Personal life after debt: moving forward financially and emotionally

Trigger warning: This story has references to mental health and suicide, which may be triggering to some readers. If you need more support, contact your local GP or call Samaritans on 116 123. 

We know that for many people, living with debt can be a very dark place to be. Being scared of enforcement agents, letting the phone ring, and putting unopened letters to one side can feel like being buried under the rubble of debt. But, taking that first step out of the darkness can feel like a weight lifted off your shoulders. We want to introduce you to Lyndsey, who courageously stepped out of the darkness with the help of CAP and her local church. 

‘Life before CAP and my local church, Christ Church Pennington, got involved was a struggle. It was a very dark place. I didn’t know who to turn to or where to go. I wasn’t going to work because my mental health was that bad.’

Lyndsey shares that after leaving work due to her mental health, debt had a grip on her that she couldn’t escape from. ​‘I was in rent arrears. Then I couldn’t pay the Council Tax, water, and gas and electric bills. I didn’t answer the door in fear that bailiffs were behind it. This was going on for over two years.’

Taking the first step out of debt started with getting mental health support. ​‘When I stopped working, my colleagues encouraged me to see my GP about my mental health,’ says Lyndsey. ​‘I listened, and went to get a diagnosis. I was signposted to Laura, who manages CAP’s debt centre in my town.’

Statistic taken from CAP’s 2024 client report

If you’re in the process of sorting out your debts and are wanting to change your financial future, it’s important to get support. Lyndsey not only received debt help through CAP, but she also attended life skills workshops to help her live well on a low income. 

‘Laura came to my home to help me with my debts. She got all my debt letters together and sorted them out. CAP helped me get a Debt Relief Order (DRO). When the DRO came through a few months later, I cried. The first thing I did was message Laura and say, ​“I’m debt free”. She was so happy. I can’t thank her enough for where I am now.’

‘On the day I went debt free, I visited the church to share my testimony. Then Ally, who runs CAP’s life skills group at the church, approached me to invite me to the group, which I joined. Even though I’ve learned new skills, one of the main positives is that I’ve made so many friends.’

Life after debt isn’t just about having financial freedom, but it’s also about getting back to a place of feeling confident each day. 

Laura, who supported Lyndsey, describes how there’s more to life than debt: ​‘For those we help, their mental health so often improves. Lyndsey struggled to leave the house, but after being invited to church events, she had the confidence to go out again. However, it doesn’t take away from the fact that a low income still means that bills can be a worry.’

Lyndsey shares how she’s now preparing for her future. ​‘I volunteer at Cancer Research, where my manager has seen a big difference in me. I’ve recently passed my maths exam, and I’ve also applied for a Teaching Assistant Level 2 course. I’ve got something to work towards.’

Whether you’re about to start your journey out of debt, or are navigating life after debt, don’t struggle on your own. If you’re looking for help to get out of debt, find a job, manage your money or gain vital life skills, we offer a range of free services across the UK to help you get to where you want to be in life.