Would you do this? Please help!

[CoraTheExplora]

I live in what is essentially Royston Vasey everybody knows each other. Last year I had a psychotic breakdown and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. During this period I sadly didn't pay a builder because I thought I had already sorted it until the builder contacted my husband and he paid it. I have spent 5 months in a psychiatric hospital and im better now.

My issue is; my direct neighbour has had a loft conversion by the same builder and since he did her building shit she has completely ignored me and my husband. I didn't tell the builder what the issue was but my AIBU Is do you think I should write a letter explaining all the issues I had last year about not paying and how unwell i was because prior to our neighbour having a loft conversion our neighbour and had a fairly close relationship or do I just accept that the builder has told our neighbour that I am a disgrace of a person who didn't pay as soon as required despite the mental health issues?

Absolutely do not explain yourself, you paid for the work, there’s no issue.

Op kindly, you are totally spiralling no need to explain yourself or your business to anyone. That might not even be the reason why your neighbour isn't talking to you. Maybe your neighbour just has a lot going on themselves.

No! Do not write a letter!!! You gave no idea what he has or has not said, and what her giving you the silent t treatment is about. Even if he has slagged you off, your writing a letter will make things worse.

No need at all to do that imo. You did nothing wrong and the accidental non-payment was rectified.
I wonder if the whole episode of illness has made you feel quite fragile and worried about what people think- please don’t be. Any decent person who knew wouldn’t think badly of you at all.

Ignore them. None of their business. They sound unpleasant listening to a builder gossiping.

No, just leave it and stop worrying. Give it a bit of time. Over the summer, once the warm weathers here you could always invite them over for a bbq or something, if they decline let it go and move on.

You don't need to do this. There could be any number of reasons for neighbour behaving as they are. The builder is paid now so the issue is dealt with. You can concentrate on your recovery.

If it continues to play on your mind then discuss with your husband or if you have any community mental health input, with your CPN or similar. A letter will not be beneficial here and frankly it's none of your neighbour's business.

No, I wouldn't write to the builder because if he has bad-mouthed you to your neighbour, it's unlikely he'll go back and update her now with what he's since learned from you so the neighbour will be none the wiser and still think badly of you. It makes far more sense for you to ask the neighbour if you or your husband have offended her as she's been rather cool with you lately and see what she says. If she reveals her change of behaviour towards you is to do with you paying the builder late, you could explain to her about your breakdown and subsequent diagnosis. She'll probably feel quite bad for being so judgmental and unsupportive once she knows what's really been going on in your life.
Best of luck OP - hope you can get this resolved. x