Money situation making me depressed

[stressfulyear]

I had clinical depression several years ago but received treatment and have been fine since. The skyrocketing bills and cost of living feels like it is triggering a depressive episode for me - but I have no idea how to manage it, because how I feel is entirely circumstantial.

When I had depression previously cbt helped as I had gotten into really negative and unhelpful thought patterns, which didn’t actually reflect the state of my life. Once I broke through those thought patterns I was better. This time around there isn’t anything wrong with my thought patterns - I’m just incredibly stressed about money.

I am a single parent and on the housing register in London, with an average 5-10 year wait for housing. I’ve been on the list for 8 years so should secure a home within the next couple of years, at the moment that feels like the only light at the end of the tunnel, every single month finances seem to get worse.

so far this year our private landlord has raised our rent by £500, council tax has gone up, all the usual bills have gone up and I just cannot handle all of the increases. I had been living really frugally anyway, have a sim free phone contract, I have a broadband deal for £15, etc. I already carefully meal plan and do not eat or drink out, and days out are free things like museums or parks. I already work currently and cannot increase my work hours due to childcare.

I’m feeling really lost and worried about it all and just needed to vent, i feel quite ashamed about my inability to stay afloat. Is anyone else in a similar situation or has any words of wisdom?

thanks in advance.

I’m so sorry you’re going through this OP - it’s garbage isn’t it? We live very frugally anyway but since everything has increased in price we are struggling. The week before payday I feel so anxious as my bank balance dwindles. I am just looking to the future when the kids are in school and I don’t have to pay so much in childcare! Is there any support you can get from the local community? Our school has a little food and uniform bank for people who are struggling. Sending hugs x

Thanks for replying @FatherJoseFernandez I’m in the same boat I already carefully meal planned so didn’t have anything much to cut back on! Hopefully things ease up for you once the childcare expenses go down, it’s such a big expense isn’t it. In terms of support from the community I have already applied for a discretionary payment from my council, which they granted but only to cover one month and they are covering £75 toward my rent increase; but the letter about it really emphasised this was a one-off payment and I am expected to seek less expensive accommodation. But it doesn’t exist - London private rents are out of control and the market rate is around what my new rent is, so I have no chance of finding something within the local housing allowance (which is around 400/500 under current market rates and is frozen at that figure). It’s a really draining way to live and hopefully things somehow resolve or improve, not much of a quality of life as things stand!