Way back I certainly was, I didn’t know which way to turn, I felt such a failure, I was embarrassed and wasn’t sure how to work it all out. Over the years I had found myself in and out of situations with money when it was all or nothing, a famine or a feast as they say; thankfully today that has all changed.

It is strange that it is one topic of conversation that gets avoided, it is hidden beneath a mask that all so many wear. Having worked in the mental health arena for long time now I can honestly say that I have often found these two topics to be linked, it certainly was for me.

Way back in 2009 I burnt out, for a couple of years before I lived in fear of losing my job as I had a large mortgage monthly payment, a car on lease, credit cards, bills etc. all to fund every month; I was on a good senior manager salary but knew should that disappear for some reason I was stuck. Well disappear it did when I was diagnosed with burnout, my lovely salary dropped to £100 per week ESA (Employment Support Allowance). This small amount was going to go nowhere near the income I needed and my mental health was so poor at the time I couldn’t go to work, this lasted a year.

Today I happily talk about those days but at the time it was a taboo subject, I hid it from everyone. It was only when my mental health got so bad, I reached out to a debt line for help. Their guidance became my saviour! They helped by advising what to do about my mortgage (ringing the building society and explaining the truth behind my situation helped a lot); they advised what to do about dealing with the banks, my credit cards etc. and just by being there they were a shoulder to lean on.

Over time things didn’t seem so bleak as I got the help I needed. I managed to rise from the shame and claw myself back on top. As I did this one evening I watched a TV programme which pointed people towards Step Change – this was the final step, as a charity based organisation I reached out to them was able to get their assistance and support throughout the time I paid off my debt.

As things got easier, I took financial advice which increased my knowledge of how best to finally pay off the debt and utilise the money I had coming in.

I want to share with you the reader, do not be ashamed or embarrassed about debt for many are in the same storm, maybe a different boat but trust me the same storm. There is nothing to fear, contact Step Change who are kind and will help you find a way through and out of the situation. Once you speak up and out it will be a relief and it is only then you can start moving forward.

For more about my story and further details of how I came through debt to have the life I have today check out my book here Financial Well-Being and its link to Mental Health