It is a universal human tendency, when confronted with overwhelming debt, to act like an ostrich and pretend that nothing is really wrong, when in fact you are drowning. Do not try to solve your financial problems on your own – get debt help! Granted, some of us can manage to get out of trouble by paying the debt down, but they are the exception rather than the rule.  It can be very intimidating when you are contacted by a collection agency as they often do not explain your options clearly -  their job is simply to collect the money that you owe.