lost the way

kendalls_cave

Earlier this year I was doing really well with my debts, I was clearing them off, with the CCCS and saving £2 coins. Then my mental health (bipolar) got worse, and I just lost it with money. I was spending money on nothing (part of the illness) and canceled the DMP direct debit cos i had no money to pay it with. Then I ended up in hospital (Phyce) I came out to loads of bills, final demands, cos I hadn't paid the CCCS, in with those letters was one from the CCCS saying they had canceled my agreement cos I hadn't paid them I feel so lost and alone now, I was doing so well. I even increased my overdraft before I went into hospital I'm in a mess. I am scared to use the phone for official people, so am too scared to phone the CCCS and ask if i can go back on plan. I don't know where to start with August money. Sorry I am so upset and so scared.

planbetter

So difficult when you've got bipolar but you can get back on track now. You did really well before so that proves you can do it.

Have you got a social worker? The hospital should be able to get you in touch with one. They can help out with this sort of stuff. A close friend of mine has similar difficulties and found the social worker very useful. He was very reluctant to get her involved at first, thought she would interfere but by accepting some help he has begun to make inroads into his debt and is still in charge of his finances. The banks have been very understanding

I hope you have someone you can talk this over with. Coming out of hospital to all this stress is not going to do your mental health any good so you do need to find support. The local Citizens Advice bureau will also help you make phone calls if you feel a bit scared. Your local library should be able to put you in touch if you don't know where it is.

Will be thinking of you with my fingers crossed.

baxgttdi

Hey there! well you made a good start coming back here so congratulations for that! I'm not the most experienced person to deal with this sort of thing but I'll help where I can. The first thing I would do is contact the CCCS again. I know the prospect of explaining it won't be something your looking forward to but it's the first step and a big one at that. Once you have that conversation over with, you'll have some support (as well as these nice folks here ok course ) and it will give you a base to build from.

Try not to get down about the situation as I can safely say your among people who are willing to help and have experience with at least one side of your problem if not in some cases both.

Hope this helps you in some way, if not heh I'm sure a more experienced poster will be along shortly with better advice.

lynsayjane

I knwo it seems an extreme solutin but do you have anyone who you can give 'power of attorney' type conrol over your finances until you can take control yourself? i know it seems harsh but these lapses while your ill can be what stops you getting rid of your debt and surely your debt situation only worsens your health? perhaps allowing someone you trust control over your money might be the way to help?

Pollydaydream

Hi Kendalls Cave

Hope you're feeling a bit better this morning. I know it probably seems overwhelming at the moment, but it can be sorted - honestly.

I agree with Planbetter - you should talk to a social worker (the hospital will have one) - you need some help to sort things out at the moment.

Maybe you could email CCCS for some advice, if you don't want to talk on the phone right now. Also, Matthew and Emily from CCCS post on here so you could start a thread or PM them.

Polly

dancingfairy

Well done on facing up to the problem. You need to get in touch with someone - either CAB/ CCCS/someone from the mental health hospital etc. Yes it will be scary to admit you slipped as you were ill- but you need to explain to them and you will feel better when you get the help you need and you will not be stressed out with money worries all the time.

Is there some way you can get the bank to refuse you an extension to your overdraft when you ask? maybe have 2 people sign to say you need it - you and an appointed person?

Also perhaps make sure you can't get any credit cut up the cards etc and just use cash.

I'm sure you are not the only one who has problems with money due to bipolar-there must be someone at the hospital/social worker/Psychiatric nurse etc who can help with this.

Also is there any way of you spotting the signs to look out for and getting an appointment to see your social worker etc -so next time they can help you out?

Can someone in your family help - make sure you are eating o.k and give you x amount of money per week to help you budget?

Good Luck

P.S You say you are scared to phone official people- could you write down what you need to say before you ring them? or perhaps write an email?

joeblack066

Well done for posting here, you have taken a brave step and will be able to get things under control again, with the halp and support that has ben offered and advised.Good luck xx

kendalls_cave

Thank you all for your kind replies I plucked up the courage and phones CCCS. I Spoke to a lovely lady named Laura. Their system is down today, but we chatted about the illness and stuff, and how I've not made payments. She was going to put me through to someone else, but when she realized how upset/scared i was she carried on dealing with it. She is going to phone me back on Monday at 10.30 and we are going to set up another plan taking my illness into account. She was so lovely Thanks all for your support - you guys are the best :beer:

planbetter

No, you are the best. You are so brave, I really admire you for what you managed to do and thank goodness for the Laura's of this world. :j

baxgttdi

well done you!