I was counseled that a little depression is normal. Depression because our bodies aren't working right, because we are sick or aging is normal. Depression/grief about friends and loved ones that have passed is normal. I also have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) depression is worse in rainy/cloudy time of year, related to lack of sunlight. Depression without any reason that last beyond 6 months may be part of PTSD or clinical depression. Sometimes that kind of depression needs meds to function in the world.
Bankruptcy like depression is not the end of the world, I have survived that as well. My credit score had taken a dive as soon as I lost my job and defaulted on a car loan and I had $0 income. Bankruptcy laws are made for people who got up-side-down and have more debts than assets. It is a legal right people like me and you have to take out bankruptcy under the law. We screwed up, we are guilty of that - we are not less than human. Weather debt is discharged or reorganized, it is a legal recourse that at least allows people breathing room and may save your sanity. I had so little money I could not afford a bankruptcy attorney, I scraped together enough to pay a paralegal to prepare the papers for me. I have since then, made progress on improving my credit.

Thank you Qwit for understanding. You really don't know what its like until you walk down that road. It's a hard one. I can't believe that I'm in this position and I'm sure you felt the same way. There is no other way out (because of my health)....than bankruptcy so its not like I have a choice. I have to turn down dinners and lunches from friends and family because I don't have the money. to go. That really sucks and I'm running out of excuses. lord knows what they are thinking. I kick myself every day. I'm sure you know the feeling. Anyway ...hoping that something changes for me and it all works out. Thanks again.

I have been honest with friends, I can't afford dinner out that has resulted in I fix them a nice meal in or they treat me going out. We can only do what we can do, real friends appreciate honesty over carrying a financial burden. Even my wealthiest friends had some slim times too and what they learned is money comes and goes, enjoy it while you can, real friends are forever and their financial circumstances are not why they are our friends.

What a good post and replies.
I’m getting older, too. I have health issues that I deal with as well. I don’t like thinking of myself as old, but that’s probably another issue I have to learn to live with. lol
I always feel funny, not funny really, cowardly is a better word, when I confess my losses weren’t as large as many other compulsive gamblers, but I am 100% sure the guilt and shame I felt was just as overwhelming. I can’t gamble like other people who are not addicted to the monster. I can’t gamble. I’m learning to get comfortable with this dialogue in my head. It’s okay if I can’t gamble, my life can still be good. Little by little so many things are falling into place, in my relationships and in my own mind. I have to give my heart credit for beginning to believe in me again.
And I’m rambling! lol I’m so grateful for our lovely group. Stay here with us, we need you.
Today I will not gamble

Thank you Robin. Yes ...getting old sucks !!! I never think of myself as old even though I know I am. I honestly thought when I was young ....that old people went thru some kind of phase in their mind and they became different....like a different person. Don't ask me why I thought that ...I just did. Now I talk to other friends who are my age and ask them if they feel old ....they say no. I told them that I feel like I'm still in my 20s ....only wiser. Funny huh ? I have a neighbor next door who is 92 .....she is the first one to say .....the "old" man ......or "old" lady .....I'm thinking ...hmmm.......and so I asked her one day ....do you feel old ? she said never ......except for my health ...my mind is young. Smiles.... And now back to the other subject .........Im the type that I cannot bring myself to tell my friends ....that I'm broke. Not sure why ...maybe its because pretending is all I have .......and to admit I have no money ......would kill me ...guess its my pride. Glad it worked for you Qwit ...but unfortunately .....I can't do it.

I filed for bankruptcy. That is one of the few things I don't feel guilty for. Number one I was bankrupt weather I filed or not. Number two we all need a second chance. Number three, my credit was already in the toilet . I shouldn't even have credit right now, it would just give me a way to gamble. The first thing I learned in my first free bankruptcy appointment was to stop making payments on credit accounts. I know GA does not recommend this route but sometimes it is the only option. I agree with qwit, it is better to be honest with your friends. Best wishes, hope things get better for you soon.

Honesty makes life easier and guilt-free. Being my authentic, honest self helps me maintain my sanity. If I have friends who don't want to hear the truth or are judgmental about what they hear, they are not real friends.
I do not have to pretend with real friends, I do not have to be pretty and I do not have to have it all together. Honesty is the thread that creates trust, without which we cannot have unconditional love. This is what works for me, I don't expect it to work for everyone else.
Today I will not gamble.