Feeling scared

[Pink grapefruit]

Hi. I feel very scared of what might happen in the future lately especially when I think about our mortgage. The interest rate keeps going up and some unexpected things have happened during our housing project. I understand bad things could happen in life but it is hard to manage my mental status. Could anyone, who had or have such experiences, share how you coped or are coping? I want to learn from it. 

[geoff]

Hello Pink grapefruit, I appreciate how you are feeling and realise in one way or another it's going to affect all of us, however, when you are suffering from any MI, this only compounds the issue much deeper.

Can I ask if you are able to 'put on hold' any extra money spent on the house, such as carpet can be replaced with rugs, some people paint the concrete and wait until they have saved enough money, not easy I know, but perhaps you could tell us a little more.

Geoff.

Life Member.

[Mark Z.]

Hi Pink grapefruit,

You are not alone. A lot of people are suffering financial challenge due to macroeconomics. 

I would suggest, if you don't have general anxiety or other mental health issue, and the mortgage challenge is the root cause of your anxiety, then you try to figure out solutions for the root cause.

Have you considered about negotiating salary with you current employer, or exploring external opportunities, or doing another part-time job to gain extra money?

Moreover, if something really happens, you can negotiate with your bank for some temporary mitigation options. It is also against the bank's interest if things will go in the worst direction.

Mark

[blues23]

Hi pink grapefruit

were all in the same boat I think I worry about the future too but not a lot ( I have a few health issues that bother me ) mortgage I don’t have I’m renting but am a single parent so that’s also tough . How I manage I budget I try to do all the things my drs / specialists tell me to do some of these things are successful some are work in progress in trying to live in the now and not think of the future cause it’s scary to think of . I keep busy , budget and try not to spend on unnecessary things but also want to live my life as well so u kinda have to balance that load what u can do vs what u can’t do right now and safe up for what u can’t do right now and do it in the future. Hope that makes sense 

[jaz28]

Hi there,

I am sorry you are experiencing this. Stressing about these things is normal and it is hard at the moment with all the interest rate hikes and cost of living expenses. I try to focus on the present and make plans for the future - sometimes thinking of the worst-case scenario can help, because often the worst-case scenario may not be that bad, but at least you have thought about it (and it is unlikely to happen).

If you are struggling, it might be worth seeing your GP.

I hope things improve,

Jaz xx

[Pink grapefruit]

Hi geoff, thank you for your message. It is difficult to change what has been decided on the contract already but yes we will try to put on hold or select more reasonable options wherever possible. I thought I knew what it would be like to have a mortgage but all these news such as the interest hike make me worried.. what if..or are we really ok… 

[Pink grapefruit]

Hi Mark, thank you. It has been difficult for me to face the situation and focus on the root cause with all the news but I will try. It’s good to hear your and other people’s opinions so that i feel I am not alone.. it’s hard to talk about this topic in front of people.

[Pink grapefruit]

Hi blues23, thank you. I have not been great at focusing on the present or what we can do. Yes I will work on that and hopefully I can live life well. It’s hard to have a balance in real life. 

[Pink grapefruit]

Hi jaz28, thank you. I tend to look back and think what if I have done differently.. I know it’s not a good habit but this is what I always do especially when things are really bad. I hope to learn to think how to focus on the parent like you do. Those news make me really depressed.