if one's family won't commit someone with mental issue what rights does someone none related have?

Question

every since my roommates mother only brother and sister passed away he has gone down hill. his brother died in a drowning accident now my roommate has the fear of water. he over reacts to the slightest thing even trivial. we changed our home phone number as someone was harrassing me he won't even call his own dad to give the man the new number an my roommate is exscutor of his dads estate. if his family won't do nothing to get him some help even if it means to put him in the hospital what rights does someone not related to him have. financial wise i can't afford to move from here.

Answer 1

I was in your exact situation not more than 2 months ago...my roommate was diagnosed bipolar. That wasn't too bad, but then the schizophrenia set in, and the personalities were physically violent. Believe it or not, you have more of a right to commit him then they do at this point; just gather up all your evidence and go to your county's courthouse, get in front of a judge, and get the order to have him committed. After you do, go to the police station of your city hand have two police officers escort you back to your place. They'll more than likely end up taking him to the nearest hospital to get him stabilized, and then they'll make the decision on whether or not he really needs to be committed or if he just needs medication. Good luck to you, I am 100% empathizing with your situation.

Answer 2

The family doesn't have a say unless he is a minor. The best thing for you to do is to call 911. If he is a danger to himself or others he has to be placed on a minimum 72 hour hold. During this time they will evaluate his condition and decide the best course of treatment. Never hesitate on getting someone help. You live with him, you see him on a regular basis and know what's normal for him. When you call theu may only send the PD, but usually they send PD and an ambulance. The trick is getting them to believe he is competent to make the decision to refuse and if he is a harm to himself or others. The PD are usually pretty good about placing them on a hold if someone expresses extreme concern. If the family tries to get involved remember they don't have any more power than you do, if he's over 18 and competent).
Hope this helps you get your friend some help

Answer 3

If he's a danger to himself (suicidal) or others, call 911. Keep in mind, that when the cops show, they will need to be convinced he is suicidal and/or dangerous. If they conclude not, your friend will feel incredibly betrayed by you. If he is really falling apart, you might have some success convincing him to go to the hospital. Again, timing is everything. Also, you could try picking up some books on grief. Maybe read one yourself, too.

If he's not a danger, be empathetic and try to steer him to counselling. If that's what you've been doing, then maybe being blunt and authoritative that he has a serious problem will get thru. Don't be argumentative if you go that route, just be stern and damn serious about it.

It sounds like he's dealing with grief and maybe some post-trauma. He may come out of it on his own, but really would benefit from therapy (and the support of his friends). That's not a weakness! Maybe offer to go to counselling with him. That's mostly to show that you don't consider it a sign of failure. At the same time, you need to take care of yourself. If you don't do that, you can't be much help to him.

Answer 4

You have NO rights to do anything. Sorry. You can suggest he get help--if you two are close (friends, not just roommates?) then sit him down and talk to him about a grief counselor and how that would help him. If he refuses, there is nothing you can do. The only thing his family could do is to take him to court and maybe have his father get "power of attorney" over him. That means he would be able to commit him if he wanted to. But getting power of attorney is VERY difficult. It would have to be proved that your roommate cannot take care of himself and he's a danger to himself and others. If he's working, or at least paying his bills, etc. that will be impossible to prove.

Answer 5

My understanding is that unless he is a danger to himself or someone else there is not a lot you can do. Perhaps you could express your concerns to him and suggest he get some therapy. Maybe write down some ideas before you talk to him about this so that you are calm and collected when you speak to him and less likely to offend him. You could suggest therapy if he would be open to that. Look into a therapist that is at a psychiatrist's office so that if it is felt that medication would help they would be able to get it for him. If he dosn't have the money or insurance to pay for this then you might look into resources for therapy that the county has. If this is a pattern for YOU to be involved with chaotic people like this perhaps you might seek support with a therapist or you could look into resources online and locally with NAMI (national alliance for the mentally ill - they are very supportive of family members and caregivers of mentally ill persons and have support groups as well)
Good luck, it sounds like you are in a difficult situation.

Answer 6

Oh dear.

I really am not sure. Is there a way YOU can contact the dad and let him know what's going on?

You might try contacting your local branch of Social Services for advice in this situation. You're right to be worried about your room mate.

Answer 7

There is not much you can do as long as he has family. Have you tried talking to his family? First you should recommend, to your friend that he seek therapy, offer to go with him, if that would make him feel better. As far as committing someone, it varies from state to state. And he does not appear to be a danger to himself or others at this point.

Answer 8

Vicarious Introspection (also called Empathy) works best. Try to relate as best you can to your room mate. Also suggest your room mate see a physician to make sure everything physical is ok. This way if the doctor finds something in need of furter inspection he/she can refer your room mate for further help. Cognative behavior therapy is also effective for learning to cope with past events. This will require sessions with a trained specialist with knowledge in this type of therapy.

Answer 9

Maybe you could call 911 if the situation becomes extreme. If the authorities see him as a danger to himself or others, he'll be committed to 48 hours. He would get a couselor, and much needed help, but I think it has to be extreme.

Answer 10

the sad thing is , that there is nothing you can do , because to help someone they need to help themself , you cant tell someone to get themselves fixed if they dont see that they have a problem , be careful with this one , it is the person who has the problem who will have to address it , you will only make him more edgy , then he already is if you try an get him help. the only way anyone else will step in is when they are mentally or psycologically unable to make that decision or judgement for themselves.