[skintpete]

Hi Adam, I read your blog from start to finish today. I wish I’d read it before. My day 1 was January 18th this year. So I’m about a year behind you, as we’ve both lost about the same amount of money. Reading your blog was inspiring. Please keep it up. I have been seeing a counsellor, weekly, since January. I have found that really positive. I had run up debts with my wife trying to conceive children over the last few years. Basically spent over £10K that we didn’t have on IVF, which didn’t work. Strangely it was another form of gambling if you think about it. I’d never been in debt before and so I think the amount we owed overwhelmed me. I fell into the trap of thinking I’d win the money back gambling online. Suffice to say I added another £15k to our debt in a short space of time, before having a massive breakdown and facing up to my problem. I have started a debt management plan, through Stepchange. They were really helpful, though my creditors are being a pain and refusing to freeze charges and interest. Bankruptcy maybe my only way out but I’m sticking with the plan for now and trying to get as much advice as possible. I told my wife. I was surprised at how supportive she has been and how she made the link to my problem being about our fertility issues before I did. I told a mate when I was drunk last week. He was also surprisingly supportive. I have cried more in the last months than I have the rest of my life put together. Reading your blog made me cry again. However I think you are doing really well and hit the nail on the head in describing your feelings. It is a constant mental battle but all I can say is keep it up and think of us that are so far behind you. I am jealous that you are doing so well but also really happy for you. You’re an inspiration, mate. Don’t let us down – but more importantly don’t let yourself down. You should be really proud of yourself.

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