I feel like I'm pretty much in hell already...
My GF of ten years left me at the beginning of this year (2008). We kind of grew apart and realised we wanted different things. For one thing, she wanted to return to her home country, and I didn't want to go there...

I took this philosophically at the time, but I guess it hit me harder than I realised.

It would have been easier to cope with the breakup if I could turn to my best friend for support and advice. But he'd died suddenly and very unexpectedly three months earlier, so I couldn't.

Around March, my old man got seriously ill, was diagnosed with unstable angina and suffered a heart attack. He was seriously weakened and needed a lot of support that my mum couldn't give him, as she's not in the best of health herself and has a dodgy hip.

I started commuting, by train, over to parents several times a week - for I live & work in a different city - and helping out with basics like shopping and cleaning. The travelling alone took up six hours of my day and combined with a full-time job, it all left me utterly knackered.

I slid into depression. And started drinking far too much far too often.

I was signed off work for a bit, but stopped seeing the doctor eventually as it didn't seem to be doing anything. I just want to unplug the phone - not a problem now, as that's been disconected for non-payment - draw the curtains and sleep forever...

Just to add the icing to the cake, three weeks ago my mum had a heart attack, was hospitalised, got an infection in hospital, but thank God survived and is now out. She'll never be the same as she was, just like the old man.

They're both starting to look very, very old and I doubt they'll last long...

Last week a very good friend, probably my best friend now that the bloke I spoke of earlier is dead, decided they were tired of life, took a metric shitload of prescription painkillers and was tired no longer.

Due to my extended absence, I'm on the very brink of losing my job while the country is on the downslope of a major recession. It doesn't look hopeful.

All in all, it's been a shitehouse year.

I forget which bespectacled, probably beret-wearing French philosopher said it, but I'm starting to agree with the lad:

Perhaps the Earth is some other planet's hell?
(dante gone wrong, Wed 17 Dec 2008, 1:32, 13 replies)

:(
I am sorry you have had such a bad year. I hope next year is much better for you.

On the plus side, you sound like a good person especially for travelling so much to care for your parents. Therefore in my opinion you will not be going to hell :)
(laurasuper, Wed 17 Dec 2008, 2:50, closed)

sounds like a rough fuggin ride mate
keep on fighting though, stupid as it sounds things change and ya can end up in a very different place. I know, i had a utter pants year a while back and things are fuggin ace now. it took some time but now its all yayyy and woo

on another note a mate of mine one told me he had decided the moon was heaven and heaven was dead. Cheery bugger eh? :D
(DreddPirateBob has watched every scifi film ever on, Wed 17 Dec 2008, 7:37, closed)

Clicked
Although 'I like this' is clearly the wrong phrase...

I empathise, because I know when I'm feeling shit it's a lot better than sympathy.

And it was Aldous Huxley I believe, so a Brit not a Frenchman!
(Son of Sam-i-am We're all as mad as hatters here, Wed 17 Dec 2008, 8:36, closed)

It's true.
Once you've hit rock bottom then the only way is up. I've done it and so have many people on here. Take small steps to turn your life around and before you know it, a year or two later your back on track.

I hope your mum and dad get better.
( girlinthehole, Wed 17 Dec 2008, 8:36, closed)

*click*
Sounds like a truly terrible year ...

My "year from hell" doesn't rank up there with yours - but I essentially found myself with nothing, apart from a gorgeous two-year-old boy who needed supporting.

It was bad for a long time, but looking back now (7 years later) it allowed me to start completely afresh and taught me a lot about what's important and what isn't.

I hope you see the light at the end of the tunnel some time soon, and wish you & your folks all the best x
(Penguins_Made_Me_Do_It is a dolt ... and she don't care, Wed 17 Dec 2008, 10:01, closed)

Hoping for a fab 2009 for you
It sounds like you've had most of your bad luck for the next 10 years already so hopefully the next decade will lovely and smooth. I'm sorry you've had such a tough year.
(sodbiscuit sodbiscuit, Wed 17 Dec 2008, 10:14, closed)

Jean Paul Sartre said,
"Hell is other people" if that helps.

Brilliant play, "Huis Clos", I think.
(bazmorningstar efil4nat3b, Wed 17 Dec 2008, 10:31, closed)

*makes tea*
*holds hand*

I hope 2009 brings plenty of good things to you.
(happylittletulip helpless and delicious, Wed 17 Dec 2008, 10:56, closed)

Ticket to Hell please...
Because I don't believe this post.

Sorry, but after the 'bean countin man' incident, I've had difficulty believing when people suddenly join B3ta and bleat a post so sorrowful that you automatically have the theme from 'our tune' playing in the background when you read it.

I don't think you'd join B3ta to make this your first post. I smell meat puppet.

& Like most of society (it seems), I am desensitised to stories such as this anyway.

If anybody is offended by my comments - then they're on the wrong site.

And if I'm wrong I'm going to Hell...at least it's on topic.

Edit: After checking a couple of post above this one, somebody has tried the exact thing I'm talking about. But they've admitted it.

So, Dante...real or no real?
(Mr Twisty Cheeky The worst kept secret in B3ta..., Wed 17 Dec 2008, 11:53, closed)

Completely real
B3TA is often a myriad of stories wherein people get to bite life on the arse.

In the Real World (tm) more often life bites YOU on the arse.

I took out a one-off reg to get that shite off my chest and illustrate that fact.

I post under a different ID usually...

Next year, I shall take my revenge! Hopefully...
(dante gone wrong, Thu 18 Dec 2008, 4:02, closed)

If you can sing
try auditioning for the X factor next year.

Semi-final place guaranteed.
(Harold's hip man!!, Wed 17 Dec 2008, 12:25, closed)

*creases up*
Good one
( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Thu 18 Dec 2008, 13:51, closed)

Your problems are solved!
Mr. Dante,

I am the heir of a wealthy Nigerian king...
( Digeridude Lord Wellington's Beef Trapeze, Wed 17 Dec 2008, 22:32, closed)