Good morning early birds!

[waterboatman]

Sunday morning. It looks like another wet one. Yesterday was somewhat soggy. Just as well I had my wet weather gear on! :o} I'm in the Heritage Centre today so I should stay dry! :o}

Lots of gold and silver at the Olympics! Didn't they do us all proud!

Have a happy day everyone!

[Sir Alec]

Morning waterboatman, feeling crap!

[waterboatman]

Morning Alec. xxx What's wrong?

[Sir Alec]

Feeling a bit depressed anyway, then had a blazing row with Mamya and erin over Markrae on the music thread.

[waterboatman]

Oh. Not good. Would it be a good idea to not go on there for a while?

[Sir Alec]

It's been my only place of refuge since I came on this site. Everywhere else, I am either ignored, or people are rude to me.
Thinking of looking for another site as I don't seem to fit in here. Quite depressed at the mo.

[waterboatman]

You're among friends on this thread Alec. Cheer up! :o}

[Sir Alec]

I can't cheer up. My only life is Dad, I have nothing else since my dog died.

[waterboatman]

Do you not have any friends you can socialise with?

[NOX]

Morning WBM and everyone.
Don't leave sir Alec, lurk on the perifery with me... I don';t fit in much here anymore either, the site has changed a lot, but how cna you have a row with Mamya?

[Sir Alec]

I haven't been out with friends since Oct 2002, I can't believe it's ten years!
I've been here since Aug 03, when my Mum got ill. She died in Oct 07. Now I look after my Dad who now has memory problems.

[waterboatman]

Morning nox. We don't do nasties on the morning thread. :o}

[Sir Alec]

NOX, because Markrae and i fell out and he is her favourite.

[waterboatman]

Alec, you should contact social services. They are professionals and can give you a lot of help. You don't have to do all that alone. They are there to help. They can look after your dad for a few days while you have the break that I am sure you need. It will cost you nothing to ask. Please do it tomorrow, for your own sake.

[NOX]

Morning WBM:)

I totally second what Waterboatman said, you sound understandably overwhelmed and you need some time for you. Do as he says and get back to yourself a bit.

[waterboatman]

Thanks for that nox. I don't like to see people struggle when there is so much help there for them.

[Sir Alec]

My sister and her useless boyfriend come here every 11 days. She does a bit of hoovering because I find it difficult with the hip pain, but then she storms around the house screaming, 'I do everything around here'.
She's been to America, she goes to parties and has friends to stay. I am here
24/7 the only time I leave the house is to feed the birds.
I cannot claim carer's allowance because I have a kidney disability, She claims it and gives me nothing.

[NOX]

No nor me, but it's very easy to feel obligated to do it all yourself, and then you get tired and isolated and a bit lost, then the smallest thing feels like and attack and before you know it you're exhausted, depressed and burned out and it all just seems hopeless- but Sir Alec there really is tons of help and you need some by the sound of it which is understandable, it's a huge task.

[waterboatman]

I understand what you are saying Alec. Your sister is well out of order! You really must go to Social Services tomorrow, they will be able to help you. Explain everything to them, including your sister's attitude, You will be pleasantly surprised with how much help they can offer you. You must do it.

[Sir Alec]

My sister is my Dad's favourite. She can do no wrong. I am the devil and can do no right.

[waterboatman]

That is often the way Alec. The people you speak to are well used to dealing with exactly your situation. They hear it time and time again and they do have answers, honestly, they do. You do not have to put up with this alone. You deserve better. All you have to do is take the first step and speak to them. You will be amazed at how nice they are!