Mental health problens, payday loan debs and gambling addiction.

Efcuk1

Hi everyone. Im just after advice.

im in a lot of payday loan debts but have been in bankruptcy and i have mental health problems and iam addicted to gambling. Lot to take in i know, but im at crisis point. I have got appointments with a psychaitrist (sp?) , i have counselling. And i have seriously hit rock bottom. My doctor wont let me go back to work yet cos of the fragile state im in. I wont be able to afford no bills as i wont get paid for being off. I have been binbagged and lost my home and wife. The only thing keeping me going is my kids. Anyway cut the mental crap, as this forum is not for that. What can i do with my debts when i cant wirk. Im scared of bailiffs turning up. Please dont slate me. Ive beat myself up over this lots of times before. Thanks.

DanFish

Hi,

You've taken a big positive step just by coming on here.
I myself racked up a lot of debts due to gambling i've now done 10 weeks without a bet.
First of all, self exclude yourself from all of the betting shops accessible to you and close of all your online gambling accounts.
Secondly get in touch with one of the Debt Advice charities they will advise you on the best route to tackle your debts.
Also have a browse through the site there are a lot of helpful and inspirational people on here.
You say you've reached rock bottom well the only way is up now my friend.
How much is your total debt?

DanFish

if you are not being paid sick pay from your employer, i would advise you to go to the Job Centre and apply for employment and support allowance take your sick notes with you.

Efcuk1

Thank you very much for your kind words, although i dont feel i deserve them! My total debts must be around £7000 altogether but there is so many payday loans ineed to keep all happy. Good idea about going the job center. I will try that. Iam having theropy and councilling so iam hoping to sort my gambling out for good. I also have no active payday loans. Just ones that i owe from past. Any help will be taken on board. Thank you somuch.

DanFish

Post a statement of affairs on here and there will be some experts to advise you in no time.

http://www.stoozing.com/calculator/soa.php

You're not alone in this and there are many people here in similar situations and worse.
What is your living situation? Have you got a roof over your head?
If you are renting and you have no income then you could apply for Housing Benefit and Council tax Support based on you having no income.
Have you got a full list of the payday lenders you owe money to?
Might be best just to offer token payments of £1 each until you get your plan in action.
Also if your really struggling for food, go to your local council and see if they have a Local Welfare Assistance programme you may be able to get some money for gas and Electric and Foodbank voucher.

its_maths_not_magic

I couldn't just read and run. As far as your money issues go I would speak to the national debt help line and step change to see what can be done there. Both contact details are in the last sticky on this thread.

As far as gambling goes a great resource that may help is SMART recovery which helps people suffering from any kind of addiction. It is science based, completely free and also uses psychology to help retrain faulty thinking to help deal with stress. It's also web based. I hope that helps.

Efcuk1

I cant thank you enough for your rplies. Iam going to look into that SMART. Thank u so much. Also going to go job center with my sick note. Thanks again.

DanFish

Great stuff, Let us know how you get on. Keep your thread updated

sickasachip13

Welcome, this is the first step to getting the control you wish for. Honestly, there are always options and this can be sorted out. Talk to National Debtline for advice - they are a charity and are really helpful (and totally non-judgemental). I don't know about gambling but I know what it's like to have debt (over £40k when I arrived here) and it's a horrible, draining thing that traps people into real sadness and negative thinking. Getting control and starting to sort it can have really positive effects on many people's mental health.

The very best of luck with everything, SAAC x

Trishiapp

Your main priority is your health! Everything else can wait. Whilst I appreciate that debts are very stressful, they really are nothing in comparison to keeping yourself healthy and well. Well done on addressing your mental health issues and the gambling addiction!

I suggest that you contact all your priority service providers ( council, electricity, gas etc...) and explain your current situation. Ask for as much help as you possibly can from family and friends, and see if you can sell some stuff, so at least you have money for food. Failing that, your GP can issue a food bank voucher. As suggested, make an appointment with your local Job Centre re: available help.


Once you've sorted out the above and feel less pressured, you should contact the free debt charities to address the non-essential debts.


Good luck!

Trishiapp

Also, just to reassure you, the bailiffs cannot just turn up at your door and take your stuff. They need a court order to do so. However, in the unlikely event they do turn up, do not open the door. If you have a car, park it away from your property, somewhere they cannot see it.

And lastly... Nothing lasts forever! With a little effort, forward planning and self-discipline, things will improve in no time at all