Schizophrenia - General Discussion

bluejackal2 said:Man, we were out grabbing a few drinks yesterday and I ended up getting totally grilled by some guy I went to elementary school with. He starts attacking me about how it's such a waste that I'm not working, especially since I finished that brutal engineering degree, and that I could be tapping into European Union grants and all sorts of other nonsense. I’m trying to explain to him how antipsychotics basically turned me into this emotionally numb shell of a person along with my illness, and why I wouldn't even want a job anyway since I'm retired and dealing with my veteran disability benefits and zero remaining work capacity, etc., etc., but he just doesn't get it. See, his business was struggling, so his neighbor—who's a vet himself—convinced him to just retire based on PTSD claims, so he listened, played the "crazy" card, got his pension, but since he didn't qualify for the specific veteran disability status, he's now trying to hunt it down because of this new law. The guy is healthy as a horse, doesn't take any meds, and now he thinks I'm just faking my mental health issues to get a check, like we're all cut from the same cloth. It's easier for him to shove that logic up my ass than to actually wrap his head around it, and it's not even the first time he's been riding me about working just because "it's a waste of a degree." No wonder people get pissed at us veterans when there are folks like him around. Look, I've got an IQ north of 110, but frankly, I don't give a damn about that. I just want peace, quiet, and for nobody to mess with me using their weird fixed ideas about what I should be doing. People should just live their own lives and stop trying to manage mine; I'm not asking anyone for advice or help.

Honestly, just get lost. If you want to work through your own frustrations and complexes, go find someone else to bother.

I am totally with you when it comes to these fake PTSD types.☕

mistydrifter55 said:Honestly, just get lost. If you want to work through your own frustrations and complexes, go find someone else to bother.

I am totally with you when it comes to these fake PTSD types.☕

I honestly can't decide who bears more responsibility for these people—is it their own choices, or the government that creates the environment allowing this behavior to persist? It isn't just about veterans dealing with PTSD, either. I actually heard about a case where a man working at a brewery was shot in the leg during an argument, and the whole situation was handled with such intensity it felt like something straight out of a combat zone.
I was talking to this girl recently who deals with the exact same health condition I do, and she actually receives veteran benefits because her mother passed away from cancer after serving. It’s a bit surreal when you think about it—her monthly benefit is actually higher than my entire paycheck, and I don't exactly consider my salary to be small, either.
I’ve also always struggled to wrap my head around why society seems to view someone who loses an arm on the job as somehow less deserving of support or recognition than a veteran who lost theirs in combat.
I’m not trying to suggest that life isn't difficult for either side, but honestly, we should all take a second to pause; it feels like people are drawing such an extreme divide over this war. 😕

Harold Anderson3 said:Aha.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I think your friend is just looking for an easy way out; pretending to have PTSD just to secure a pension feels... well, a bit cowardly, if you ask me.
I've been dealing with schizophrenia since 2009, and I fought tooth and nail to finish my degree, though I didn't quite make it, and now I'm working a demanding physical job for $1767. I could have easily applied for disability benefits, but I chose not to. Partly because the money isn't enough to live a decent life—maybe not enough to live at all, really—but mostly because I refuse to let my illness define me; I'm still young, and I don't want my whole existence to be swallowed up by a disability check.
But then again, it seems like this country allows just about anything to slide.

Honestly, if you tell him that, he’ll probably try to claw your eyes out. In his mind, we're all just the same kind of people, and he actually told me he hates my guts just because my retirement check is bigger than his. He basically said that having more money makes me a target for his resentment.

I tried to break it down for him nicely, but it's just a lost cause.

bluejackal2 said:Honestly, if you tell him that, he’ll probably try to claw your eyes out. In his mind, we're all just the same kind of people, and he actually told me he hates my guts just because my retirement check is bigger than his. He basically said that having more money makes me a target for his resentment.

I tried to break it down for him nicely, but it's just a lost cause.

Well, he isn't exactly acting rational, is he? On top of being completely incompetent, he's clearly not the brightest bulb either. I can't tell if he's truly that incapable or if he's actually quite talented and just made sure he had a solid pension waiting for him while he's still young and healthy. 😕Maybe we should just offer everyone disability benefits $417, then we'd really see how much work they'd actually put in.

Harold Anderson3 said:Well, he isn't exactly acting rational, is he? On top of being completely incompetent, he's clearly not the brightest bulb either. I can't tell if he's truly that incapable or if he's actually quite talented and just made sure he had a solid pension waiting for him while he's still young and healthy. 😕Maybe we should just offer everyone disability benefits $417, then we'd really see how much work they'd actually put in.

