If you've recently filed for bankruptcy, you've probably found yourself feeling a bit down and out. Maybe you're upset with yourself for allowing things to get out of hand in the first place, or maybe you're worried about your financial future and how you are going to move forward. The emotional stress that you experience before, during, and even after bankruptcy doesn't just diminish your quality of life, it can also hinder you from taking action in moving forward, and I don't want to see that happen to anyone.
Making the decision to file for bankruptcy is never easy. I know that, and I would never want anyone to take the decision lightly. But, I also know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel in every case. After practicing bankruptcy law for as long as I have, I know that bankruptcy is as much of an emotional issue as it is a financial issue. The emotional baggage that some people carry around with them before bankruptcy sometimes stays with them after the case is over. I want you to know that there are things you can do that will help you on the road to recovery and financial freedom. Here are a few tips that will help you cope emotionally following bankruptcy:
See Your Bankruptcy as an Opportunity for a Fresh Start
Throughout your bankruptcy, and especially after, it's important that you see your bankruptcy as a fresh financial start. Remember that bankruptcy is financial planning for the future. When you receive your discharge, you'll likely be in a better position to have a happy and healthy financial future. Your vision will be adjusted, and you should be able to put things in a better perspective. Additionally, you'll be in a better position financially than when you started your bankruptcy. So why make yourself feel worse? Instead, try to be optimistic about the opportunity you've been given, and remind yourself that filing for bankruptcy has given you a fresh financial start and a second chance to start over.
Forgive Yourself
Everybody makes mistakes, and it's okay. Some people make mistakes regarding their finances when they are young, while others make mistakes regarding their careers or relationships. Nobody is perfect, and we all mess up at some point and go through difficult times. I know I have made many mistakes in the past, just ask my wife and she will be more than happy to tell you that I have made some huge blunders, but, she will also tell you that I cleaned up my messes, and I learned from them, thereby allowing myself to keep moving forward toward my goals. What's important is that you forgive yourself and allow yourself to move forward. You can't change what happened in the past, but you can change how it affects your future. Also, remember that bankruptcy may not have been entirely your fault, to begin with. Maybe you got sick, had an extended hospital stay and the medical bills piled up to where you could no longer afford to pay them. Or maybe you ended up in debt as a result of a divorce. Sometimes things happen that are beyond your control, and there's no reason to be hard on yourself because of it. Sometimes, there's no way to avoid filing for bankruptcy, and that's okay.
Surround Yourself With Positive People
As you start to rebuild your life, make sure to surround yourself with positive people such as friends, family and anyone else who will serve as emotional support. Simply spending an evening relaxing and talking to close friends can make all the difference in how you look at your situation. Being around negative people or people who make you feel worse about your situation will only make you continue to feel those negative feelings – and that's the last thing you need at this point in your life. Don't be afraid to rid yourself of the people who are bringing you down.
Make Sure to Pay Your Bills on Time
One of the best things you can do to help yourself emotionally after bankruptcy is to begin taking steps to improve your financial future. One way to do this is to make sure that you are diligent about paying all of your bills on time and making sure all of your finances are in order. Create a budget, and make sure you're following it every single day. Don't allow yourself to break away from it, and always make sure that all of your bills are paid on or before their due dates.
Starting over after bankruptcy isn't always easy for everyone, but it's possible. Bankruptcy isn't the end of the road, it could be the beginning of a much brighter financial future, and it's important that you remind yourself of that. There are many ways to help cope emotionally following bankruptcy, and if you follow these tips, you'll likely find yourself in a much better place emotionally.
