Those who are in a lot of debt, what is your story?

I've noticed some people find it hard to empathise with people who have been
or are currently in a situation where they are drowning in debt. Maybe
because a lot of people on this sub are doing well financially... but
there is that underlying judgment that being in debt is all a matter of
wrong behaviour, lack of self-control, or lack of motivation. While that
may be true, I'm sure it's not always the case.
So for those who are or have been in a lot of debt, I would like to know
what your real story is, how did you get in that situation and what are
your plans to get out of it? If you are finally debt free, how did you
do it?