Most people don’t want to think about their debt. But simply ignoring your credit obligations won’t make them go away. Letting debt get out of control often leads to dire situations. People in this predicament tend to make decisions out of desperation, which can hurt them down the line. Be aware of this phenomenon if you’re in a lot of debt, and consider these ways to approach your issue from a more rational perspective.

Why Is Debt So Dangerous?

We all want things. Whether they’re big or small, the objects we desire typically cost money. Debt is a way for people to get the things they want and need without having the upfront capital. Did you know that global debt by far exceeds the amount of “real” money—such as cash, checking accounts, time deposits, and money market accounts—by several times? This system is what allows the economy to grow, as it drastically increases the amount of available money; but it’s also dangerous for people when it gets out of hand.

You can’t hold debt in your hands. To most people, it’s just a number. And that’s exactly why debts are often allowed to spiral out of control.

Have You Already Exhausted All Lifestyle Changes?

The reality of debt starts sinking in for people when they start struggling to make even the minimum payments. At that point, it becomes painfully clear that debt is a very real issue. Making lifestyle changes is the first course of action for people who find themselves in this situation. These are a few places most people can quickly cut back on their expenses:

• Spend less money on TV and streaming services.No matter how much you enjoy these things, they’re costing you money every month. Consider drastically cutting down on these subscriptions, and you’ll drastically save money.

• Go out less.This means spending less money on prepared meals—and especially beverages. These things are far more expensive when you consume them at restaurant, hotel bar, café or fast food drive-thru than at home.

• Spend less on buying entertainment for your children. You obviously want your kids to be happy. But the best way to do this isn’t just handing them a bunch of stuff. You’ll also set a better example for them if you show them ways to thrive without spending money.

• Resist impulsive spending.Instigate a personal rule where you only make a purchase after you’ve thought about it for a few weeks. If you still want it after that time, it’s probably something you really need, and not just an impulse.

Do Research and Make a Plan Before You Act

Desperation breeds bad decisions. Panicking is one of the worst things you can do when you’re deep in debt. You need to make a plan to find ways to alleviate your debt issue. After figuring out all the ways you can save money, determine the best course of action for allocating those resources. You’ll save the most money by paying off your highest interest rate debts first. Be careful if you transfer credit card balances. This can be a good way to give you some wiggle room without accruing as much interest. Rates will increase dramatically, however, after the low-APR grace period.

You should also be careful when signing up for debt relief services. Not all of these agencies are the same, and some can even leave you in a worse place. Freedom Debt Relief is one of the most respected debt negotiation companies in the United States. They’ve helped countless people reduce what they owe to manageable levels. Look at Freedom Debt Relief reviews to get a better idea about how other people are satisfied with this organization.

Bankruptcy Should Be a Last Resort

Bankruptcy is a dirty word in the financial world. Yet, it’s actually not as common as you might think based on the stigma surrounding it. There are around 800,000 bankruptcy filings in the United States each year—the vast majority of those by individuals. But just because other people do something doesn’t mean you should follow suit. In fact, bankruptcy can harm you long after the process itself. First, it will destroy your credit for years. Following a bankruptcy, you’ll only be able to get loans with the highest interest rates. It can even make it harder to get a job down the line, as some employers look at credit scores before they make hiring decisions. Sometimes bankruptcy seem like a necessary path; and can tempt people with the allure of a “fresh start.” This really oversimplifies the situation. Exhaust all other options before you decide to file for bankruptcy.

No one wants to deal with debt. It’s a stressful thing that can cause people to make ill-advised choices. Don’t let yourself fall victim to debt desperation. There are ways for you to solve the issue. People have done it before; and you can do the same.