Hey, it's Kayleigh.
I'm in a really tough spot, and it's been hitting me hard. As a first-year graphic design student, I had to leave my family behind due to a difficult and, honestly, pretty rough situation. It's a relief not being there, but now, I'm struggling financially, and it's making everything feel so much worse.
I work a 0 hour contract, and last year I lost my job over Christmas, and it wasn't because of anything I did wrong. I loved that job, and it was a huge blow to lose it. I didn't get any shifts last month due to me being in the hospital. Now, I can't even cover the basics – rent, food, supplies for uni. I'm stuck in a £2100 overdraft, and it's pushing me to the edge. I just paid my month of rent and after that, I'm pretty much at the point of no return and have to use foodbanks and the like.
I've worked so hard for five years to get to university, and it breaks my heart that I might have to give it up. If I leave, I'll have to go back home, and that's a scary thought. It's not just about the education; it's about escaping a situation that's been really hard on me.
I don't talk about it much, but home wasn't a great place for me. It was abusive. I witnessed fighting, physical altercations and was target to a lot of psychological abuse myself to a point it left me with severe C-PTSD. That's why being away was so important for my well-being. I cannot sleep at night still, even being away from them. I have no family I genuinely trust. I'm tired, mentally ill and I'm not coping anymore at this point. I'm looking for jobs and I can't get one. I've been trying my best, but I can't do it anymore. I'm scared, I have nobody to turn to and I'm running out of options.
I hate to ask, but if anyone out there can help, even a little, I'd be incredibly grateful.
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