In way over my head

[Lostleo]

Hi, I'm Leo and have completely messed up my life.
I've been being treated, unsuccessfully, for severe depression for over 2years. In June I sold my house, which was mortgage free, to a quick buy company. I then gave away everything that I got for the house. I wasn't really in any fit state to make rational decisions. I am unable to work as I also have ischeamic heart disease COPD and chronic arthritis. I have now defaulted on my credit cards and exceeded my overdraft and am still paying bank charges. I no longer have an address and live in a tent. I have no idea where to turn.

[charitynjw]

Re: In way over my head

Hi Lostleo & welcome to LB

Have you heard of SWEP?
http://www.homeless.org.uk/connect/b...ives-in-winter

[Lostleo]

Re: In way over my head

Thank you chairitynjw. I am managing to stay warm. The tent I have is equipped with a chimney and wood burning stove. I'm also finding extremely difficult to engage with anyone face to face or by telephone. Your thoughtfulness is very welcome though.

[charitynjw]

Re: In way over my head

No problem.

You seem to have a good knowledge of employment law.

[Lostleo]

Re: In way over my head

In another life I was a union rep and then worked for ACAS. I've also been a local authority housing officer. Unfortunately, fragile mental and physical health, have changed my life completely.

[charitynjw]

Re: In way over my head



I empathise; it is a real struggle.

[Crazy council]

Re: In way over my head

Hi

WHo did you give the money to and why did you sell the property ?

[PAWS]

Re: In way over my head

Hello Leo
You are very welcome on here where there is always a warm welcome. In the fullness of time you will also be able to use your experiences to help others. Believe it or not many of the experts on here are able to help because they have been through the tough times and someone with your experience and knowledge will be a valuable asset.
In the meantime, when you said you gave the proceeds of your house away was it to family or people you know?
For the moment do not fret about the debts. Deal with them as they send forth another barrage and the clever peeps on here will take you through that bit but do not let that add to your anxiety. If you read through other posts you will see they are simply another challenge.
The main thing is to get you fighting fit so you can get your life back on track. Do checkout the homeless website suggested by Charity.
Are you registered with a GP? If not try and get to see one asap.
You also need to find out if you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to and homeless.org is a good starting point. Also take a look on http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk. Use the links to find your local branch. Don’t worry, they are not all about tambourines and conversions! They offer practical help and advice and I know many who they have helped back from much worse situations.
Look, we all need help from time to time. We are members of this site because we need others to get us through the tough times. You can do this because you are an intelligent and decent human being.
Whether you are in this situation because you feel you made mistakes or were the victim of a serious of misfortunes is not something to mull over right now. You need to start thinking positively and never be afraid to plan! You can do this! There are clever, compassionate people who give a damn -on here and working for the above mentioned groups.
So get in touch with the organisations suggested and tell your GP you need some help to cope with the situation you are facing – no shame in that; people need help with a lot less I can tell you.
In the meantime here is a hug :_tighthug__by_darkm-and don’t get too excited -I am a horror to look at!

[Lostleo]

Re: In way over my head

I have no idea, I can't remember why I thought it a good idea to sell. I don't even remember how much I got, although I think it was around £50,000. I gave everything away to anyone and everyone. Again, most of it I don't recall. Looking back, I certainly wasn't behaving rationally and can only put it down to my mental health.

[Lostleo]

Re: In way over my head

I am presently in receipt of DLA for both mobility and care, I'm not receiving any other benefits. I do have a friend that works at the DWP that is going to act for me. But she's not hopeful as it will be seen that I squandered the capital from the house, even though it may have been through poor mental health. I've seen my GP and am seeing him again in a couple of weeks, my medication has been increased. He has offered to refer me back to the mental health team even though I had stopped going. (Another part of my erratic behaviour).

[PAWS]

Re: In way over my head

I really think you need to see your GP and if you don’t find them helpful ask to see a different one. You have the same rights as anyone else.
With your experience you have so much to offer society and as you have helped so many over the years you are certainly owed some assistance! If some catalyst caused you to have a crisis that resulted in giving away money and losing your position then you need to take steps to avoid that happening again.
You need to unleash your inner Lion!
Get talking to the people who can help and start today.

- - - Updated - - -

Sorry, I was typing at the same time! The DWP should be made aware that you did not squander the money -you were ill at that time! Tell your friend at the DWP this and get your GP to confirm it if they need proof.

[PAWS]

Re: In way over my head

Now get back to the MH team as well. An illness is an illness -end of story and mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. Not only will it help you get your life back it may also help your case with the DWP.

- - - Updated - - -

Hi

WHo did you give the money to and why did you sell the property ?

Sorry Crazy - was typing at the same time and asked the same question!

[Lostleo]

Re: In way over my head

I am going to ask to be referred back to the mental health team as I've been told they will also act as a mediator between myself and my creditors. As I don't have an address, my creditors were calling my phone. I explained the situation and told them I wouldn't talk on the phone, they'd have to use email. I've heard nothing since.

[PAWS]

Re: In way over my head

Good stuff! Ask them if they will also work with the DWP.
Let us also get a sense of perspective here. I know someone who caused a bad car accident. He was very drunk but drove and although no one else was hurt he was paralysed from the neck. He lost everything and claimed that if he was able to move he would commit suicide. He begged his family and some friends to end his life for him.
You did not recklessly put yourself in this situation. You have an illness and a consequence of that illness you wound up in this situation however, your illness need not prevent you living a full life if treated properly.
You have to sort out the illness and then hack away at the other issues but you have the tools to do this. You have the support network and a good head on your shoulders.
All the good times are not behind you.
Oh it will be hard but most of us on here can tell you there is nothing like that feeling of victory when you overcome and succeed. I look forward to reading your posts on here in the future helping others. Hell, I don’t even know why I am posting on this thread because you have a heck of a lot more knowledge then I!

[Lostleo]

Re: In way over my head

Thank you all for your input. It is truly valuable and appreciated. As I said, the only way I feel comfortable communicating is electronic. I'm torn between the anxiety of engaging with anyone face to face, including my friends, and the feeling of isolation. I do not have any family to speak of. I nursed both parents until they died at home, where they wanted to be. One with cancer, the other with dementia. I stopped all contact with my siblings after my parents died, we had never got on anyway.
Your input has certainly made me feel a little less isolated.