Yes it is true, never say never. Need to be more positive!

I'd really appreciate you sending me the link to that website. It would come in really handy.

And I will certainly let you know if and when I come to Rome. I miss Italy, haven't been there for a few years now. Think I might need to change that pretty soon!

Thanks again Sandro for all your advice and support 

Hope all is good with you.

x

gThank-you so much Sandro.

I don't know what to say really in reply-I have been quite overwhelmed with people's responses.

I'm not used to talking about myself. It's usually me who people come to for advice. Even when I was in hospital after my breakdown I just couldn't open up. When I had Schizophrenia, I had a voice in my head that tormented me if I tried to talk to anyone honestly about my feelings. That is gone now but it is still immensely hard to communicate with anyone about how I really feel.

I agree with what you say about my parents. I feel guilty but I know I musn't. I am accepting slowly that they will never accept my way of life. And that is a shame, but there's just no changing some people's views.

My passion in life is helping other people. But I need to help myself before I think I can begin to do that. I have so many dreams and goals but perhaps it is time to accept they will not happen. Right now I would prefer to work by myself. I like the idea of working the night shift in a hotel. I'm happy to do anything really. I've looked into being a cleaner recently. I just need to break my fear and go for a job.

I love Rome. I've been to Italy many times-Napoli, Sorrento, Ischia, Florence, Lake Garda but Rome is one of my favourite destinations. It's so kind of you to offer to help me find a room. How much is a typical room to rent in Rome? I will certainly think about it.

Thanks for taking the time to write to me. It is so true when you say that we are all common people: just a cut and we all bleed. I just wish everyone could think like that. Can you imagine what a place the world would be if they all did?

Thanks again Sandro!  x

And thank-you Michael-I need to keep those words somewhere I can read them often-"it's not a sign of weakness to ask for help." Perhaps it is my culture, but I've always been told quite the opposite. But really the kindness of strangers can be life-changing.

How was Hong Kong?

I know I keep saying it but thank-you. Just to know that there are people out there who do care helps me more than you'll ever know.

Thank-you Raphjd.

I know I should really seek professional help again. It's just seeing a specialist takes so long-I waited 3 months to see a Physchiatrist once despite the fact I was cutting myself and feeling suicidal at the time.

I will get in touch with the local council, I didn't think of that.

Cheers for your advice.

Thanks for your wall post. I've just sent you a PM, hope it works.

Ta

Hello,

I'm looking for a little advice. A couple of years ago I had a breakdown just before my 21st birthday. I'd been suffering from Schizophrenia and Depression but it went undiagnosed till I tried to take my own life. I was in hospital for ages and ever since I've struggled to re-adjust to life.

I eventually recovered and went back to university to finish the degree I was studying (drama) and graduated. I moved back home to London with my parents. But homelife has become so hard-my parents will not accept the fact I'm gay.  It's like constantly walking on eggshells-my family are Jewish and being gay is of course forbidden. All they ever do is argue anyway. I've lost most of my friends now as the group i was in split into two and I was left in the middle and had to choose between them. And I can't get a job because I get these constant panic attacks. My last job was in Ralph Lauren 9 months ago-I had a panic attack on the shop floor and that led to another breakdown. I developed an eating disorder and have slowly become a recluse.

The long and short of it is I can't stay here. But where can I go? Even if it's just for a few months, I have to get away. Everytime I step outside here I face a panic attack, but if I stay indoors I have to face my family's constant arguing. I've escaped a few times on my own-to Cornwall, the Lake District etc. and sadly it's the happiest I've ever been. I find it so hard to communicate with people now. I can hardly string a sentence together anymore.

Does anyone have any ideas of where to go? I need to find some peace. I've lost my faith, and I've lost the love of life I once had. I'd love to go abroad-somewhere like France, Italy, USA. I have a little bit of money but it won't last me long.

I would love to go on some sort spiritual journey. Anything really. Where have all the good people gone?

Thanks x