Discussion anyone considering CTB due to debt?

[califtom]

I'm more than $20,000 in medical debt and about to lose my house. I've been sentenced to a lifetime of poverty and don't want to live in this hell anymore. I wish I had been born in literally any other developed country but America. The stress, depression and resentment at my situation is unbearable. I barely eat or sleep anymore and spend all my days worrying, barely able to function. I put on a brave face at work or around my kids but inside I'm in excruciating pain. I want so much to end it and be done with this miserable life but I worry about how it will affect my kids. What can I do? I'm trapped in a literal prison.

 

[thesadbrazilian]

Not debts, but being broke has really messed with my emotional state. I freaking hate being so damn poor in this crappy, poor country too.

 

[imanaya]

I don't know of any country that seems more cruel than america

 

[califtom]

I don't know of any country that seems more cruel than america

Can you think of any other country on Earth that shackles its citizens with a lifetime of endless medical debt for the crime of getting sick? America's healthcare system isn't just inneffective its downright evil.

 

[Little_Suzy]

Medical bills will appear on your credit report. Why do you need to pay for yours?

 

[divinemistress36]

Have you thought about filing for bankruptcy?

 

[califtom]

Medical bills will appear on your credit report. Why do you need to pay for yours?

because I have garbage insurance that doesn't fully cover mental health issues. they "treated" my mental health by plunging me into medical debt.

 

[mortuarymary]

In I'm university date. I tried to CTB several times as was thousands in debt.

 

[NorthernMonkey]

Definitely. That was always my main reason. I felt like I was holding on by my finger nails and had that sickening feeling every time the phone rang or the post arrived. About 6 months ago we inherited quite a bit. Enough to get ourselves in a manageable position. InsteadI we spent it all on drugs and alcohol. I am still in debt but got help and a plan. I am just as unhappy as before. I don't think it was ever really about the debt. Is there anywhere to get help? I went to Citizens Advice and they were brilliant. Do you have similar? Or debt management companies? They can threaten you but can't take what you don't have. I was told to write to anyone you have a debt with and make them an offer of how much you can afford a month. They would find it hard it harder to take your house if you were genuinely trying. You really need some professional advice. It's horrible and I totally understand how you feel right now. Hang in there, you aren't alone. It seems like medical bills are killing America:(

 

[casual_existence]

Yeah I'm slowly getting crushed by debt. If I had a job I'd be able to somewhat manage it but finding a job is proving difficult.
I hate the idea of going back to fast food but I'd rather die lol.

 

[Nagito]

Debt and feeling trapped in life as a low income American are my main reasons. There are things I like about life but I rarely get the chance to do them as all of my energy is spent on work to pay debts. The cons outweigh the pros for me and debt makes me fear it will be forever.

I'm very sorry to hear you're going through this. I wish the working class in our country were afforded safety and security for their lifetime of labor. It's devastating to see those whose work on the streets and those who exploit labor/debt living great lives.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

Debt is one of the (many) reasons for me as well, however I want to leave a will for the things that I do have to go to my cousin/best friend, but I am worried that if I do that, my $20,000 (student loan and credit card) debt will go to him as well. I am not married and don't have children or any other big responsibilities besides the debt, and I currently just live with a friend/roomate. I am not really sure how these sorts of things work. Does anyone know?

 

[lifteddream]

How did the 20k accrue? Was in inpatient?
Asking because I thought you might be able to contest it but on second thought that would mean the justice system makes sense and it doesnt.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

The 20k is just from student loans and credit cards, i was hospitalized in inpatient back in 2020 but I had better insurance at the time and as far as I know, I don't owe anything from that.

 

[lifteddream]

I'm so sorry by the way, debt is crushing me too so I feel some of your pain, I appreciate how strong you are for those around you
Oh sorry I'm a total grandma!! I meant for the original poster, califtom, but didn't hit reply
I'm in the pretty much the same boat as you actually, organizedchaos, so I have no idea :(

 

[Lostone47]

Debt is a huge issue. I'm almost 200k in the hole once taxes are factored in. However, that's just part of it. Knowing that I am going to have to live my life working until I die just to sustain a decent quality of life is the major part. Starting over in my 30's when I had an abundant situation in my early 20's leaves me with massive remorse.