As far as I know, you can still work even if you're retired. That's how the laws are set up here in the States. I'm not entirely sure if there's a legal distinction between standard retirement and disability status, but yeah, working while retired is totally fine. You don't lose any of your benefits. My doctor told me that directly when I went in for my medical evaluation, and I heard the same thing when my brother went through his assessment. He actually had to undergo a lung transplant—both lungs, can you believe it? Even in retirement, he can work if he feels up to it. You don't forfeit your rights just because you decide to pick up a job. Your pension checks keep coming. Like I said, I don't know if the rules differ for disability vs. regular retirement. I didn't ask which specific agency his case was handled by, but I'd bet anything that even on disability, you could still work without losing everything.

Jose Ward4 said:As far as I know, you can still work even if you're retired. That's how the laws are set up here in the States. I'm not entirely sure if there's a legal distinction between standard retirement and disability status, but yeah, working while retired is totally fine. You don't lose any of your benefits. My doctor told me that directly when I went in for my medical evaluation, and I heard the same thing when my brother went through his assessment. He actually had to undergo a lung transplant—both lungs, can you believe it? Even in retirement, he can work if he feels up to it. You don't forfeit your rights just because you decide to pick up a job. Your pension checks keep coming. Like I said, I don't know if the rules differ for disability vs. regular retirement. I didn't ask which specific agency his case was handled by, but I'd bet anything that even on disability, you could still work without losing everything.

I think the real question isn't whether you're legally allowed to work while on retirement—though I suspect it might be limited to part-time or freelance stuff—but rather whether you actually need the retirement checks at all. After all, someone has to earn that money somewhere.
Whether that check is $1,000 or just $10, it matters. $0.00.

To give you some perspective, let's say they deduct about $133 from my paycheck for health insurance, and the medications I take alone run me roughly $1000 a month, even though I don't pay for them directly. These are the absolute latest and most effective medications available for schizophrenia.
If I were stuck paying out of pocket, I’d definitely have to switch to much cheaper alternatives.

Harold Anderson3 said:I think the real question isn't whether you're legally allowed to work while on retirement—though I suspect it might be limited to part-time or freelance stuff—but rather whether you actually need the retirement checks at all. After all, someone has to earn that money somewhere.
Whether that check is $1,000 or just $10, it matters. $0.00.

To give you some perspective, let's say they deduct about $133 from my paycheck for health insurance, and the medications I take alone run me roughly $1000 a month, even though I don't pay for them directly. These are the absolute latest and most effective medications available for schizophrenia.
If I were stuck paying out of pocket, I’d definitely have to switch to much cheaper alternatives.

I have to disagree there. I am one hundred percent certain you can hold down a full-time job even if you've retired. I’m just not sure if there’s a legal distinction between disability benefits and standard retirement when it comes to working. Honestly? If it were up to me, I wouldn't work. Why take the hard road when there's an easier path available? Why make life harder than it needs to be? If I were pulling in $10,000 or even $5,000 a month in retirement, I probably wouldn't be looking for a job either. That money would hit my account every month and I wouldn't give it a second thought. I think most people feel the exact same way, which is why nobody wants to give up those benefits. Why go to work if you don't have to? Man, if I could pull that off, I’d be the happiest person alive, and I truly wouldn't care what anyone else thinks. That’s just how I see it.

Jose Ward4 said:I have to disagree there. I am one hundred percent certain you can hold down a full-time job even if you've retired. I’m just not sure if there’s a legal distinction between disability benefits and standard retirement when it comes to working. Honestly? If it were up to me, I wouldn't work. Why take the hard road when there's an easier path available? Why make life harder than it needs to be? If I were pulling in $10,000 or even $5,000 a month in retirement, I probably wouldn't be looking for a job either. That money would hit my account every month and I wouldn't give it a second thought. I think most people feel the exact same way, which is why nobody wants to give up those benefits. Why go to work if you don't have to? Man, if I could pull that off, I’d be the happiest person alive, and I truly wouldn't care what anyone else thinks. That’s just how I see it.

