The Black Dog Thread

[The Legendary Shark]

Hang in there, Richer. You can defeat the dog.
.
Buying stuff, collecting stuff, though, is just a short term patch. The more you have, the more you want, it's a vicious circle. Not what most people want to hear, I know, but I speak from experience. I lost just about everything and, after a time, started to feel happier than I ever have. Sure, sometimes I get down, but not as far down and not for as long.
.

[JayzusB.Christ]

The depression is getting worse.

But I did find a place selling mint condition discworld books at half the retail price so I'm filling the gaps in my collection.

so life isn't all bad.

Once I run out of books to read I'll be well stuffed mind.

Have you made it to the counselling sessions yet?  I know you were booked in for a few sessions.  Got to be more helpful than just buying stuff.  As Sharky says, owning stuff just to complete collections will not make you happy. 

  But by all means buy them because you want to read them; I remember through one of my worst episodes I trawled through most of Joyce's stuff (as well as books that show you how to make some sense of Joyce's stuff).  A horrible time but the books took my mind off things slightly and ultimately my life was enriched for it.  I'm not sure I'd ever manage Ulysses when I'm otherwise enjoying life.

[The Legendary Shark]

JBC is correct, of course. Read and read and read some more, fill your mind with new information and fresh perspectives. It's the contents of the books that's important, not the books themselves.
.
Gawd, but that sounds pompous! Works for me, though.

[Woolly]

I hate my drawing. I've got no grasp of action, perspective, or anything other than someone just stood there. Doing nothing.

Huh. Art really is one of the most expressive, cathartic, emotionally uplifting things a human can do - but when it all goes wrong it can just be the absolute worst, can't it? I've been sunk into a few minor depressions in my time because my art's going badly - don't know if a down mood has a negative impact on the art, or a loss of art mojo brings on the mood. Either way, they seem to quickly feed each other and start an inexorable downward spiral. I end up feeling that my whole life thus far has been pretty much wasted, and that every drawing I've ever done was worthless.

You've really hit the nail on the head there Jimbo. And thanks for the compliments - for what it's worth I don't think i deserve it, but I'll try to! (if you get my meaning)

Richarthanyou - I too have spent way too much time attaching any happiness to material things - books, films, games - and been depressed when i don't have anything new to distract me.
The encouragement here has inspired me to try and draw something new, regardless what it is.
Have you tried writing?
Just thinking, if you can't find any more books to fill the gaps, maybe try your own?

Best wishes all.

[Grugz]

If you are wanting and able to read,draw etc then you're doing well,i lost count how many times I picked up a book or switched a film on only to think"can't be bothered" this included just going out of the house unless I have to (which I do today) and also explains the trich return after a few days of leaving it alone.

[JayzusB.Christ]

When I said I had a patch of land in the 'drokking fantastic' thread, it turned out I was wrong. What I have is a far lighter bank account and a knowledge of how property scammers work.

I'm going to focus on the positives in my life; having berated myself at length already for being so stupid. Life lesson: If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

[Old Tankie]

Sorry to hear that, all the best for the future.

[The Legendary Shark]

Ah shit. I hope those bastards get arse cancer.

Wish I could do something to help. There's a double bunk in my shack. You'd be welcome to the top one if it wasn't filled with books, powdered milk and washing.

Seriously, I'm just... I don't have the words, JBC, I just don't. F*cking pricks.

[Tjm86]

Like TLS says, there just aren't the words JBC.  It is galling that such people 'appear' to get away with this sort of thing.  I hope you've got some evidence of what went on for the authorities.

Love the way your handling it mind.  I can imagine all the recriminations and crap that would be going through my head if I were in the same position.

As Pratchett said (and is enshrined on my classroom door):  Nil Illigitimo Carborundum.

[JayzusB.Christ]

Thanks, guys.  All I have are his bank account details; going to give them to the police tomorrow though I don't hold out much hope. 

I have a place to live, thankfully; sharing an apartment - not ideal at my age but it could be a lot worse.  Fortunately I didn't give notice or anything.

[The Legendary Shark]

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same...

Good to see you're not despairing, JBC. My thoughts are with you and your level-headed attitude is a lesson to us all.

[JayzusB.Christ]

The reason I put it on this thread is because I've been expecting to spiral off into depression over the incident ; but it hasn't happened yet.

  When I discovered I'd been ripped off, I had just returned from the funeral of an old schoolfriend's 37-year-old wife who died of cancer and left him with two young children to bring up on his own.  Another (very close) friend of mine is battling what was skin cancer and has now developed into a brain tumour.  It kind of puts my problems into perspective -  The money can be made again and I'll get over the disappointment and humiliation.

[Tjm86]

That has to be bang to rights JBC.  One of my colleagues at school has a 14 year old son who has been diagnosed with Leukemia.  She has spent most of the past year or so back and forth to hospital with him.  She remains resolutely upbeat even though there are times when she wants to crumble.

Nietzsche put it nicely didn't he: "That which does not kill us makes us stronger."  I'm firmly of the view that it is only a failure / mistake if we let it cripple us.  If we can pick ourselves up again, dust ourselves off and throw ourselves back into the fray then we can count it victory.

[Professor Bear]

One good thing to come out of the Troubles is that there are plenty of bored kneebreakers about, JBC, so if you're willing to put in a bit of detective work and track the scammer down, you can probably get one to beat your money out of him.

[JayzusB.Christ]

Heh. What's more they'll all be on holidays down south here for the Rising centenary.