For those deep in debt, shame, fear, overwhelm and even the concept of “keeping up appearances” can mean reaching out for help and support can feel impossible. I lost so much weight with the huge amount of stress involved.”The debt inevitably affected her family’s quality of life. Photograph: Chris MaddaloniGaynor restricted essentials for herself as she tried to find her way out of debt. Somebody knocked on our door looking to speak to me.”Trying to cope with his debt was frightening, he says. There was often times if I saw a white van I’d [wonder] ‘God is that them?’”Others suggested she made small payments against her debt.

Source: The Irish Times April 11, 2026 08:02 UTC