I realize the student loans are my responsibility. However, I feel as if I'm at my wit's end, and clueless not only as to what solutions are out there for my situation, but where to even begin.
If anyone can offer some good advice on where to start, I'm all ears.


I had trouble in college in 91, went on financial aid suspension because of grades, had to leave school and I too am stuck with mounting student loan debt. Last I saw the statement was $84,000. I am single, 50, and unemployed since Feb 09. My 30 y/o daughter lives in Ohio & recently married June 14. Two of my siblings live in other states and my third sibling lives nearby, busy doing other things. I took care of my mom taking her to appts, bathing her, cooking meals & taking them over to her apt., grocery shopped and generally helped where I could. Mom passed away on July 14, 09. I am so sad and feel so lost. She was my reason to leave the house a lot of days. It is obvious to me that ADHD adults without a support system become depressed individuals. How can ya not?
My advice to you is to choose your battles. Your student loans will always be there and this won't change. Since you can't pay them down shift your focus to things you can change. Take care of yourself and your mom and let the debt fall lower on your priority list.
I find I'm having to learn how to make myself my priority. I rely on my faith in God to get me through the tought times because that is all I have. I rented a room for income in January but he moved out Aug 1. My friend came to support me after mom's passing and he left Aug 2. I am now in this house I rent all by myself with my kitty and mom's ferret. It is easy for me to crawl into bed and do nothing but sleep. I've been smoking twice as much and eating twice as much so I do worry about falling apart. I cannot live like that and I know I have to seek support. I suggest you do the same if you find life overwhelming. I am proud of you for being there for your mom; she needs you!
You can email me for support or to vent if you want @ beachgal59 via gmail. Get the cryptography? Be good to yourself.
Sorry for the very late reply, but ironically, just as you discussed in your comments, one of the things I've had to come to terms with my AD/HD, is that I have to prioritize what I do (aka "picking/choosing battles"), and do the best I can in the follow through. Hence, finally getting around to reading your comments, and my late response.
Frankly, your answer is NOT exactly what I was hoping to hear (so what else is new), but at the same time--and in a weird sort of way--it was comforting to know that I'm not the only person in the world whose in this situation.
Someone sent me another response to my situtation, and what they said sort of complements what you said: Deal with getting "rehabilitated" first (e.g., treatment, behavior modification, etc.), THEN deal with the loan situation (relates to picking/choosing battles).
I'm going to follow both of y'all's advice (sorry, that's what happens when I visit kinfolk in Arkansas). But at the same time, if I hear of other, appropriate means (e.g., work, partial forgiveness, etc.) to resolve the situation a bit more rapidly.......As we surfers in California say, "Go for it dude!". Of, course, because I ain't a selfish bastard, I'll gladly pass it along at this site.