[Data]

Things are not good this evening. The morning was good at work which is a consolation but the afternoon was not. The company is usually in a state of chaos and I like order and it stresses me out. Also I find people hard to deal with and my boss has been acting as a buffer zone in the past but he is finding it hard to do that as he is so busy, so I am exposed to the chaos and its making me frustrated and sad.

When I get home its chaos, shouting and furniture being moved into weird places, arguing as my son has lost something. He has autism/ADHD.

So I go out to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. I've not been to one in 10 years. I thought it might be worth trying again, I really do need to cut back on my drinking. But I hated it, I just felt uncomfortable and I didn't fit in at all. I left the AA meeting in the break, partly because I was weirded out by a whole room of cult members addressing their speeches to me, and partly because I'd had 3 calls on the phone from my wife.

So I rang my wife back. Big panic. Daughter has an important exam tomorrow and has lost her calculator and maths set. So I make my excuses, buy a calculator that is scientific and recommended for those exams, when I get home she says its no good as it doesn't have a fraction key and she will fail!!! And then she says she has found the old one. If you could find the old one that easily why did you get me to buy a new one ??? !!!

I've left son downstairs because he shouted at me for talking. I'm sensitive right now and I can't cope with him.

And there's other stuff going on. I lost my car keys and they are expensive remote keys, I am using the spares but I really want another set. Our house is a hovel so that's why I can't find them. I can't work together with my wife, who has undiagnosed depression and dyspraxia and leaves sanitary towels lying around. So the place is a mess and there is no point doing anything about it. Anyone who tidies gets shouted at for losing things. Any attempt at co-operation ends up in an argument and blame game.

Tomorrow the social workers are coming to criticise us for the state of our house. I expect they will tell us about all the things that we are not eligible for, they are good at eloquently explaining all the ways that the state cannot help us. I might attend the evening, but its during work hours so maybe not.

Our kitchen ceiling is still cracked and damaged quite badly, I have spent about 3 weeks trying to deal with the insurance claim and its hard work. We had a leak of water from the bathroom. I phoned the insurance this evening to ask on the progress on authorising the repair, they are only open 9-5 so I have to call them from work. Oh joy!

My front drivers side tyre has a slow leak.

We need new furniture downstairs. My son decided to urinate in a crisp packet a few months ago and spilled the urine all over the furniture. Its dated and worn out anyway and needs replacing.

My son only attends school in the morning. The local council are in the process of trying to arrange for him to go to a private school for children with special needs. This is a long process which is taking months and is fraught with controversy. My wife is at her wits end and is permanently depressed.

My main outlet is that I run a group of people who go on walks, usually 3-8 miles in distance (5-13km). Its a sort of gentle hiking group. I am obese so it is difficult for me but I just about manage. I love to get out in the countryside and experience the birdsong, rivers, pools, woodland etc.

I am hoping tomorrow is a better day.

[Maven]

I'm so sorry you're in such a bad situation. I am, too, but yours is worse, especially since you have a family.

Maybe you can explain to the social workers and tell them you need solutions. Maybe they'll know some resources to help. I know it's not likely, but I'm not sure what to do.

I'm obese, too, but can't walk very much. I'm going to join a gym soon or get physical therapy (my doctor said I could do either). Good for you, keeping active.

[Sunflower123]

I'm sorry you're having such a tough time. You sound like you have a full plate. Are you in therapy or on medication to give you support and relief? I think it's great you've made your main outlet a priority during this tough time. You need that. I hope things start getting resolved and calm down for you. Best wishes.

I hope that social services can help you. Your son sounds like he has many problems, Is he under CAMHS? and if so what are they doing to help him? I remember waiting for my daughter to get a place in a special needs school (she is also autistic and has selective mutism) anyway it seem to take ages but I think we waited about 6 months but seemed like we were waiting forever.

[MickeyCheeky]

(((Data)))

[Data]

Originally Posted by Lavender.

I hope that social services can help you. Your son sounds like he has many problems, Is he under CAMHS? and if so what are they doing to help him? I remember waiting for my daughter to get a place in a special needs school (she is also autistic and has selective mutism) anyway it seem to take ages but I think we waited about 6 months but seemed like we were waiting forever.

Hi Lavender. Yes he is under CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). He sees a psychiatrist once every 3 months and the doctor reviews his medication but they don't provide any other help.