I filed Chapter 13 many years ago...probably close to 30 years. I didn't find it all that horrible. There is a lot of paperwork involved and the appointed trustee will set out a repayment plan for your creditors. It is highly recommended that you set up automatic payments each month, so you have less chance of not fulfilling your obligation. It's true it stays on your record for several years, but I found living a cash only life to be much better anyway.
I think the stigma attached to bankruptcy is what keeps a lot of people from filing. I would a whole lot rather get it off my back than have financial worries for years. Honestly, it's really not that bad.