Journal

You sound like such a devoted husband and proud father mark. The new photos are great, are you playing pocket pool? lol can't wait to see the roses. What a coincidence, we both love the gym. I finally fiti nto the "skinny jeans"....feels fabulous! Take Care,Katie x

I'm happy that things are going well for you! It's nice to hear, and helps the rest of us too! xxx

yayyyy i love to see a nice positive journal . glad to hear the kids are doing well, hope luke enjoys his uni experience x

You're a busy guy, nice to read such a positive journal..hope everything continues this way for you and your family..{{hugs}}..xx

Great journal!

You sound very upbeat! Thats great!x

Hey, honey.
You sound like me, in that when the depression hits, you close yourself off and no one can get close. It isn't selfish, because if the depression hits (if you're like me) you're unable to do anything to help anyone else.

As far as the bullying goes...phew. I was absent a lot from school during my last two years - at one point had panic attacks whenever I tried to leave the house. This was all psychosamatic due to bullying and other personal situations that made school THE last place in the world I wanted to be - so maybe he has been unwell.
I didn't inform the school of the situation when I was being bullied, becuase I knew that the repercussions would be a LOT worse than coping with the bullying itself, but I do understand what a difficult situation it is for you. If your son is adament about not wanting the school involved, I think you have to let him make the decisions on this one. Having said that, however, if the situation ever became physical, I think you'd have to rethink it.
The school problems.... I know it's not an ideal for anyone, but if it's becoming an issue, maybe home schooling...? There's plenty of support for this now, local authorities recognise that sometimes this is the best way. Or maybe changing schools...? I know nothing about Aspergers, but with Social Anxiety Disorder I DO get the 'struggling with social aspects' thing.
I know that this probably has not helped you one bit, Mark, but I'm here if you need me (as useless as I am, lol)
Be well, my friend xxxx

Hi Mark,
I'm sorry you are feeling down. I understand the problems with school only too well!
If you want to chat, or talk on skype, I will be happy to talk with you.
My skype is listed under the email address I gave you.
Why don't you go down to the gym? That normally helps you to feel better.
Hugs, Ellie x

oh mark... I'm sorry to hear about your son. Bullying can be such a painful experience. In high school there was a mean girl that would taunt me every day, it got worse and worse. Bullies thrive off it, when nobody steps up and puts them in their place! You need to speak up and take action, perhaps speak to the principle or have a meeting with the boys parents? Nip it in the bud before this ugly situation gets out of control~Good Luck,Katie

Dear Mark,

I'm sorry to hear about your son and what he's going thru. As a Cathoic and having gone through Catholic schooling, I realise the benefits, but it's inevitable I think in any school the issue of bullying, and when I look back there were one or two who did that to me (horrible, and I still remember).

I think personally, please address the teacher or Principal of the school (with discretion) and insist on confidentiality (Catholics are good with confidentiality) but let them know what's happening. They are supposed to be Christian (please remind them of this), and bullying is 'not on'!! They just mustn't let your son or anyone else know that you've spoken to them about it!!

Make them see what is happening and don't let them deny it!

Please don't let this get you down!

Love and bright positive thoughts to you Mark...

I'm sure all will be well!

Love,
Paula

Mark, I don't know if this may help, but I've had another thought regarding the dilemma with your son. 'asadheart' has a good point regarding meeting with the boy's parents perhaps? Alternatively, could the psychologist give your son some strategies to deal with the bully himself, thereby empowering your son, ie the use of words. I don't mean verbal abuse, but something like "It's cowardly to pick on people who aren't into fighting!" or "Tormenting me isn't bravery!" or "I'm at school to learn something and it's not boxing! What about you?"

I know, my examples probably sound pretty corny huh? But if only he had a friend who could walk beside him and stick up for him.

Maybe, your friend 'DarkFireDreams' too has a point about home schooling? Why not really? In a way it could be also satisfying to say to the school(the staff of whom don't sound that supportive at the moment) that you believe your son would benefit more positively from home schooling under the circumstances. Wouldn't it be a great feeling to say that to them? (sorry but the Irish ancestry is coming out in me!) My mother removed me from a Catholic college before I'd completed my schooling and I remember the wonderful feeling of 'freedom' - like I'd been let loose from a prison (prestigious girls' college), but very strict and there was emotional bullying, plus I was so shy socially). I never looked back! Went on to business college etc..

Another thing for yourself - I personally find when I'm fighting for some cause or other, I tend to become strong and feel empowered, forgetting my depression. Instead of my feelings going inward where I feel I'm 'sinking', they are forced outward and the energy released and the knowledge that I can do something to make a difference or finally resolve a problem or achieve some minor positive victory is so uplifting and rewarding. People used to walk over me once, but not any more!

Love,
Paula

Thanks for the lift. Here's one of my favcorites from YouTube. It will put a smile on your face:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3...

Absolutely gorgeous and inspiring videos.. loved them all!