"I'm hoping mid Jan... but it technically doesn't matter when it is as nothing changes afterwards (apart from my mental state being more stable)."
lol me too.
I wish it was all over. I pretend most of the time it is. I have a very low paid job as receptionist at the moment which is depressing. My choice of job is limited geographically by my partner so holding out for my first proper job in industry.

I'm not sure what you are like normally, but you may have to assert yourself/stand up to them if you need them for help. If like me you struggle, you could try a confidence/assertiveness course.
At least they haven't done anything overtly bad..more indirect. It might be that you can't do anything and need to find other sources of help/just get help from unpleasant people....?

What sort of timescales does anyone have? I submitted Sep, and it will be at least mid Jan before my viva.

I submitted at the end of September, and still waiting even for a date.
I've been working for several weeks in a temp job as a receptionist whilst searching for a permament job.

If not a supervisor talk to someone sympathetic e.g. postdoc/PhD.
Each setback shows you what to change next time to improve your design. A negative result is actually a result. If you are getting nowhere sometimes an extra project to create you some results will help. Can someone else confirm that it has negated all your results, or suggest the next step given this result?

I met someone who was a fulltime doctor, also working on a PhD. I met him on a time management course! He said he had no time, but that back in India he worked similar hours and had loads more time. I'd love to know how he got on...

It feels so long, I submitted at the end of September and still have no vica date.
I'm working and feel like I've moved on, but yet not finished which is wierd. Our university guide is you should take under 10 weeks from submission to viva.

How horrible, bad supervisors can really mess things up.
In a PhD it is up to you to take the lead and ask for help, and not common to be praised for work. Criticism is quite common as it is used to improve your work and remove any weak areas.
However, what a ****! You need at least a year to get going on a PhD, and you need to learn from somewhere. I'm glad you did take action, good luck for the future.

I'm guessing it is quite rare to use latex. I used Open office as I knew how to use it and feel comfortable writing in it. There were problems as my bibliography was in endnote and had to convert, and the bibliography is not ideal in open office at the moment. It did mean I could mark text with style sheets as I went along and edit fonts later.
I know someone who did use latex.

It sounds like the external's problem. People can agree strongly in academia. My advisor thought I should drop 2/3 of my work for my thesis, my supervisor disagreed. I have included it.
I'm unsure about the system for sending reports to an external (external examiner, advisor?) Not sure what you mean there.

Could you get some help from your careers service, or try searching on the prospects site for info? You could do with finding a contact working in that area.

The other option is a second supervisor. I am amazed at what some supervisors get away with.

Sounds just like my PhD. I did decide I hate the lack of structure etc etc. and am looking to move into industry when I can actually get a job. I was a masochist and just stuck it out and decided I should finish.
Glad the original poster is feeling better anyhow.

Have you taken any breaks/holidays?
Have you tried breaking it down into smaller pieces?
Have you talked to anyone (supervisor?) on how to tackle it?
To be honest I've spent a lot of my PhD depressed and wanting to give up! I spent a year writing, and have now submitted.
Good luck!

I have acknowledged my OH, but like Sue resisted in case I look back on my thesis and cringe. OH has held me together and listed to 4 years of moans, so does deserve an acknowledgement.