Well, I'm not entirely sure about the specifics of working while on a pension or how much one can actually earn before it impacts things.
In my case, they offered me disability benefits $417 along with a utility voucher $67.
If I found myself unable to work, I'd take those benefits and just find a way to get by—between my mom's Social Security and my own disability check, we'd manage to survive.
And if they offered me a full retirement package $2000, similar to what I mentioned regarding that woman earlier, I’d jump at the chance. I could sleep in as late as I wanted, keep my back and knees from aching too much, and if I ever felt like being productive, I might mow a neighbor's lawn or head out for a day of fishing.
But then again, who would be left to do the work? The government is already struggling to balance the books, and the sheer number of retirees is definitely part of that equation. It's not the only issue, of course, but it's certainly a significant factor.
To be truthful, I'm working right now and it feels fine, but who knows what the landscape will look like ten years down the road? Maybe I'll eventually be forced to accept whatever pension comes my way. But I suppose I'll cross that bridge when I get to it; for now, I'm not worrying about it.

Jose Ward4 said:I have to disagree there. I am one hundred percent certain you can hold down a full-time job even if you've retired. I’m just not sure if there’s a legal distinction between disability benefits and standard retirement when it comes to working. Honestly? If it were up to me, I wouldn't work. Why take the hard road when there's an easier path available? Why make life harder than it needs to be? If I were pulling in $10,000 or even $5,000 a month in retirement, I probably wouldn't be looking for a job either. That money would hit my account every month and I wouldn't give it a second thought. I think most people feel the exact same way, which is why nobody wants to give up those benefits. Why go to work if you don't have to? Man, if I could pull that off, I’d be the happiest person alive, and I truly wouldn't care what anyone else thinks. That’s just how I see it.

Look, if you're on professional disability and you still have some capacity to work, then yeah, you can hold down a job. But if you've been declared totally disabled with zero remaining ability to work, there isn't any legal employment left for you for the rest of your life—unless you decide to go off the grid and work under the table.

Harold Anderson3 said:Well, I'm not entirely sure about the specifics of working while on a pension or how much one can actually earn before it impacts things.
In my case, they offered me disability benefits $417 along with a utility voucher $67.
If I found myself unable to work, I'd take those benefits and just find a way to get by—between my mom's Social Security and my own disability check, we'd manage to survive.
And if they offered me a full retirement package $2000, similar to what I mentioned regarding that woman earlier, I’d jump at the chance. I could sleep in as late as I wanted, keep my back and knees from aching too much, and if I ever felt like being productive, I might mow a neighbor's lawn or head out for a day of fishing.
But then again, who would be left to do the work? The government is already struggling to balance the books, and the sheer number of retirees is definitely part of that equation. It's not the only issue, of course, but it's certainly a significant factor.
To be truthful, I'm working right now and it feels fine, but who knows what the landscape will look like ten years down the road? Maybe I'll eventually be forced to accept whatever pension comes my way. But I suppose I'll cross that bridge when I get to it; for now, I'm not worrying about it.

Look, I know you're right. Of course, those pensions are huge, but honestly, who cares? If they actually wanted to change things so we all lived better, they would have done it twenty years ago. I’m not one for taking the hard road. Personally, I think everything should just be easy and smooth. I mean, with all the technology we have today—especially here in the USA, Germany, and other developed nations—tractors run on GPS without drivers. We have satellites for weather forecasting. It feels like society has convinced us that life *has* to be a struggle, but everything should really be simple. No one should ever go hungry, and everyone’s basic needs should be met. What can I say? You know how it is. Tons of food are thrown away just to prevent prices from dropping low enough to be free. But that doesn't serve anyone's interests. If I were retired with enough cash, I’d spend my time doing something I love, something that brings me joy. If I still had some energy left, maybe I’d even start a small business to give something back to the community. There are people out there who are truly suffering.

Right now, I receive partial disability $200 every month, and I’m allowed to work without losing my benefits. I can go out and earn money, and the checks still come in. That started this year.

bluejackal2 said:Look, if you're on professional disability and you still have some capacity to work, then yeah, you can hold down a job. But if you've been declared totally disabled with zero remaining ability to work, there isn't any legal employment left for you for the rest of your life—unless you decide to go off the grid and work under the table.

Aha, so that’s the catch. I knew there was a loophole somewhere, I just didn't realize where it was. My brother went through this—he was granted disability based on remaining work capacity. Now it all makes sense.

