Been a while, but things are tough.

[ZatZat]

Hey guys! It's been a while sinse I've posted for myself but here goes;

Almost a decade-ish ago now, I went through a pretty hard time. Over the space of a few months, my mother died, my son was born, my partner left me, taking my son with her and I lost my job. Although my issues and the battle in my head were there long before this, this is what tipped me over the edge.

For a while after, I tried to keep contact with my son and see him regularly, but as tensions grew I felt more and more like I was just not good for him and my ex partner saw it too, and no longer allows me access. Sinse then, I haven't seen him and he probably doesn't even know who I am anymore.

Sinse this happened, I've spent about 5 years in total seclusion. I don't go outside, I don't speak to people, my only communication is online, I have no job and no money, I don''t receive benefits. I'm literally only alive today because a persistent old friend refuses to leave me. A debt I can likely never repay.

But onto the present. I have racked up a substantial debt in council tax, £1200 approximately. I have 7 days to tell them how I intend to pay it, and have had email correspondence with them. They talked about sending a bailiff around if I cannot afford it, but quickly realised that every single item I own falls under the "exempt" category as I own very little of anything. They also realised that with a nil income, there's no way for me to pay it. Which leaves their other option "You will be required to show good reason why you should not be imprisoned for non payment of council tax" Now I'm not a lawyer, but the wording of that to me, sounds like they need a reason to not put me in prison for not paying, not that they need a reason I cannot pay. I have no reason. I thought perhaps anxiety might be a reason, but they'd require proof which I can't provide and 7 days isn't even nearly enough to get signed up to a GP and get an appointment. I'm not even sure I could will myself to go to a doctor anyway.

It also requires me to attend at court, which is quite literally a stage here people are paid to judge you. Not sure how I'll will myself to go to that either, especially as I know the outcome of both gong and not going is prison time.

And finally... would I be better off in prison? I currently eat very little, often eating only a couple of sandwiches a weak, 'm very underweight. I'm terrified of going outside, I have like reverse claustrophobia? I prefer enclosed dark spaces. Although kinda off topic, I've been like this for so long now that when I do go outside, my eyes can't deal with the open air at all, and they go horribly red and water like crazy and I'm very pale, god knows what I look like. I can't help that prison is kind of the answer to my prayers. I have security that I wont be thrown on the streets, always having a roof over my head, I wont be outside, I have access to medical care when required. I'll eat much better, even if the food isn't great, it's better than now. I don't know, thoughts?

[Foof]

Oh gosh.

I think you are now recognising you need help? If you are not able to articulate what your feeling and how you’re living to a professional in order to begin getting the services you need, can your good friend help you?

You cannot do this alone.

In terms of the council tax....could you send them a copy of this post with all your details? They can and should action some appropriate services to assist you. Mental health issues would be a reason for struggling with debt.

Prison? I guess it seems like an option and what I hear from that is you are ready to try and take care of yourself with help? But. You are not a criminal and ultimately you need a very different kind of care...

It’s time to switch on those services via the ways that are comfortable to you...but please send your post to court coil tax.

Keep in touch

Fiona

[Foof in reply to Foof]

How the hell does council become court coil????

[MAS_Nurse]

Good morning ZatZat and welcome back again. I was sorry to read about the problems you are experiencing now and that you seem to recognise that you now need help to sort all this out. However thinking that prison is the answer is very concerning. Some of your post is likely to be very distressing for some of our members especially the part where you are asking members certain questions.

You mention with affection your old friend, would they be prepared to help you sort out some of the problems, one step at a time? Also the Council would wish to cover every avenue to prevent going to court - so meet them half way and write to them or arrange a home meeting with them and could your friend be present?

I have put a web address below regarding debt. Also if you use a search engine on line there are many sites which are there to provide professional information and advice on this issue.

I hope this is helpful and good luck.

debtadviceexpert.co.uk

MAS Nurse

[Stilltrying_]

Foof (Fiona) has said it all I hope that, with your friends help, you are now able to reach out and get the help that you need to start to put you back on a good track XXX Sending hugs xxx

[Kittykatxxxxx]

Hi there

You need to get some help with this in the form of benefits ( such as ESA , housing benefit /council tax support ) . CAB can help you with what you may be entitled too. You need to go to the Gp and get some treatment .

Inform your council of your mental health situation and that you will be applying for benefits . I don't think prison is the answer, that is very extreme . I think you need help to get your life back on track .

Best of luck