right,

This year I didn't get into college, but I'm doing a pre-nursing course,thats fine I'm loving it. As its in the city I stay with my gran from monday evening untill friday while attending college.

My dad is a taxi driver, workes nights and sleeps during the day. My brother is 15, lives at home and is in school.

Mum never went to college or doesn't have a career, but liked her work as a childminder, but a few years back we moved to the country and now she doesn't work at all. we dont have the best relationship.

I am afraid that she is or will soon become depressed. She is left alone alot and I am scared she is drinking and smocking too much-she could be drinking up to a bottle of wine a night, As I myself dont drink or smock myself I could over react too. She and my aunt(her sister)has betrayed her big time too so thats not helping!

Last weekend when I was home mum was drinking as we were watching tv, just before going to bed she made a comment about me just going out and living my life, I took it as being an insult as thats what I am doing at present. I kind stormed off(even at my age I get easliy offended)but she came to me appoligised and hugged me, I know this was the drink as she neverr appoligises and I cant remember the last time we hugged. Putting that aside we talked that night and I got the impression that she is jealous of me going off to college.

I am worried about leaving her at home alone now and when I am at home I try and spend as much time with her as I can(even if that means my school work suffers, I dont really care)

How can I spot depression and over drinking? What can I do to try help her while I'm away? I am really worried!!!!

Call back home whenever you're free and talk to her so that she wouldn't feel alone. Let her know more about your college life. She'd want to know how you do outside there.

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I'm Kevin.