I would like to get my credit back on track

I started out with credit cards and loans that I didn't pay off when I was 18 and 19 years old. Later on down the road, I left my bills and responsibilities to take care of my husband in Washington DC because he was hurt in Iraq. I didn't have a job there and did not pay off anything. We got an apartment when we got home 6 months later. He was ordered to go back to Washington DC to the hospital for follow ups and left me to take care of the bills. He said he would help me out but never intended on returning. He left me emotionally, financially and physically. I went to the office of our apartments and told them that he would return (becuase he said he would) I turned in my key and gave them his number. I noticed that the apartment had not been paid and was on my credit report. I would really like to pay everything off but It has stacked up so high, it is really overwhelming. I would like help not only by getting smaller payments but would like help bringing up my credit score also. Thank you for listening. From, Mary