Problems and challenges of all types have the ability to consume all our energies and thoughts. Eventually, they have the ability to lead to a depressive and introverted behaviour that is neither healthy nor desirable.

Many relationship issues surround the subject of money - and in particular debt. Where there is not a common approach or understanding of the problems, further strife can ensue and lead to friction and arguments in what was before a happy and enjoyable relationship.

Because we all enjoy the best fruits of life, money is an important ingredient since it can deliver to us our dreams and fantasies as well as the basic necessities with which to enjoy life. However, when we start to live continually beyond our means, debt catches up with us and provides a nasty sting unless addressed.

Debt will not go away by itself. In needs to be actively managed for fear that it will consume all that you have worked for. Bills can be easy to avoid, especially those on debit or credit cards where only the minimum balance needs to be paid each month.

As with any affliction, it is essential to get help and advice once you realise that you have a problem. Do not leave it too late since the longer it is left, the more painful the medicine - but there is usually a cure if you know where to look and are prepared to be part of the solution.

Free debt advice is available at any office of the Citizens Advice Bureau. They can provide counselling to help with any relationship issues as well as practical information on how to get your debts back under control. There is also a wealth of information on different options available on the internet although many of these are not free except for the information they provide.

Lifestyle changes to spending and income generation can solve small amounts of debt relatively quickly. Taking a second, part time job and being more ruthless with spending can be quickly applied to reducing the most expensive debt first.

Larger amounts of debt may take a more thorough review of finances and involve a combination of debt management plans and/or debt consolidation loans. The former involves talking with your existing creditors and looking if there is a way to pay less each month, but over a longer period. The second involves taking out a new, single loan at a lower rate and over a longer period and using the balance to repay all your existing debts and loans.

If you are at this stage and you still feel underwater, then you may need to look for professional advice to seek further remedies such as an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) or, in the final instance, bankruptcy. Professional help is available from any authorised Insolvency Practitioner and they will be able to guide you as to the optimal way forward for your personal circumstances. The advantage here is that they will liaise with your creditor to negotiate a reduction in payments and even a write off of some of the amount owed. The process is lengthy and involved, but can lead to an enormous lifting of the burden once agreed. At the end of the IVA or bankruptcy, you have the opportunity to start again with a clean sheet although your credit history may be adversely impacted for some time, especially with a bankruptcy.

Professional help is only a phone call or mouse click away. Getting your finances back under control as early as possible will help lift the mental burden and strains and help with relationships. Act early rather than late since the medicine is more palatable and effective.

Browse a range of useful websites about Debt Help.