fighting my way back from heartbreak, addiction, and crippling debt — I’m exhausted but still trying to hold on

In 2016, my world fell apart. My long-term partner left me, and not long after I was demoted at work. It felt like the ground had been pulled out from under me.

I didn’t cope well. I turned to alcohol and gambling to escape the pain, and instead I created an even bigger mess for myself. The debt piled up until it reached £68,000, and my mental health was at its lowest point. I came close to ending my life.

Since then, I’ve been fighting to rebuild. I’ve quit drinking, I’ve quit gambling, and I regularly see a mental health professional to help me stay on track. I’ve managed to reduce the debt to £47,000, but it’s taken me working 7 days a week for years.

I’m tired in a way that sleep can’t fix. It feels like I’m just surviving, not living. As a last-ditch attempt for help, I even messaged over 1,000 billionaires and millionaires all I got back were “do not contact” replies. It was a harsh reminder of how isolating life can feel.

Sometimes I think if 47,000 people in the UK each gave £1, I could finally start fresh. I know that’s not realistic, but I still hold onto the hope that one day someone might want to help without there being a catch.

I’m sharing this here because I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. If anyone has been through something similar or just has a kind word I’d appreciate it more than I can say.