How to Manage Emotional Stress During Bankruptcy

People say that money can’t buy happiness, but if you do not have enough, it can definitely trigger negative emotions such as sadness, fear, stress, embarrassment, and depression. If you are financially broke, creditors will start calling you, you will not have enough to pay bills, your electricity will get cut off, and it can only add stress to your already difficult life! Ultimately, you will need to change even your lifestyle in order for you to make ends meet. For this reason, it is important to file for bankruptcy, which is a financial strategy to give you that fresh financial start, and so that you can allay all of these negative emotions. In order to do this, it is advisable to work with a reputable Baltimore bankruptcy attorney to make the process go as smooth as possible.

When you are going through the bankruptcy process, you may have the notion that this will instantly fix all of your problems and give you a new start. While this is partly true, you still have to make important decisions and deal with other required paperwork. It is important to manage the emotional stress that comes with filing for bankruptcy first, or it can eat you up. In order to help you cope, here are a few pointers:

  • Accept your feelings: When you go bankrupt, it can feel like you have just lost a loved one and you might even go through the classic stages of denial, anger, bargaining and then depression. Don’t beat yourself over it, be gentle with yourself when you go through them. It’s a natural thing to experience considering the circumstances. Undergoing these emotions does not make you a bad person, or a weak person, it just means you’re human. Once you have grieved and acceptance sets in, you can move forward into doing something constructive about your situation. 
  • Think of it as a learning experience: While it might not be the best experience you will have, it can still be a lesson to manage your finances better. Do not be disappointed and keep in mind that you filed for bankruptcy in order to get rid of all your debts and get you back on track. 
  • Surround yourself with people whom you can trust: Sadly, some people are surrounded by those who do not want you to succeed. For this reason, it is best to eliminate those people and keep a small group of close friends who can believe in the possibility of your recovery, not to mention your own mental well-being. Some of these people may consist of your family, friends, and of course, your Baltimore bankruptcy attorney. 
  • Talk with your friends and family: Many people are often embarrassed when they file for bankruptcy, which is why they avoid talking about it with their friends and family. Unfortunately, keeping it in can greatly increase your stress levels. However, if you talk about it with your closest friends and family, then it can keep your stress levels down. Talking about your feelings about what you are going through can help you unload some of the stress surrounding your bankruptcy. You might be surprised as to how supportive your friends and family can be during these difficult times. 
  • Exercise: Exercising at least 30 minutes a day is a great way to maintain your emotional health during these stressful times. It has been proven that exercise enhances your mood and reduces stress. It also gives you an opportunity to meditate, let go, and forget about your bankruptcy problems for a little while. Plus, it can help you get some sleep. 
  • Develop a financial plan: In order to keep calm and slowly solve your problem, you can sit down and develop a financial plan. Start by creating a budget and setting financial goals that you can follow. This is a good way to give you a stable life after your bankruptcy so that you do not have to deal with this situation again. Creditors will be there after your bankruptcy, trying to get you back into their game, so be cautious and be more perceptive. 

Filing for bankruptcy is never easy, which is why it is important to take care of your emotional steps. The more you are able to manage the stress associated with bankruptcy, the smoother the process will be. If you are in need of a trusted Baltimore bankruptcy attorney, Richard Hackerman is ready to help. Each client is welcomed with no judgment and full understanding of how difficult the journey can be. For more information call at 410.243.8800 or 888-243-5500 and Richard Hackerman will walk you to your fresh financial start with ease.