feb this year I bit the bullet and went Bankrupt. Im now 3 months in and Im not going to lie and say it was easy, it is one of the hardest things I have ever had to come to terms with.
Through the process I have had to accept what this illness has done to me, what I have lost because of it, and how ill I really was. I have almost had to lay to rest the 'old' me, go through a period of mourning and start again. And it IS tough.

Ultimately however I know I have done the right thing. If you wish to PM me please do.

dancingfairy

Hi - a couple of thoughts for you:
1) I believe CAP (christians against Poverty) will visit you at home to help with forms etc - if this is something that would help you. i believe they do not try and push their religion on you but coming from a religious background are very understanding and non-judgemental.
2) the other thing to bear in mind is that a lot of things debt collectors do are scare tactics - they threaten things like visits etc - there are various things that will help with this - a) they don't often turn up as it's mainly just to scare you and b) if they did turn up - you don't answer the door and tell them to go away and if neccesary call the police. In fact with the help of people on this forum you will know far more about what they and aren't allowed to say and do than they will! The only things that need urgent attention will be bailifs and then there are slightly different rules but they still have rules they must abide by and should be more professional and easier to deal with than debt collectors.

I hope that helps a little.
df

debtinfo

Hi, from what you are saying, you havent increased any of your credit for 5 years, and the debts were incurred during a manic phase. If that is the case belive me when i say that you have absolutly nothing to fear going bankrupt. The Official Receiver is always sensitive to special circumstances, in fact one of the first questions they ask when you speak to them is if you have any special needs or circumstances.

I know it is difficult to face the unknown but the quicker you do it the quicker it will be over, you will need to talk to them and explain the situation but they wont tell you off or anything like that

depression

Again thanks so much for all your help and support (and a special thanks to catastrophe for sharing your story - I know what it's like).

I will take the advice that you have all so kindly offered.

And one way or another - with your help - I'll get it all sorted out.