Harold Anderson3 said:Aha.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I think your friend is just looking for an easy way out; pretending to have PTSD just to secure a pension feels... well, a bit cowardly, if you ask me.
I've been dealing with schizophrenia since 2009, and I fought tooth and nail to finish my degree, though I didn't quite make it, and now I'm working a demanding physical job for $1767. I could have easily applied for disability benefits, but I chose not to. Partly because the money isn't enough to live a decent life—maybe not enough to live at all, really—but mostly because I refuse to let my illness define me; I'm still young, and I don't want my whole existence to be swallowed up by a disability check.
But then again, it seems like this country allows just about anything to slide.

Back in late 2006—about two and a half years after I’d been laid off and was feeling absolutely exhausted and bitter toward the entire world—I finally made an appointment with my psychiatrist to get some sleep medication because I simply couldn't rest. While I was sitting there in the waiting room, I noticed a man who... Is there any greater mystery than the silence that follows such a question? If one were to finally settle their combat-related PTSD pension and spend those days recovering at a tranquil resort like Popovača, wouldn't life feel somewhat balanced? I recently went in for an extensive evaluation, though my doctor only spared me a mere ten minutes of her time; however, I made sure to state immediately that my disability has been severe since before I turned eighteen. I shared how I attended specialized training, worked hard, and was ultimately terminated from my position after being exploited by an employer—a situation that led to the unfortunate reality that I have struggled to find any meaningful employment since.

When I attempted to wean myself off hypnotics, knowing full well they only offer temporary relief, I transitioned to a herbal sedative instead and informed my doctor of the change. She responded with such blunt, jarring force—essentially telling me that because I had chosen alternative remedies, she could no longer treat me! Why couldn't she have offered a more nuanced perspective? Could she not have said something like, "I don't personally endorse this approach, but I understand your desire to minimize your medication"? After all, surely she knows better than anyone that hypnotics are merely a fleeting fix. Is it not simply too soon? Was it not at least somewhat tolerable until roughly 2008, before this entire crisis descended upon us?

When I finally sat down with my neuropsychiatrist after that previous doctor insisted I continue with hypnotics, I tried to explain that I wanted him to take over my care because his predecessor had been so unreliable... but I couldn't even finish my thought before he cut me off. He snapped at me, almost like a junkie looking for a fix, saying, "Well, you came to me, didn't you?" It turns out that previous doctor was constantly taking medical leave, leaving her patients dumped squarely on his shoulders. Now, I can certainly feel empathy for him—after all, we live in a system built on solidarity—but if anyone can afford to look the other way when things get messy, it’s highly educated professionals like psychologists and psychiatrists. I saw him a few times, but I was left with such a bitter taste in my mouth from our first encounter that I just kept moving. I went to a second doctor, then a third, then a fourth. Finally, I found someone who is truly composed; she actually listens to her patients for twenty-five or thirty minutes, rather than rushing them through in ten like that neurotic neuropsychiatrist or the one who was always out on leave fixing military pensions under the table.

Harold Anderson3 Asks one:
Since I was diagnosed with schizophrenia back in 2009, I have poured every ounce of my soul into trying to complete my university degree, yet despite my most fervent efforts, I simply could not cross that finish line. Now, I find myself laboring in a grueling physical role just to get by—is it not a heavy burden to carry when your mind fights against your ambitions? $1767I could have opted for disability benefits, but I simply refused to go down that path. First and foremost, because let’s be honest—is that amount of money even enough to sustain a decent standard of living? Perhaps it isn't even worth pursuing for any kind of meaningful existence at all. Furthermore, I have absolutely no intention of surrendering myself to this illness; am I not still in the prime of my youth, and do I not deserve a life that isn't defined by disability?
It is abundantly clear to me that this nation permits just about anything under the sun.

Regarding that bolded point... I wouldn't just say it’s unlikely, I am certain it isn't nearly enough to sustain a decent quality of life. For instance, suppose I wanted to purchase high-end dietary supplements specifically formulated to slow down degenerative eye conditions? If we are talking about a regimen containing beta carotene, zinc, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, pure natural Vitamin A—which is vital since those of us dealing with hypothyroidism struggle to convert beta carotene into active Vitamin A—plus Vitamin E, Omega-3, and selenium... there is simply no way you're getting that for less than 300-$117.

And where can one even find a high-quality multivitamin with robust B-vitamin dosages, or perhaps something to support thyroid health so I'm not entirely reliant on synthetic hormones? It truly is an overwhelming headache.

People are out here collecting disability checks and veteran benefits just so they can moonlight at various jobs without paying a single cent in taxes to the government. Just yesterday, I heard about someone receiving $500 disability payments who owns a tractor and a heavy-duty wood splitter, making a killing cutting wood for neighbors all over the countryside. He charges top dollar and can process twenty cords of wood a day while still drawing his full disability check! How can anyone live with themselves like that?

