What should I do first?

[JeffF1]

Of course I'm one of you and that's why I'm here.

Recently had a lot problems. I started doing over on whatever I do such as over thinking, over eating, over spending, over drinking and so on.

My main concern is over spending... now I have few debts and I need some urgent money as well for my kids.

Should I go to mental counselling or my GP or financial counselling? Appreciate your kind advise.

I'll need some money for my kids, then repaying debts. I am working but not enough.

I want someone help who can guide me through my financial problems including my mental issue. I believe my financial issue is due to my mental issue (anxiey + depression). Thank you.

[D84]

Hi JeffF1.

I recommend going to your GP as they can professionally assess you and then refer you to what they think is appropriate which may well be mental counselling or a psychologist or whatever.

On top of that, yeah, financial counselling sounds like it would help you but, as you say, it's more than likely linked to your mental health. Help you get for that will also talk through thoughts that lead into overspending. After you start that help you can tackle managing your finances with a clearer mind.

[geoff]

hi Jeff, I'm sorry that it has come to this but understand when you could be in depression.
You have asked 'go to mental counselling or my GP or financial counselling' well all of these are just as important in your situation, but first of all you need to see a financial counsellor and perhaps I can suggest making an appointment with Anglicare where the will help stop any creditors from continuously ringing you demanding payment, plus they have counsellors.
I often say on this site that they were who I contacted when in I was in financial trouble, and I couldn't praise them enough.
There are other people who advertise who are able to help you financially, that's your choice, but you can see that whether depression has caused this or it could be the other way around but I'm not sure, but Anglicare will defer payments until you are financially better off.
If you are receiving centrelink payments then you can borrow $1000 from them, this you may already know about, or The Salvos can give you a food certifate but the amount is only small.
I know that drinking may numb everything for you but the alcohol won't feed your children, and I'm not criticising you at all, because it's so easy to drink your sorrows away, I did, until I got the help I needed.
Jeff can you please get back to us as we are concerned for you and your family. Geoff.

[Doolhof]

Hi Jeff,

You have received some great advice already. I agree, going to your Dr for advice will be a good step to take. You could also phone the Beyondblue helpline on 1300 22 4636. They may be able to put you in touch with people in your area to best assist you.

You mentioned you have children, are you able to spend more time with them instead of over eating and drinking? Maybe you could all go to the park and kick a ball around on the weekends or find other things to do as a family.

Exercise is extremely beneficial in many ways, it will help you with your fitness and boost your mood as well.

There are times when I have a great need to spend money, so I go to Op Shops or second hand stores with a limited amount of money. That way I can purchase something and know I have money for essentials.

Maybe while drinking, you could have a glass of water between alcoholic drinks. It works for me. There is a thread on here too about drinking that you might like to look for if you feel comfortable to do so. Sorry, I have forgotten he title of it!

The more help you are able to find right now, the better you will be able to deal with all of your issues. One thing, try to correct everything at once. Work on one issue at a time, otherwise it may all seem too overwhelming and you might feel like giving up. Break the issues down into manageable chunks.

All the best to you, one step at a time and you will get there. Cheers from Dools

[JeffF1]

Dear All, Thanks for your kind support.

Little Background

Long story short, recently divorced, two kids aren't around me (not in Australia), few family issues etc etc.

My Feeling

I feel like I'm having brain fog; thinking not right, too easy to follow what I want to do something, etc..
Well, for this I will talk to my GP.

I still have parents. But I'm scare(don't want to hear their complains and negatives) and hesitate to ask help again and again. 😞 I should be mature enough.

Anyway, I have booked my GP. I'll call for Anglicare during this week or next week.

Thanks again. Hope you are fine.

[Doolhof]

Hi again Jeff,

I'm sorry to read your children are not with you. I'm also sorry if my comment about doing things with the family hit a nerve for you. Going through a separation is not easy, must be even more difficult when the children are so far away.

All the best with your appointment at the GP. If you are not able to tell him or here exactly how you are feeling, then write it down before you go. I do that sometimes. Helps me better understand how I am feeling as well.

Even if you don't feel like you can talk to your parents about all that is going on for you right now, keep in touch with them regardless.

I believe that sometimes events happen in life that we have little control over when they occur. The thing for me is to try to work out how to make the most of what has happened. To work out how I can do better if possible and ask for help when I need it.

Today I have had a good day. Hope you are able to connect with Anglicare and they can help you.

Cheers again from Mrs. Dools