<prompt> Human: Before you say it, I know I messed up.During college I fell into some sort of depression and didnt realize I was spending so much to make myself feel better.Ive worked out my mental health issues, and am now Im school for my masters. My issue is that my debt is still there 12,000 between two cards. I know I messed up bad, but Ive matured quite a lot since then and need some advice on how to tackle my problem. Ive already cut out everything but my essentials, but Im really not sure what my options here are.I make enough to live and pay the minimum on the balances, but nothing more than that. I cant go to my family with this problem, and its taking a toll on my anxiety and general happiness. Is my only option to do this until I graduate and start making real money?Any advice would be incredibly appreciated.  <response>: Dude. Same. Depression and college fucked me up bad. 1. Lower your interest rate and lock in a plan. Discover was able to put me on a payment plan automatic payments of 325 or so and a locked in lower interest rate the other card I just snowballed all cash towards, since Discover was on a plan. If you can, check into a zero interest card or balance transfer card. 2. Make a plan for food. Find a discount grocery. Buy only clearance meats and veggies. Get creative in the kitchen. Meal prep, dont spend any money in a drive thru or at a gas station. Speaking of gas, walk when you can. All those short lil trips add up.3. Sell anything you truly dont need. I found a light load helped clear my mind, as well. 4. Can you get another job for a short while? Depending on your income, 12000 isnt that bad. I say that coming from a I was just there, plus a few thousand dollars, with a dark, dark cloud of depression overhead Totally manageable. Keep your chin up, you got this.Wishing you the best. 