Help... I'm back to square one!

kittykatiehere

I'm not new at debt. I've been bankrupt twice due to debts and I did a DRO in 2015. For the last few years I've been working on building up my credit rating using credit cards but paying them off in full. Over time the credit limits have been increased.

I have long standing mental health issues and I am currently experiencing a crisis. I have a diagnosis I will never agree with and I'm certain I am Bipolar.

One of the things I've done for over 20 years is spend money without thinking normally when my mood is high. This year during 9 weeks of hypomania I spent £3000 but gradually have been paying it off. Roll on the second bout of hypomania last month and almost 5 weeks in I'm spending again. I've spent about £2000 in two weeks on all kinds. For instance this time it's been make up and instead of buying one lipstick I've bought 10... This is a pattern I've repeated daily. It's normally make up, books, clothes etc.

Things came to ahead last week and I found myself on a bridge wanting to jump. I sought some help and I'm waiting for an urgent psychiatrist appointment. In the mean time I'm still spending and have pretty much maxed out three credit cards and a catalogue... I also still owe my dad £800.

I am aware what I am doing is wrong but I can't stop. I've cut up the two high interest cards now they are maxed out - I did this last time only to report them lost and get them back 10 days later.

I'm an idiot I know that. I need to take control but my mood is high still and until it comes down I'm left feeling somewhat scared. I'm pretty certain when I am assessed this time a Bipolar diagnosis is coming, it's been discussed last year at length.

I'm going to get massively stung with the high interest. I should add all my utilities etc. are up to date and paid by direct debit. I was doing so well for so long...

sourcrates

Hi,

Well you don’t need me to tell you this self destructive behaviour has to stop, not easy for you I know, but having been insolvent 3 times, this cannot continue indefinitely.

It may benefit you to have your lines of credit stopped, even defaulted, so you simply cannot use them.

savetosave

Can you return any of the things you have bought? Is there someone you trust, like your Dad who could look after your cards and just give you a weekly amount in cash when you are up so you can’t lose control?

Willing2Learn

kittykatiehere wrote: »

Things came to ahead last week and I found myself on a bridge wanting to jump. I sought some help and I'm waiting for an urgent psychiatrist appointment.

I just wanted to add that if you find yourself on a bridge again, or in a similar place and frame of mind, then you should dial 999 and call yourself an ambulance. You will then be taken to hospital and be assessed by a psychiatrist, social worker or psychiatric nurse...

Are you currently on a CPA for your mental health?

National_Debtline

Hi kittykatiehere


It is really good to hear you have an urgent appointment because your health must come first. Hopefully the professional support can help make your condition manageable.


In the meantime there are a couple of options that may help with taking out further credit and spending. You could add a notice of correction to your credit file to say that you do not want to be given any further credit. A notice of correction allows you to add 200 words to your credit file which will be manually considered if you apply for further credit. You'll need to contact each of the 3 credit reference agencies to do this.


If you are shopping online there are number of free tools that can block sites or make them harder to make purchases from. You'll find details on these here https://www.moneyandmentalhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Shopper-stopper-alternatives.pdf.


Unfortunately you can't have another DRO within 6 years of the last one starting. If your debt repayments are not affordable you can get in touch with one of the free debt advice agencies to talk through you best option.


Best wishes


Susie
@natdebtline