Not sure how much more....

unhappydebts

I originally posted in July last year worried about circa 13k - 15k of credit card debt - mostly run up during a really horrible bout of post natal depression.

I had a "blip" with the PND around November (no excuse I know) and with end of 0% fees, stupid 0% teansfers (freeing up credit) and Christmas costs and only making minimum payments this figure has risen to something nearer 20k. 20k. I can't get any more credit (for 0%)

This will take me something like 20 years to pay off at the rate I am. I feel awful. Terrified. Old mental health issues are raising their ugly head and my bulimia is back (in some warped way to a. punish myself and b. be in control of something - anything).

I am 37. I will never be able to afford to have another baby. And I pretty much hate myself at the moment.

I don't know what to do. It all seems totally insurmountable.

Superbiatch

Debt is not the end of the world, but your health is much more important. First things first, go to see your GP and ensure you are getting all the healthcare you require.

If you are up to it, post your statement of affairs which will show your income and expenditure and lets see if we can't save you a few pounds here and there

There are lots on here with debts similar amounts to yours, you've had your light bulb moment so now its time to get yourself right and then deal with the debt

[Deleted User]

as above poster has said, your health is far more important than your wealth, if you haven't already see your GP or other healthcare professional.

And, as for the debts, either begin by posting an SOA here and people on here will be able to help you get organosed.

If you do not feel up to discussing your debts here, perhapse it would be better face-to-face with a professional - contact one of the debt charities for advice (CCCS, CAB, National debtline)

Hope you're feeling better soon, and well done for posting

D9

unhappydebts

Thank you.

Poor mental health has always been in my adult life. I recognise that the spending was a coping mechanism for how I felt but it's no excuse. None. And all it's served to do is put me in more debt and left me feeling worse. I do see my doc regularly and am on medication but never talk about my debt. I am too ashamed.

How do I get an SOA?

unhappydebts

What have I done....

katsu

You will get through this. I'm sure the GP hears far more embarassing things every day.

An SOA is a template of outgoings and incomings - for which you will find a link in a "sticky" thread at the top of the DFW forum.

Good luck

scarlet55

i know this must sound like a cliche but i do know how you feel...i have racked up a debt of £14-000 over the last 10 years or so..i have been suffering from depression for about the same ammount of time...i am on antidepresants and i too visit my doctor quite often...once a month in fact and i would never dream of telling her about my debts....i only discovered this forum by accident about a month ago and after reading all the advice given here i eventually had my lightbulb moment.....i only decided to do something about it about 2 weeks ago but i was a nervous wreck, but last week i took the bull by the horns and phoned up my local cab office and iff you had read any of my threads on here you would know how nervous i was...well i had my appointment with them 2day and to say i was terrified would be putting it mildly...they were absolutely fantastic...i thought they would think of me as some sort of criminal, racking up debts and then not being able to pay them...not at all, they are the nicest people and just want to help...they are helping me do a dro...i know your debts are too high for this but there is always bancruptsy..iff you dont want to go down that route they will arrange for you to pay your creditors what you can afford...there are loads of options and believe me iff i can do it anybody can...so chin up and make yourself an appointment tomorrow...it will be a load off your mind, as it is mine...keep well xxx

Mandamoo_3

Unhappydebts, I am new to these forums but think you should be very proud of yourself as you have recognised the debt you are currently in. I work in mental health services and my advice would be to please use them, please don't be embarrassed as your debt is a massive strain on your well being. The team will be able to support you through this journey. As the other posters have said contacting one of the charities is a fantastic idea. I use CCCS and spent most of the first phone call sobbing, but they were brilliant, so supportive.
Take care and please message me if I can help in any way.

[Deleted User]

here's the link for the SOA: http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html

unhappydebts

What's a dro?

Ohmygod bankruptcy - is that what I should be thinking?!? I thought maybe taking equity out of house or a DMP (although I can still make minimum payments and never defaulted - I didn't think they would entertain me). But should I be thinking bankruptcy!!!!????

Will try a SOA tomorrow....I think, in fact I know, there is surplus cash each month, certainly with my husband....

Mandamoo_3

I was in a similar position making all minimum payments, never missed a payment but also never slept a wink at night, but cccs recommended a DMP for me and it was such a relief as they budget for things that perhaps we dont which meant I am now paying a reasonable amount toward my debts but have a reasonable amount to live on as well.