Was forced to go bankrupt in Dec 2009 discharged in June 2010. Owed £53,000 and felt like I was drowning (ex-h ran up lots of debts in my name and I didn't know about them until we split) tried to pay but really couldn't keep up.
So finally nearly 8 years down the line I have a lovely, healthy credit file and am looking at getting a mortgage with new DH (was honest with him from the beginning and he's guided and supported me)
I finally feel like a huge weight has been lifted and no longer feel ashamed. Those drowning in debt can clear it but it takes time