Stories of families driven to the brink, when they fail to shake off the burden of debt, are widespread in the UAE.
Lack of support systems and absence of proper counselling ensure that victims disintegrate mentally, given that many prefer not to speak about their plight for fear of social ostracism, and, in extreme cases, are driven to suicide.
Making money, spending money and thinking about money take up a substantial portion of our lives. It shapes the pace of our daily existence and has profound implications, both positive and negative, on our survival. The key, however, lies in how we respond to debt, especially when it is self-inflicted. It is better not to live in denial since that is self-defeating. It is healthier to take stock of the situation and find a constructive way out of it — for the sake of our well-being and of our loved ones.
Subjecting ourselves to persistent stress due to debt can lead to physical and psychological problems: Suicide being the extreme end. It is necessary to address the anger, fear, panic, depression and denial by taking practical steps. We must appreciate the fact that everyone gets a second chance and can fashion his or her life and lifestyle accordingly. Reaching out to financial counsellors, mental health professionals, and other support systems are prudent steps to take. The lessons at hand must be learnt and we must discover in ourselves the ability to bounce back and survive.
