I didn't want to acknowledge that I had a problem but what really got me to open my eyes was realizing that I am headed for bankruptcy. The financial mess all started when I pulled myself out of the workforce. I was working on a really stressful job for a company that handled million dollar accounts when I decided the anxiety was just too overwhelming. I started to use my credit card to make ends meet until I felt strong enough to go back to work. I started with one card and before I knew it I had opened accounts for about 6 others. If there was a credit card offer in the mail I would take it. I didn't even read the backs of the statements. It didn't take much for me to sign on the dotted line. Then I saw my balance climb from $4,000 to $25,000. I wound up being out of the workforce for longer than I thought I would, so it didn't take long for this to occur. It took a long time to find employment once again. Fortunately, in addition to landing a new job, I started seeing a counselor who is working with me to get me back on the right track both personally and financially.