I’m here to guide you through the bankruptcy process, from gathering initial documents and completing your paperwork to attending the 341 Meeting and making a plan to rebuild your credit once you’re debt free. But there’s more to bankruptcy than just tasks. Being in debt and making these hard decisions can take their emotional toll. You may even sometimes feel hopeless, helpless, or worried about your future, so it’s important to have a plan for dealing with these overwhelming emotions.
Healthy Coping
Life can be full of stress, but debt is one of the top five most stressful events that can happen in a person’s life. We all need healthy ways of dealing with life’s challenges, so consider adding these techniques to your arsenal as you learn how to cope with bankruptcy:
- Think long term – You may feel insecure knowing you’re in debt that you cannot pay off, or keep up with at all. You may be doing everything you can to stick to a very tight budget while being hounded by creditors. Try to remind yourself that this difficult time will soon be coming to an end, thanks to bankruptcy. Soon, your Unsecured Debt will be behind you and you’ll be able to make a new start without debt hanging over your head.
- Take time for you – You’re under a lot of pressure to stay disciplined and focused as you get your finances in order, and this can make relaxing and enjoying life seem like an indulgence you can’t afford or don’t “deserve.” The truth is, down time is imperative to our mental and physical health! We all need rest and relaxation, along with fun activities that energize us. Think about some things you can do for yourself that won’t break the bank, and then schedule the time to fit it in. You’ll feel more capable of handling your trials if you’ve taken time for yourself first.
- Talk it out – Most of us prefer to keep our finances and difficulties private, but bottling up emotions instead of coping with the emotions behind bankruptcy can be damaging. It’s important to have at least one person in your life who you feel safe talking to. They should be willing to listen and encourage without judgment. You’ll also want someone who can keep your struggles confidential and remind you of your brighter future. In addition to talking, you may need some actual assistance, such as help with bankruptcy paperwork and budgeting or babysitting and household tasks. We all need someone on our side.
A New Start
No one likes feeling like their life circumstances are out of control. With debt, sometimes no matter how much cutting and budgeting you do, it’s simply impossible to keep up with debt payments. Fortunately, bankruptcy is an option for just about everyone. I can assess your situation and offer possible solutions. Together, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each option and come up with a comprehensive plan to put your debt behind you. Don’t let the stress of debt get to you; take action today.