Little Italy 26

[Rosa]

Siamo qui ... Ciao a tutti !

Bearcrumble I bet Franca will be able to tell you the kind of people you need to look for or possibly a start. I haven't a clue I am afraid and I know that things are rather different than in the Uk but I am sure that there will be some kind of therapy treatment available. Probably best to start with his medico di base ( like the Gp) and possibly ask to be referred.. Then if you can permit it might be best to go private many of the docs to offer this service as well as taking the state patients.
If its any consolation my father was very much like this and he needed medication as every twinge was another illness. His was and is more related to old age but he is now on permanent anti depressants that really do help. Franca will likely pop in in the next few days...As will the others who might have some more ideas.

Hi Bearcrumble, I agree with Rosa that your father's first port of call should be his medico di base (like a gp), if he has a good one, he/she should be able to refer him to an adequate structure that can help him.

If you bear with me, I'll ask advice to a friend of mine who is a social worker, dealing with old people. We are in Milan, but I am pretty sure she will have helpful advice, at least give me some ideas of where to start.

I am vert sorry for your father, will he attend places like Centro anziani or maybe places like a circolo arci where people meet up, play cards together etc?

Lakedistrict, sorry about landlord, what a pain.

Rosa, last day of school at last! And that you are so close to the lido! I agree it might be not so convenient once the heat gets worse, but it is such a great resource!

Today is ds's last day at elementari

Thanks Rosa - I think he has been to the GP but he's not keen on anti-depressants (the GP, not my dad) and has scared him into thinking that they will make his liver play up!

He had a psychologist who did give him anti-depressants and seemed to help him but unfortunately she died suddenly (I know, it's almost funny in a dark way). I know I said 'recently' but it actually has been 4 years, it just seems very recent - I guess because I only see him once or twice a year.

I've spelled the town wrongly in my first post - It's Valeggio Sul Mincio.

I was expecting it to be private, so that's not a surprise.

Franca - thank you - Papa is 67, I don't think he thinks of himself as 'elderly' - but I guess he is getting on...

67 is young ... he needs to go back to the gp maybe with his wife and get hassling them!!

Yes Franca last day and now dd1 is no longer in prima ...As for your ds going to le medie ..that is scary .Along with my nipotina zia was in tears today at the end of school. Dh says he wants to go to the beach tom but early so we don't get on cramped buses. Arrggghhh towels, crema, shower stuff, food ( dare I bring panini instead of the pasta fredda and frutta and everything else they produce') bucket and spade etc and all the other crap thats needed...

Oh gosh, no, he is def not ready for a centro anziani at 67!

Also I have googled centro anziani and assistenza sociale valeggio sul mincio and there's nothing much!

My dad is 71 one, and I have noticed that he is getting more depressed as well (not cancer), he is still working, but he'll probably have to retire next year and he is struggling with the idea of jnot being useful anymore. Plus he doesn't have hobbies etc, I think he is scared of the unknown. This is just to say that your dad's age is a tricky stage, even without the cancer to deal with. I really feel for your dad and for you being worried about him.

I have to go now, but I will think about what he could do. What about the hospital he received medication for his cancer, have they got a sportello psicologico there, maybe? (I would be on the ball for Milan, I am sorry I can't help much)

of feeling not too useful I meant. Sorry I am in a hurry, I hope you didn't find me post insensitive.

my post. Grrr. Will be back later.

Not at all! I'm grateful for any advice.

I guess I just feel that he has been to the GP repeatedly and nothing seems to happen.

If there were a way to circumvent the referral process and just contact a private therapist (doesn't have to be a doctor, could be a counsellor) then there are less steps and he's more likely to do it.

I agree that it is a difficult time in life as you're dealing with a new stage and becoming less obviously 'useful' to society. I'm his only child and we have a chequered history - eg. he remarried and left the UK without telling me when I was 12, I've not lived with him since I was 7. Anyway my 3 year old is asking to see pictures of wombats - I must go but thanks again.

Ciao tutti!!

Sorry to gatecrash but have recently discovered the existence of this thread and thought I'd pop in and say hi... I live in Emilia Romagna, have been here for 8 years. Am also a longtime mumsnet lurker but since having DS 7 months ago have had more time to actually continue lurking post

Having said that I haven't caught up on your mammoth thread so hope you don't mind me joining you.

bear sorry to be of no use to you. Recent problems with my FIL have made me realize that despite having lived here for so long the whole healthcare system is still very alien to me having a baby was a bit of an eye opener too

Hi Wallinomio, welcome! I am Italian, and we live in Milan. We moved back here 5 yrs ago, after 8 yrs in Devon. Dd was born there, in fact!

Bearcrumble, yes, it is possible to go down the private route without any referral from your gp. Counsellors are still quite a new thing here in Italy, it's probably easier to look for a psychotherapist.
I know that in many hospitals here in Milan they offer counselling for patients who are being treated for cancer, is that a route your father can look into?

Sadly, the national health system has suffered more and more cuts here, therefore less services are guaranteed.

www.psicocitta.it/psicologi-psicoterapeuti/veneto/verona.php have you checked this website already Bear?

I didn't and there's one very near to him who looks perfect. I have emailed him and his wife the details - fingers crossed he takes this step.

Many thanks x

I hope it works out Bear.

Grandeeeeeeeee Marino!
Off to catch up on thread but had to get that out first!

!

Hi Bear, another one here with a dad who has suffered with depression. The ads and therapy worked marvels for him so I hope your Dad gets someone sorted. Hopefully the one you have emailed will come up trumps but if not agree to hassle the GP. Can he just ask for a ticket from the reception there to see a specialist so he doesnt even have to see the GP and book through the local ASL?
Hi Wallinomio, welcome. I'm a Brit in Rome with Italian DP and ds and we are very happy today as we wave goodbye to that bastard Alemanno and have our new mayor .finally some elctoral results that make me happy!
Rosa how is dds nasal infection? Franca how cool for ds, his first gig! He must have been so proud. Lake glad you are settling in your new home. Must have been gorgeous this last week with the nice weather.

And lol the lega has lost treviso. unthinkable!

I know Franca!! Cannot get my head around that!!

OK, you wise women, what do I do with the tons of notebooks, books, drawings, tests, that ds has accumulated in 5 yrs of primary school? (and also )

Why don't you make a scrapbook out of certain bits so you have a record of each stage and bin the rest? I love scrapbooking :)
Or scan them on ipad and keep digital record?
Or both- scan them and use digital apps to create scrapbook pages?
Or if you arent an overley sentimental hoarder like myself you can just bin them

I am binning loads, but also keeping loads. I like the idea of a scrapbook. I think I will need a book as big as the yellow papers though, there is simply too much stuff

Ah, we gave the teachers a book with a picture of the children when they started prima and a recent one, plus pictures from their gite etc. I have also ordered one, I'll get it next week, when we go to collect the pagelle.

I am a hoarder, I had to force myself to throw away old sussidiari etc. I find it very difficult to throw away stuff. Still keeping most of their clothes (and mine too)