It was on an Åland ferry in 2001 that there was sweet music between Therese and Mikael Johansson.
The marriage was not long after that, and together they came to form a large family consisting of six children – three of them in common – in the villa in Sandviken.
Marriage was loving, on the verge of the exaggerated.
– It was almost that you thought, “Now you have to quit”. You can’t send such expensive flowers every time a holiday should be celebrated, says Therese.
“Come as a total shock”
But just a year ago, everything changed when it was discovered that Mikael was deep in a gaming abuse.
Secretly, the caring family father had played a lot of money – and authored a farewell letter.
In pure desperation, he asked his daughters if they could help him take a loan.
– It came as a total shock to me, I really knew nothing, says Therese.
With the help of police, Mikael was pushed to the psyche, where the farewell letter was shown the staff. But one and a half days later, Mikael was printed because he did not meet the criteria to be forcibly disposed of.
A week later, Mikael committed suicide.
Was allowed to take out loans – despite warning signals
In the midst of grief, Therese and the children were forced to open letters on letters that revealed the huge debt mountain Mikael pulled on. A total of SEK 1.7 million.
Within Therese, the question was raised how he managed to incur such large debts, from so many lenders and to interest rates upwards of 40 percent.
The way out was to apply for TV3’s program Lyxfällan, which for many years helped people deal with financial concerns.
Although all warning signals should have sounded, Mikael was allowed to take out loans.
– You are personally affected by the extreme consequence. But then it is completely sick how the cynical industry works, says program manager Magnus Hedberg, who now wants to see that a national debris is set up.
The blame almost gone
Only now, one year after Michael’s death, has Therese be able to process grief. In the past, there has been no time, as the concerns about the debts have been too great.
With the help of the luxury trap, the debts have now decreased – from SEK 1.7 million to SEK 91,702.
The same day the recordings ended, the family went to Michael’s grave, for the first time since he was buried.
– Many days and weeks are completely black. It has been an incredible tragedy for our family, says Therese.
“Can’t be angry with a tombstone”
Over time, Therese has also forgiven Mikael and understood that there were two versions of him. Game addict Mikael and the cheerful, caring Mikael, husband and father of their children.
– I was very angry with him because it was a huge betrayal. But now I feel that I can’t walk around and be angry and bitter. I just can’t be angry with a tombstone. I have forgiven Mikael because he was very, very sick, she says.
Hit you can turn around if you feel bad
Hit you can turn around if you feel bad:
BRIS – Children’s rights in society. bris.se. Also have an adult phone if you want to check how to meet your child.
Save the Children – Raddabarnen.se. Even for parents.
On -call friend – receive calls from children and young people up to 25 years. Jourhadekompis.se.
On -call fellow – reached at night on 08-702 16 80.
Friends – Friends.se.
1177 – Healthcare advice and information on the nearest psychiatric emergency room. 1177.se