Dealing with debt with whilst suffering severe mental health issues

SMW83
SMW83 Online Community Member Posts: 108 Contributor
Hi guys,

Due to a number of reasons including the increase living costs, the pandemic and recently having to move homes due to being subjected to severe harassment etc. I have found myself in quite severe debt.

I have spoken to Turn2Us a length who advised me of a number of options however most of them will include me having visits by threatening letters/telephone call/ visits by bailiffs and even having to attend court etc.

I believe this would cause my health to worsen as I already struggle to deal with certain ‘administration’ such as during reassessment with the DWP, my mental health declines substantially, or on receipt of brown envelopes I’ll suffer panic attacks or even receiving a bill I can’t pay in full, I will worry/panic/overthink it until it’s paid. I fear that if I am having daily letters/phone calls/visits will push my past the point of being able to cope with dealing with it. I also suffer from agoraphobia so attending court would be an impossibility let alone me having to be in a courtroom with a number of people I do not know. I fear that being put into any of these situations will leave me in a virtually untenable situation.

If anyone has any advice or knows of any ways of dealing with my debt without my having the barrage of demands/threats/visits etc. I will be grateful.

kind regards 

Comments

  • L_Volunteer
    L_Volunteer Community Volunteer Adviser, Scope Member Posts: 7,922 Championing
    Hi @SMW83

    Thanks for reaching out to us. I always appreciate how much courage it must take to reach out.

    Unfortunately, this is not an area of my professional knowledge. This means I am hoping someone with more knowledge in this area can respond to you soon. Citizen's Advice also have some useful information about managing debt which you can find at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt/.

    In the meantime, I just wanted to respond to you to let you know we are sorry to hear you are going through such a difficult time. It is not suprising that you are struggling. We are sending you hugs. If there's anything at all we can do to help, please don't hesitate to let us know!  <3  
  • L_Volunteer
    L_Volunteer Community Volunteer Adviser, Scope Member Posts: 7,922 Championing
    Hi @woodbine

    Thanks for your continued support for our community members. Your efforts are always acknowledged and appreciated. You have insights that I, unfortunately, don't have. How are you today?  :)
  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,451 Championing
    Hi @SMW83 :) Thanks for posting about the situation you're in. I can imagine that this could all feel quite stressful and overwhelming, so I'm glad you felt able to reach out for some support.

    Firstly, I was just wondering whether you're receiving any mental health support at the moment? Is your GP or another professional aware of your situation? 

    I'm also wondering whether you've considered looking into getting an advocate? Mind have some information about advocacy on their website, which you might find helpful. Some people find that having an advocate makes dealing with financial problems more manageable, and that it empowers them to move forwards in a positive direction. 

    recently having to move homes due to being subjected to severe harassment etc.

    Do you mind me asking whether you reported this harassment to the police at the time? I can imagine that the effects of the way you were treated would still affect you today. Have you considered reaching out to Victim Support at all?