Money shortages are always stressful and serious debt can emotionally drain you.

And yet, while you'll find lots of advice about practical aspects of debt management, there is precious little help available for psychological side of things.

Negative feelings like fear and anxiety need to be dealt with before they start to overwhelm you. So here are some self-help tips on how to deal with this challenging period in your life:

-- Count Your Blessings

It's only money.

Now that's probably last thing you want to hear right now, but it's true. If your only problem in life is lack of money then count yourself lucky.

Losing your money isn't like losing a loved one, or being diagnosed with a terminal illness,

Money problems can be solved.

-- Accept Responsibility

Your own spending behavior is at least partly responsible for creating problem.

So stop blaming credit card companies for 'pushing' debt drug onto you, poor helpless victim.

You're responsible.

And that simple act of accepting responsibility will empower you and propel you towards right action.

-- Stop Spending

When you're digging yourself into a hole, first thing to do is... stop digging.

Obvious?

Perhaps. But when someone realizes sheer horror of serious debt, it's almost a natural defense mechanism to go into denial mode.

And one common method of denial is to continue spending and borrowing more money.

Just stop.

Rip up credit cards. (Don't worry, you'll survive fine without them.)

1. What's your highest priority this lifetime?

What's most important for you to experience, explore or embrace this time around? Until you answer this question, your life goals will be off purpose. Unaligned with your inner passion, your intentions will lack power to attract people and situations necessary to become a reality.

Get clued into your true joy. What activities turned you on as a child? What are your hobbies now? When your goals are aligned with your soul purpose, synchronicity kicks in to guide you to your target. When you intuit and own your unique essence and calling, assistance will flow to you from every earthly and heavenly source.

2. Is this your dream, or someone else's?

Are your goals your own choice, or what others think you should strive for? Do you want to look back in your old age and wish you had followed your passion? Will you regret having "played it safe?"

Is it selfish to go after your own dream? What joy can you give to others if you haven't given it to yourself first?

You have a divine right to listen to your heart. You have a social obligation to follow your dream. Only then can you fulfill your destiny and make earthly contribution you were born to make.

3. Do you really, really want this dream?

Do you bound out of bed every morning to pursue your vision? Or is it a lukewarm dream you chase because it sounds meaningful? Only Real McCoy will generate enough energy to manifest itself in world.

4. Are you settling for less than?

Are you resigned to accepting less than your full share of love, health and success this lifetime? Have you compromised and sacrificed your dream to death?

Anything short of living your true passions will never make you happy. Do you want to arrive at Pearly Gates with regret of not marrying that one captivating person, starting that fun business, or seeing that exotic part of world you always wanted to visit?

5. Is your dream actually just a means to some other dream?

Is your goal ultimate end in itself, or merely a limited means to that end? Isn't it really new car itself you want, rather than money-the means-to buy new car? More to core, isn't it really a renewed sense of self-worth you desire, rather than new car or house to impress family and neighbors? And isn't it really happiness you want, rather than picture-perfect mate, job or body?

Focus on experience you want to create, not physical form that may-or may not-bring you that experience.

6. What will you feel like when you reach your dream?

Personal passion fuels a vision. Dive into thrill and exhilaration of feeling of living your dream. Every moment you can, drink in joy of having your goal.