Thank you for this thread, shattered sanity, and thanks also to everyone who shared a response. I ask myself this question often and I can't say I've got a definite answer but one that pops up frequently in the temporary answer box is that I've got no alternative because I wouldn't take my own life. I keep telling myself that if I build up my support network to include a few good friends then i will be much happier and I guess it is this hope that keeps me going.