Hopelessness

[RabbitsMakeBrownEggs]

Hello. I have mental health problems, recurrent depressive disorder and anxious personality disorder. I have my ups and downs, taking 150mg venlafaxine and 2mg diazepam when needed right now and seemed to be alright, but have been niggled by depression again recently.

The problem is I am stuck in a terrible situation with money and have tried most routes to solve the problem but am limited due to disability. At the stage now where I can't pay all bills. I do my best but it's not improving, feeling hopeless because not sure what else to do. Having some bad thoughts about ways out of the constant anxiety about money.

I'll see my doctor of course, but I am on my own with my kids and a bit scared and sad, so wondered if anyone who has pulled themselves out of rock bottom financially and mentally could help with advice?

Have you spoken to the Consumer Credit Counselling Service? They are great help regarding the money side. Even if you pay everyone you owe just a £1 a month that will do. If the £ situation is sorted this may help reduce your anxiety.

Hiya,

I was in the exact same situation last year and although recently off the Venlafaxin I'm still dealing with the debt and have lots (and I mean LOTS) of very low days.

I can only speak about what has helped me through the worst of it and its in no way qualified advice but hope this helps in some way.

1. I phoned Payplan to sort my finances. Non-profit making, free, and very helpful. Its only in hindsight that I now realise that by burying my head and ignoring the letters/calls only made my mental state ten times worse. If you've not done so already you wont believe how big a difference it can make knowing where you stand and what the constant threats from your creditors mean in reality. Honestly, its nowhere near as scary as it probably feels right now!

2. Having someone to talk to. Not just to listen to your woes but also to give you the occasional nudge in the right direction both mentally and in keeping on top of your finances once you have a plan in action (its too easy to let things slip again).

Reading this back it all sounds like I'm stating the bloody obvious but I like to think of myself as semi-intelligent yet at the time this appeared to count for nothing.

You have my upmost sympathy for your situation, I really appreciate just how hard it can be.

I hope things improve soon, and trust me, it genuinely will! If there's anything else I can do to help please let me know ( as long as its not money) ... sorry, I know its not funny but if we can laugh at our lowest then just think how much we can laugh when we recover!

Get in touch even if its just for a virtual shoulder to lean on, and keep hold of every positive that comes your ... there's always more than you realise.

Mark.

Thanks. I did get advice through the CAB and was looking at a debt relief order, but am currently awaiting a reconsideration for my DLA application and know that my finances will change, so not worth putting the DRO through yet until finances are static and I can safely say that it is the best option.

It's being constantly behind with utility bills that is getting to me. My internet was cut off on Sunday and I am a month behind with water and electricity. Paying all my bills just isn't possible right now. I have applied for a budgeting loan and hope to use that to get back up to date again, but in the meantime I hate the stuck feeling, and being alone with it.

I got a decision today for.care from social services which should lighten my financial load again I hope. Hate not being in control.

Thanks for your advice. Feeling less like I have no options today, which stops the worst thoughts. Diazepam for pain may well be helping stop.the panic too.