Help! (gambling, debts, finances)

squatrack

I'll try and keep this simple and to the point. I have been living in work accomodation since July (it's literally a single room with a sink, shared kitchen and shower) as I lost my flat at short notice and had to find somewhere urgently.

At the same time, I have unsecured debt of 30k plus. I was on a debt management plan with PayPlan however........

I am becoming depressed - I use the word lightly as I know people that have been depressed and although not to their extent I recognise some of their symptoms in me. I just can't stay in this place anymore - it's really getting me down. I am isolated, with nothing to stimulate me (no tv or internet access). I am nowhere near my family or friends who lives hundreds of miles away.

Basically, due to feeling like this I began gambling all my work wages to try and raise funds to move out. This meant I stopped paying my DMP (and havent done so for 5 months).

Inevitably, I always lost. This month I did exactly the same. It has come to a point where I only got paid a few days ago and I'm already down to my last five pounds. I've already gambled away over £1800 this month. I feel absolutely terrible. I have no money to eat.

At the same time, I just cannot live here in this place much longer....I want to move but can't do so without a deposit/rent. I have no savings or assets. No money. I have no friends or family locally to stay with.

I can't borrow money off my family for various reasons.

I don't know what to do!

My main problems are:

-£5 left in my wallet (how can I eat for a month!?)
-My gambling problem (I know there are gamblers anonymous places etc)
-Feeling this way - I cannot stay here any longer - how can I move out?

Netwizard

Do you have any work mates you can talk too about this? Ones you can trust. If you have few friends and family where you are at the moment, this might be the next best thing, or depending how friendly you are with your manager, have a word with them? See if you can get some more hours at work to maybe earn a bit of extra cash?

Depending on the above, would any of your work mates let you stay with them for a while, just until you get yourself a bit more sorted?

Sorry I can't really offer much more advice than that, but a problem shared is a problem halved! Posting on here is a good first step. People on here are not judgemental at all, and there is some good advice to be had from this, and other forums.

As for your solution to money for this month, I guess its a case of again asking work mates if then can lend you a few quid until you get paid. You would be amazed how long £20 can last you in meals if you try

Good luck

unimaginative_user_name

If you think you might be depressed see your GP who may also be able to give you a voucher for a local foodbank which would give you food to last a few days. They also have people you can talk to who might be able to point you in the direction for help.

Have you got anything you could sell on ebay?

As for the gambling is it online as I've heard you can get yourself blocked from online sites? Gamblers anonymous could help long term.

Keep posting on the forum as folk here will give you lots of support and advice.

downsizer3

Well I can see why you feel stuck - and you're in a bit of a spiral.
Firstly - I have no doubt that you're depressed ( to what degree I've no idea)- and gambling is often linked.
How are you managing to gamble with no internet access? Bookies? If so - ask them not to deal with you - block whatever access you have to gambling. Look into GA and getting some support for that.
Next - get to the doc and chat through your circumstances - they can assess whether you're depressed or not and maybe give practical advice too.
The only way out of this is to tackle it head on - no shortcuts ( ie gambling) - you need then to address the DMP situation and get back on track next month.
Finally - your living situation.
If you post a SOA on here - look for the stickies at the top of the forum. If we can understand your debts, your income and outgoings we can advise on whats left.
You can't magic these issues away I'm afraid - but with help you'll get through.