Richard Hawley

what the f*ck are you doing here then ?????

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bring back the free trade hall

the worst thing is, i was truthful!

My ex suffered from clinical depression and attempted suicide on more than one occasion. I think it's important to remember that mental illness affects families and friends as well.

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And I listen to you call, I hardly hear you at all
I walk the quiet night, watch the river rolling by

My dad and one of my sisters suffered from depression and there were suicide attempts. Arguably it was the circumstances they were in at the time that caused the spiral down into depression and they couldn't see their way through at the time, nor did they seem able to take any form of responsibility for the situation they were in at the time. I don't think either of them ever understood the impact the suicide attempts had on family and friends. I also don't think in their case it was about a genetic disposition either, I do think it was circumstance, 'coping' mechanisms and being unable to ask for help ... and perhaps anger too.

This is a bit heavy for a Friday afternoon. London's calling.

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The way your face could light the bitter dark of every street
In every town I'll ever go

There's currently an ad campaign up here in Scotland to try and encourage folk to be themselves around those with mental health problems.

I had a very bad patch of depression the year before last, and had 3 months off work. I have to say the large corporation I worked for at the time were very good - Provided me with access to free counselling for the whole period, occupational health support, and a phased return to work. Most people were very supportive when I went back, with only a few unsympathetic souls of the 'pull yourself together' brand. Gosh, if only it were so simple.

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"Fasten your seat belts. It's going to be a bumpy night."

The thing I discovered about depression which surprised me most, is that you can be suffering from it & not realise. It's so much different from being ''fed up'', and manifests itself in ways which are far more complex than that. Also, on a personal level, the SSRI type drugs have had beneficial effects on me for another, previously undiagnosed, condition. Literally life changing, in fact.

Ooh err, getting all heavy now I got 4/6 in the quiz. It seemed to suggest I get out more ...But I like staying in..

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The heartbeat doesn't change, only the faces surrounding it.

I suffer Bulimia since the age of 17. It comes and goes, but is always there. It triggers from depression. I had loads of treatments, and I'd lived doped most of my adolescence, but nothing worked.
I need a brain transplant.

You don't need a brain transplant Louise ... you are obviously an intelligent, creative and sensitive woman. And you're also brave to share this. I can't pretend to understand why you hurt yourself in this way but I have had friends who've been anorexic and/or bulemic ... they did eventually come through but there was no quick cure, and one in friend in particular got sick of the medical profession telling her she was 'too intelligent' to be doing what she was. In the end though, I suppose they managed to confront and leave behind whatever demons they were fighting. I hope you will too. Keep doing the things you love, Louise ... you'll get there.

*cyber hug coming straight at you*

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The way your face could light the bitter dark of every street
In every town I'll ever go

if i got 6/6 how come i'm a mad fucker who's on tabs?

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don't strive for happiness, it'll make you miserable. just be content.

I got 6/6 too ... there's obviously worse out there, mph!

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The way your face could light the bitter dark of every street
In every town I'll ever go

6/6 for me too.The tablets must've worked.
Interesting that they've included a question about cannabis usage...... Most people have dabbled over the years I guess but the stuff that's peddled these days is too strong IMO. I'm not surprised that prolonged usage can lead to psychosis etc.

Due to being a boring old fart I've never tried any recreational drugs.

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The heartbeat doesn't change, only the faces surrounding it.

Neither have I. Am I a boring old fart?

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Breathe in, breathe in, breathe out.

Thank you cats, I just feel embarrased, I always write by impulse and then I regret it... I never think twice...Oh crap, nevermind.
Thank you cats, you're a lovely kind person.

Cats is so right when she says 'Keep doing the things you love'..................focus on them and ..................you will get there Louis.