In the end, it leaves nothing but crumbs for those of us who are genuinely struggling, instead of providing an income that might actually reach, say, 60 percent of the minimum wage—assuming the federal minimum wage isn't sitting below $1500.

Jose Ward4 said:I have to disagree there. I am one hundred percent certain you can hold down a full-time job even if you've retired. I’m just not sure if there’s a legal distinction between disability benefits and standard retirement when it comes to working. Honestly? If it were up to me, I wouldn't work. Why take the hard road when there's an easier path available? Why make life harder than it needs to be? If I were pulling in $10,000 or even $5,000 a month in retirement, I probably wouldn't be looking for a job either. That money would hit my account every month and I wouldn't give it a second thought. I think most people feel the exact same way, which is why nobody wants to give up those benefits. Why go to work if you don't have to? Man, if I could pull that off, I’d be the happiest person alive, and I truly wouldn't care what anyone else thinks. That’s just how I see it.

Because such a lifestyle ultimately leads nowhere, does it not? It offers no fulfillment in this life, nor would it provide any spiritual merit in the next. This is not to say I wouldn't gladly accept a Social Security check or even a massive windfall of fifty thousand dollars, but could I truly sit idle with such wealth? I think not. Instead, I would dedicate myself to completing a psychology certification—perhaps an intensive program equivalent to a year of college coursework—so that I might spend three or four hours every day offering free assistance through group therapy sessions or similar mentorship programs for our youth.

Nicole Barrett76 said:Because such a lifestyle ultimately leads nowhere, does it not? It offers no fulfillment in this life, nor would it provide any spiritual merit in the next. This is not to say I wouldn't gladly accept a Social Security check or even a massive windfall of fifty thousand dollars, but could I truly sit idle with such wealth? I think not. Instead, I would dedicate myself to completing a psychology certification—perhaps an intensive program equivalent to a year of college coursework—so that I might spend three or four hours every day offering free assistance through group therapy sessions or similar mentorship programs for our youth.

And that’s really the heart of the matter. I mean, please don't take this the wrong way or think I'm being harsh, but from what I can tell, you aren't working because you simply can't. Meanwhile, I am working. I bring home roughly $5.00 every month, which gives me the freedom to live the life I want—for now, at least. Everyone should fight for their own way of life if they have the capacity to do so. But in my view, if someone isn't able, then the government should step up and take care of them. No one deserves to go hungry or be left without basic necessities and medicine. That's just how I see it. If you can't earn enough to cover the needs you mentioned, the state ought to provide that safety net. That’s my take. And honestly, my current job security isn't set in stone forever either. Life is about constant learning and investing in yourself. There’s no guarantee I’ll be in this exact same position a year from now. Nobody can predict that. When you're out there in the market, you're essentially your own capital, and you're entirely dependent on yourself.

By the way, I work for an international corporation, which is exactly why my paycheck is so substantial. They actually value their employees—it’s a completely different world compared to how things work here in the States. They pay me a fair wage because they know if they didn't meet my asking price, I’d just pack up and head straight to a competitor. I just wanted to put that out there. Also, why don't you consider starting your own woodcutting business if you have the chance? Or at least, if the circumstances allow for it. You could simply aim to provide better service than the current guy or maybe undercut his pricing just a little bit. You've got to get creative with it.

Jose Ward4 said:By the way, I work for an international corporation, which is exactly why my paycheck is so substantial. They actually value their employees—it’s a completely different world compared to how things work here in the States. They pay me a fair wage because they know if they didn't meet my asking price, I’d just pack up and head straight to a competitor. I just wanted to put that out there. Also, why don't you consider starting your own woodcutting business if you have the chance? Or at least, if the circumstances allow for it. You could simply aim to provide better service than the current guy or maybe undercut his pricing just a little bit. You've got to get creative with it.

The fundamental issue lies in the fact that I truly cannot do it, for I lack physical strength. While I might manage to move a heavy wardrobe or a desk, I can only endure strenuous labor for maybe half an hour, perhaps even an hour at most. After that, I am utterly spent and require a full hour of rest just to sit or lie down.

