Hey there! The name’s Mars, I’m a 20 year old university student, with depression, interstitial cystitis and IBS. Due to an ankle injury I sustained during this summer I had to quit my job in retail which means that I have not been able to save up any funds for moving back to university for second year.

I will be moving back on the 21st of August, my flights have already been booked and my rent for the house, my friends and I are moving into, has been paid today (£691). My balance is now on the edge of being in the red and I will have to sustain myself on this very little amount until my maintenance loan comes in mid-September, which means I may have to resort to starving during this month to save the little amount of money in case of emergency.

On top of this situation, I cannot ask my parents for any financial aid as my mum is currently having to fund her escape from my father who has been financially and emotionally abusing her for years. And naturally, I cannot ask my Dad because he does not cough up for anyone and the family tension will make any communication with him near impossible.

My issues with interstitial cystitis and IBS means that I require a very specific diet or else I risk further damage and pain, and this month is going to be extremely difficult to stick to that diet because of my issues with money.

I absolutely hate having to ask for help like this as it makes me feel so little but I really have no option right now if I want to survive.