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Book I: Taking Charge of Your Finances
Asking for Help
You may find that you need more than pure willpower and resolve (coupled
with the information in a good book like this) to help you handle your finan-
cial problems. If you are having trouble committing to a get-out-of-debt pro-
gram and staying focused, or if you can't shake feelings of discouragement
and hopelessness about your finances, take advantage of these resources:
Debtors Anonymous (DA): Drawing on the time-tested principles and
approach of Alcoholics Anonymous, DA chapters around the country
help consumers with spending problems. DA meetings are free and open
to anyone. Hearing other DA members talk about their own struggles
and successes can be inspiring. And having a sponsor -- someone
to call when you feel discouraged or want to spend money that you
shouldn't -- can help you stay in control of your life and get out of
debt. To find a DA chapter near you, use your local Yellow Pages, go to
www·debtorsanonymous·org
, or call 781-453-2743.
Mental health professionals: Individual or group therapy can be invalu-
able when emotional problems are getting in the way of your get-out-of-
debt efforts. If you have medical insurance but it doesn't cover mental
Signs of depression
Major Depression can be a debilitating dis-
ease, and even fatal given its suicide rate, but
in most cases it's also very treatable. If, after
reading the following list of symptoms, you
suspect that you may be depressed, schedule
an appointment with a mental health therapist
right away. Keep in mind that you don't have to
have all these symptoms to be diagnosed as
depressed.
Signs of depression include
Sadness, all the time.
Worthlessness, hopelessness, and/or guilt
for no rational reason.
Constant anxiety and/or irritability.
Lethargy.
Loss of interest in the activities you used to
enjoy.
A change in your sleep patterns: You want
to sleep all the time, you are having trouble
falling asleep, or you're not getting a full
night's sleep.
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
A lot of headaches or stomachaches.
Loss of interest in eating or a need to overeat.
Alcohol and/or illegal drug use to avoid
reality.
Constantly thinking about death or even
suicide. If you have these thoughts, get
help immediately. The crisis hotline of the
National Strategy for Suicide Prevention is
a good resource: Call 800-273-8255. It will
connect you immediately to someone with
your local suicide crisis center who can
help you deal with your feelings.