When I was laid off, I told myself, "Alright, Nicole Barrett76, you were working for peanuts at some local port." So, I thought I would attempt to overcome my illness and take whatever job was available just to provide for myself. I worked a single day, only to find that my back ached so intensely for the following two days that I could barely move. My employer was not satisfied with my performance at all; other workers had to cover my quota, and eventually, an angry employer handed me my final pay and told me not to bother showing up again.

As for this man with the tractor, he can work like an ox; despite needing shorter breaks, he still manages to cut twenty cubic meters of logs in an eight-hour shift.

That is the crux of the matter!!! How on earth did he manage to secure a $1,250 payout, or according to the latest figures, $500?????????? Surely there must exist some reliable tests of strength and endurance that a doctor can administer which yield measurable results? Should we not have three doctors conduct such tests, so that if two agree on a person's capability, the matter is settled once and for all? I genuinely do not understand how he was granted such disability status, as that should be reserved for multiple physical impairments. He suffers from stomach issues—and perhaps neurological ones too, though everyone seems to claim PTSD these days—but I am the one dealing with vision problems, endocrine issues, brittle bones, and a total lack of physical strength.

The North America. Honestly, it’s the exact same story over here in the States—only here, actually pulling a string or making something happen feels like mission impossible. Especially if you don't have the right connections.

I am curious to know how the presence of children affects those of you living with schizophrenia. I am specifically referring to the preschool age group up until about ten years old.

Since stress typically exacerbates any symptom—whether physical or mental—and since working with children is inherently stressful, logic would suggest that their presence might worsen your condition.

However, schizophrenia operates on its own unique internal logic, so it does not necessarily follow that symptoms must worsen when they are around. On the other hand, I have observed that people dealing with this condition often prefer interacting with tasks or objects rather than with people.

I recently took on the role of an auntie-babysitter for my two young nephews. When I watch just one of them, everything goes smoothly. But I cannot simply watch one at a time; half the time I am watching both simultaneously, and the other half I watch one while the other is still in school and the one I am watching hasn't started yet.

When I have both of them together, it isn't just twice as difficult—it feels ten times harder! One will be staring intently at the TV while the other is focused on Max’s heavy machinery videos. They can never seem to agree on whose turn it is to watch what. They share a single smartphone and a laptop, but nobody wants to watch clips on the phone because the screen is smaller than the laptop. Before you know it, there is a massive argument, shouting, and even fighting. Then, for instance, I’ll bring them water in two plastic cups, making sure I don't favor one over the other. Heaven forbid and may the Holy Spirit protect me from accidentally bringing a blue cup for one and a green, pink, or orange one for the other! To them, drinking from such a cup is absolutely revolting; they think only little girls drink from colors like that, and they consider themselves tough boys.

Then again, perhaps even if babysitting is stressful, children might actually have a positive impact on you. It is much easier to convince a younger child of certain things. A little kid won't call you paranoid if you try to explain that not everyone in the world is kind, calm, or helpful. They are far more willing to believe in fairy tales, and for those of us with active imaginations, that might actually be a benefit.

So, I ask you: how does looking after small children affect you, especially if you find yourself stuck babysitting for more than two hours at a time?

Carol Barrett2 said:The North America. Honestly, it’s the exact same story over here in the States—only here, actually pulling a string or making something happen feels like mission impossible. Especially if you don't have the right connections.

Could it be that things are more difficult because your region suffered such devastating destruction during the war, losing far more of its working-age male population and seeing much larger waves of displacement than we saw in America?

Though, I suppose our own economy isn't exactly anything to write home about either.

Honestly, I’m just not a kid person—I’ll take dogs over children any day of the week. You tell a dog to sit, and he actually sits, whereas a kid will just mess with your head until you lose it. Luckily, I’ve finally managed to distance myself from that chaos, so I don't have to spend my life tutoring my sister’s son in math anymore. I’m sitting there busting my back trying to explain basic concepts to him, and out of nowhere, he blurted out: "Uncle, John Deere bought those new tractors!" Like, seriously? Who cares about tractors right now? Are you even listening to a word I'm saying? He’ll be legal in six months and has actually started to wise up, so he can handle his own math homework without me. Once he hits 18, we’re going to get along way better. Once he's an adult and responsible for his own actions, I won't have to deal with all that nonsense—childish stupidity really just grinds my gears.

Nicole Barrett76 said:Could it be that things are more difficult because your region suffered such devastating destruction during the war, losing far more of its working-age male population and seeing much larger waves of displacement than we saw in America?

Though, I suppose our own economy isn't exactly anything to write home about either.

But let’s be real—we are absolutely screwed.