There's an old saying: "It's always darkest before dawn".

We've had more than our share of downs, especially with serious illness in our family - son's a renal dialysis patient, has been for almost 5 years since he was 15 and my husband had a major heart-attack just over 2 1/2 years ago which meant he had to give up his job so money's been very tight ever since. He's got a new job now with the prospect of making good money.

I'd do what others have advised - jump your own height to make them take notice if necessary.

Just hang in there. Things will get better.