The Pressure of Debt No One Talks About
There’s something about the pressure of debt that eats you silently. It doesn’t scream. It doesn’t show itself to others. But inside you—it roars.
We often hear people talk about debt casually. “He’ll pay it off soon.” “It’s just a few thousand.” But the pressure of debt isn’t just numbers. It’s the weight that sits on your chest when you’re trying to sleep. It’s the lump in your throat when someone asks, “Are you okay?” And you still nod your head, even when you’re silently breaking inside.
When Breathing Felt Like a Burden
Back then, I couldn’t even breathe properly. It felt like my lungs were tired, like my chest was filled with bricks. My head spun constantly, like I was standing on the edge of a cliff.
I wasn’t sleeping. I wasn’t thinking clearly. Even basic things—like walking or talking—felt like I was underwater.
And still, I smiled. I talked to people pretending I was fine. Deep inside, I wasn’t.
That’s the pressure of debt—it doesn’t just break your bank. It breaks your body. Your brain. Your spirit.
How It Started
It didn’t begin with huge amounts. It started small—just like most debt stories do.
A cousin. A friend. I borrowed from them thinking I’d return it in 2 months. Then the issue that put me into all of this didn’t resolve. 3 months passed. Then 4.
I had to ask my wife’s mother for help—to return at least a part of what I owed to my friend.
From there, the spiral began.
Bills went unpaid. Shipping companies, workers—everyone was waiting on me. But I had nothing to give.
And still, I was expected to keep my promises. Expected to act normal.
I Wasn’t Just Drowning Financially
People often assume that the pressure of debt is just about unpaid bills. But it’s more.
I was sitting with my family but I wasn’t really there. My brain kept running through who I owed, how much, and what excuse I’d give next.
I couldn’t even feed my family properly. And that… that broke me.
I wanted to be the provider. The one who protects. Instead, I was avoiding calls. Avoiding people. Avoiding myself.
When People You Helped Turn Away
One of the worst things about the pressure of debt is when you ask for your own money back—and they say, “Sorry, can’t help.”
I wasn’t asking for charity. I was asking people I helped during their hard times.
But now, they ignored my calls. Some said they would help but disappeared. Others made me feel like I was begging.
At the same time, the people I owed money to messaged me 4–5 times a week.
Every message felt like a punch in my chest.
Yes, I owed them. Yes, I had asked for time. But even that time was taken away by their pressure.
The Silent Breakdown
I didn’t talk to my wife much. I didn’t explain to anyone what was happening. I stayed silent, convincing myself that my struggle was mine and mine alone.
Some nights I sat in the dark, thinking about quitting life completely. It felt like an escape from the pressure of debt.
But I didn’t quit. Because even in the silence, I found one way to express everything—I started writing, searching, and opening up.
If you ever feel you have no one to talk to, just speak to a neutral listener—even an AI like ChatGPT or Gemini. No, it won’t solve your problems. But it listens without judging. That can be a start. That might be what breaks your silence and lets the pain out.
I know I’ve mentioned ChatGPT in many of my posts—not because I’m promoting it, but because it was there for me when no one else was. It listened without judgment, so yes, I’ll keep mentioning the one thing that truly helped me hold on.
Why I’m Still Fighting
I’m still under debt. And yes, the pressure of debt still sits with me.
But I’ve stopped asking for more help. I’ve stopped borrowing. I promised myself: no more favours. No more expectations. Just my own fight.
I’m working hard. Every penny I earn, I count with care. Every little progress feels like a win.
I know it’ll take time. But I don’t want to carry this burden anymore for the rest of my life. And when I finally clear it, I’ll be proud that I did it on my own.
What You Can Take From This
If you’re in debt:
- Don’t stay silent. Talk to someone—or something.
- Set boundaries. Don’t keep borrowing.
- Understand: the pressure of debt is real. You’re not weak for feeling broken.
- Every little step counts.
And to those who judge people in debt:
Please stop.
You don’t really know what someone might be facing inside. What demons they fight every night. What meals they skip so they can send you a little payment.
Final Words
The pressure of debt isn’t just about money. It’s about fear. Guilt. Shame. And the pain of watching yourself become someone you never imagined.
But it can change.
If you’re reading this, and you feel the same weight on your chest—I want you to know: You’re not alone. You can rebuild. One tiny step at a time.
And someday, you’ll be free.
Related Posts:
- I Wanted to Quit Life – But This One Thought Saved Me
- How Losing Everything at 27 Changed My Life
- The Mistakes I Made That Cost Me Everything
