Unfiltered Story #385534

(Trigger warning for mental health issues).

There was a point in my life where I had a mental breakdown. I was severely depressed and unable to work. I barely got out of bed for 2 weeks and barely ate. It was bad. I won’t even go into how my flat looked. But you’ll be glad to know my dog was fed and walked, so he got me through.

Please keep in mind here I was living alone and isolated with no family to help me out.

Anyway. I had a doctors note and was signed off sick for a month from work with a combination of anxiety and depression. I got £92 a week for what we call in the UK Statuary Sick Pay. It wasn’t enough. I needed to sort out my bills, so spoke to everyone essential including my landlord – who was very understanding – and the local council so they understood why I might miss that months council tax (which in the UK you have to pay or risk pretty hefty consequences).

Last of all I spoke to my Internet provider, who had sent an email saying about a missed payment and to call if I was having difficulty. This was the conversation. Please remember this was when I was at rock bottom. And this was Internet – not an essential I guess but something I wanted to keep.

Employee: Hello. Thank you for calling *Internet company*, how can I help?

Me: Hi. I just wanted to call regarding my bill. I realise I have missed the last payment. However I wanted to let you know I’m experiencing some personal difficulties which have affected my income
and will bring the account up to date as soon as possible.

Employee: Right. You do realise that this is the payment you signed up for and that you’re expected to pay on time every month? It’s a basic responsibility for your account. Is there any good reason you can’t afford this now when this is what you agreed to?

I honestly don’t remember what I said after that, other than trying my best not to break down on the phone. It sounds stupid but it took every ounce of effort just to get out of bed to have a shower – it took even more to call them to let them know payment will be late.

I ended up cancelling with them and choosing a different provider. I also ended up going against doctors orders and returning to work sooner than I should. The stress of not having enough for basic food was overwhelming.

I realise that yes, you do need to pay bills. But also life happens. And I did call to explain why my account was behind, which I was told to do. The response I got was far from what I expected, and made me lose faith in their company. We’re all human and all struggle from time to time. I even managed to organise my car payments for when things were more stable. It seemed that employee alone was the gatekeeper, and I was unfortunate enough to get her answer my call.

End note – I’m doing better now. Please reach out if you’re struggling! It’s not nice being alone in such a dark place. But there is hope out there. I promise.