My 54 year old mother, who suffers from mental illness (it was never diagnosed as to what it was)...anyways, she has always been negative, arrogant, and got clinically depressed for most of her life....she told 3 family members, including myself today that she didn't want to live any longer, told one that there was nothing to live for...and told me not to worry if she killed herself...so immediately after the first member heard this, they called me and the other immediately....it was left up to me and the closest family member to call 911 and report it....we didn't know what to do....we hastily made it to a pay phone and dialed 911...another family member and the other one she "confessed" to came just before the state police made it and tried to talk with her...she had locked me out...since it was state law that she go to the hospital, she had to. She gave me a look I will never forget when she got into the police car. Did I do the right thing by contacting the police? I think so.....
2006-12-02 19:06:39 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
YES of course you did the right thing. Good for you. It is hard sometimes when things are left on your shoulders. YOu did a very good thing and I am sure you saved her life and she will get some help now. Good luck to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers.
2006-12-02 19:12:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
yes. you did. Your mother was ill. She probably wasn't too aware of how these comments were making yall feel. Youre mother was angry and thats perfectly understandable! She didnt want to live, and now she's reluctant to want to live, but eventually things will be okay. In the mean time, make sure she's getting help, and you can help her too. Try to fill her life with enjoyment and content. What does she like to do? If there really isnt anything, then what did she used to like to do? Try to get her to do something like that and itll give her a flash from the past and hopefully make her a little more excited about life. Take care, okay? make sure you and your family members dont put this on yourselves. Take care and all my prayers,
--Chickalade_star
2006-12-03 05:28:10 · answer #2 · answered by chickalade_star 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you did the right thing. When someone makes a threat like that, wether for attention, or serious, you just never know. This will teach her if nothing else, that she has to not put her family through this kind of hell...and maybe she will get some help for her mental illness...the will release her, and you stand firm and let her know you were not about to let her do herself in, because you love her. You did good..it took a lot for you to do this...and she was threatening to end it all..God bless you, darling...
2006-12-03 05:26:44 · answer #3 · answered by MotherKittyKat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you answered your own question, but yes. of course it was the right thing to do. it's not up to us to interpret whether the suicidal person is simply looking for attention, ranting, or whatever. just report and let the professionals take it from there. if the person is pissed off at you, so be it. your mother was looking for someone to make the call for her, by the statement she made about not worrying if she killed herself...yeah right, who's going to ignore a statement like that? she sounds like she has undiagnosed bi-polar disorder. i live with 3 bi-polar family members...life with them is hell when they're not medicated. and they know i'll "5150" them quicker than the blink of an eye. i don't play the guilt game, life is too difficult, and too short as it is. btw, 5150 is the police mental health code in california. have you noticed how your other family members don't want the responsibility of making any decisions re: your mother? they put it off on you so that she doesn't get pissed off at them...that would piss me off to no end. i've been made to take care of my mom from the time i was 4 yrs old...it sucks, and it drains the life out of you until you put your foot down. my mom is 70, and is still living with me, but i won't tolorate anymore manipulation from her (she has been stable on meds for 5 yrs)...or my other bi-polar relatives. there are good support groups for family members of the mentally ill...you might benefit from looking into this for yourself. i wish you the best of luck.
2006-12-03 03:32:01 · answer #4 · answered by pirate00girl 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In a situation like this all of the choices have a downside. If you didn't make the call, you are ignoring a life-threatening situation, and if you make the call, you get scorn from your mother. Imagine how you would feel if you had not made the call and she died. Hopefully you can talk with your mom soon and tell her why you called the police, and maybe she will understand.
2006-12-03 03:22:29 · answer #5 · answered by formerly_bob 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Listen dear I work with the mentally ill for a living and once they threaten to hurt or harm themselves it is important to immediately seek professional help like you did she may be upset with you but i think u may have saved her life and a lot of broken hearts, but prayer works, and the understanding of the mentally illness also helps you to understand your love one as a whole.......... good luck
2006-12-03 20:31:47 · answer #6 · answered by MsThang 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you did she is not in her right mind think nothing of her action or response to your caring gesture you may have kept her from hurting herself or even ending her life If she never understands I know you should be able to live with your actions think of what may have happened if you had not made the right decision
BLESS YOU be strong
2006-12-03 03:19:13 · answer #7 · answered by BOOGIE49er 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was in a similar situation, but with my father. You definitely did the right thing. and even if she is mad at you & does not realize that you were trying to help her beleive me you did the right thing. After she gets the help she needs, she will probly realize why you did it and will forgive you. It turned out my father had over dosed on his morphine and was very depressed. He was mad at us that night, but when he got out of the hopital it was like he was a diferent person. Do not let it get to you and I hope everything turns out well for you and your mother.
2006-12-03 03:25:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes you did make the right choice. By telling people, your mother was (in her way) asking for help...otherwise she would have said nothing and just ended her life. When people tell people, they are wanting intervention, and may not even realize it themselves. I wish you and your family the best
2006-12-03 03:11:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes you did,Brenda! I understand what you must be feeling (at least partly),My father attempted suicide a little more than a year ago and it is not a pleaseant situation that you are in now.
There are some ministrys that I know of that you might find useful......I'll list them below.......God Bless!!
2006-12-03 03:21:40 · answer #10 · answered by Chief Paduke 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