General Guidance

[mrs.m]

My son suffers from p.t.s.d. He called me yesterday and told me was tired of trying. His voice sounded so cold and empty. I got him in to see a Dr. at the vet clinic.His father and I went with him. She asked him if he had ever thought about suicide and he told her yes but he would never do it. He sat in front of her with tears in his eyes when he talked to her. She gave us all a bracelet with the vet. suicide hotline number on it and made him promise to let his dad or I to spend the night with him. He agreed till we got to his house and he told us he just wanted to be alone.

I even told the Dr. that his landlord had told me that he was afraid that my son (was going to do something stupid ). I started crying and begged her to help him she says ( there is nothing I can do unless he admits he is going to kill him self, I can't put him in the hospital ) I was so upset I asked her if she had kids and she said no. I told her (then you wouldn't understand that a parent knows when their child is in trouble.) She told me she would make him a appointment for next week to talk to her. What can I do.

He has always said that people who say that they are going to kill them selves just want attention. If someone is serious about it they are not going to tell anyone. They don't won't to be stopped. What can I do.

 

[Muzikluvr]

I'm so sorry. I can't imagine what you're going through. Please call the vet suicide hotline on your bracelet and get advice from them. We are here for you as you go through this with your son. I just think that right now is a time for calling a professional and taking action... and they would likely be the best resource for advice on what action is available for you to take.

Thinking of you, and hoping your son comes through this with you.
Muz

 

[Sweetpea76]

I think you are very right to be concerned for your son. Suicide rates among veterans with PTSD are pretty scary. I think I read somewhere that it was around 22 a day. You are right to advocate for him. Sometimes you have to make some noise with the VA to get stuff done.

It is better to err on the side of caution. I'd rather be loud and obnoxious to get some attention than to be mourning my loved one. I think Muzikluvr's suggestion of calling the hotline number is a great place to start. In fact, I wouldn't even limit myself to veterans services if I thought the threat was imminent. There may also be civilian resources and hotlines that can help you if the vet one doesn't work out. If you think he is about to hurt himself, I would go as far as taking him to a hospital emergency room myself, or calling a local emergency number like 911.

I'm so sorry your family is hurting and your son is in such a bad place.

 

[mrs.m]

Thank you for your reply. I called the VA help crisis line after I posted yesterday and they said it wouldn't do any good to take to any hospital they wont help him unless he says he IS going to do it. He is giving things away, and asked me to keep his dog last night. He wouldn't be without that dog it is his therapy dog. I am going to lose my son and no one will listen to me. Can you believe the crisis line asked me if I felt suicidal because of what he is going through.

 

[amethist]

If he wont say he is suicidal to those who can help him, there is nothing you can do until he does. They wont act on you saying it to them. Hard as it is, you have to be strong and hope he says something before it is too late.

Can you believe the crisis line asked me if I felt suicidal because of what he is going through

Yes I can believe it as my Dr asked me a number of times when I was at my lowest supporting my husband.

 

[Sweetpea76]

That is infuriating! I'm so sorry Mrs. M. I don't know how you are managing right now.