Although unfortunate, bankruptcy is a reality for those of us living in the United States. In fact, filing for bankruptcy has been at an all time high as a result of the economic crisis that occurred in 2008. While there is a lot of research and information on the Internet about bankruptcy, an often neglected aspect deals with the emotional toll associated with filing for bankruptcy. In fact, not many people realize that numerous psychological effects may stem from bankruptcy.

It is no illusion that modern societies today emphasize notions of money and materialism to an extent that affects the core of each member of society. As Bradley Klontz, a clinical psychologist says, many individuals, especially men, put a lot of emphasis on money. This can make bankruptcy a severe emotional issue for the debtor, because according to Klontz, many of us link our self-worth to our net-worth. Filing for bankruptcy, therefore, is likely to have a negative effect on our self-esteem, causing anxiety, depression, a sense of loss and failure and even severe stress. For many, a dire financial situation can mean a loss of identity and confidence.

That is why it is important for anyone who is considering filing for bankruptcy to know that while bankruptcy might be something you would rather avoid, you are not the first nor will you be the last person to file for bankruptcy. In addition, a wide array of emotional support and counseling exists to make filing for bankruptcy a smoother journey and one that will not wreak havoc on your psyche.

Some of the emotional support that exists for those filing for bankruptcy includes online forums that you can go to as a means of sharing your personal story or reading about other stories from individuals in a similar financial situation. As Plato once said, "Knowledge is the food of the soul." In other words, by going to online forums for bankruptcy you can gain a lot of valuable insight from people with similar stories to better prepare yourself so you are not as negatively impacted by bankruptcy. A great website to check out is http://www.bkforum.com/. Not only does this website have a forum for members to view but it also has a research, blog, bankruptcy lawyer directory and bankruptcy related FAQ section. It’s one of the leading bankruptcy resource on the Internet.

Another option might be to seek professional help. This can be done by seeing a psychologist or even a financial planner. They are third parties who can give you sound advice and who will adhere to maintaining your privacy. Sometimes being able to talk about your problems or feelings can help you to let go of your fears and at the same time gain a sense of rejuvenation and revivalism. In addition, depending upon where you live, there are various toll-free crisis hot-line numbers that you can call to speak with counselors that can assist you with whatever emotional feelings you are experiencing at the time. Lastly, finding a qualified bankruptcy attorney is definitely important because he or she can help guide you in the right direction which would in turn alleviate any emotional effects you might otherwise have and can give you the jump start you need to a better financial future.