What would you do

Mela322

Sorry, but you had no right to send a letter to his GP over a private matter between 2 friends. He spoke to you in confidence and trusted you. You gave your friend an open ear to be heard.

We all have mental health issues at one time or another and sometimes, it helps us get back on track simply by talking to close friends. Sometimes, chit chat is just that. Maybe you were just reading too much into what was being said. I don't know what kind of work he has or if there are children involved but by sending that letter, it could have had some kind of affect in his life. We know that it caused his GP to force an appointment. You might be able to try and retract your letter but the damage (whatever that may be) has been done.

He may not be able to sue you but your actions have obviously affected him.

Kev1967

Mela332, I did not simply contact the GP without any thought. I listened to my friend for an entire year discuss with me extremely worrying things. I contacted the NHS and crisis team anonymously first and it was their recommendation that I do this. This was then further supported by mental health charities’ advice found here: rethink.org/resources/w/worried-about-someones-mental-health

And the NHS recommendation describing what to do if you feel the need to contact someoen’s GP without their consent: nhs.uk/common-health-questions/caring-carers-and-long-term-conditions/can-i-speak-to-a-gp-about-someone-elses-health/

There was no mistaking my friend’s mental health difficulties and yes we may all experience mental health difficulties from time to time but not to the extent of psychosis. My friend was experiencing hallucinations, responding to voices and experiencing impossible delusions that when twisted amounted to serious potentially criminal allegations.

chesky

Your actions do not speak of either defamation nor harassment. The letter was written out of pure concern for your friend. You did not tittle-tattle to his friends and neighbours, no, you consulted the appropriate organisations before taking their recommended action.

In the extremely unlikely occurance of further legal action, no court would dream of going against the recommendations of these authorities.

Fireflyaway

I actually think that you did the correct thing. It must have not been an easy thing to do seeing as this person was a friend. However you after out of genuine concern. If someone tells you worrying things to the extent you believe they will hurt themselves or others it wouldn't be right to do nothing.
Retracting the letter would basically be agreeing that you were lying or harassing the person which is not correct. You acted in good faith and chances are your friend is too unwell to see that or is worried about repercussions etc so has taken out the frustration on you.

I wouldnt ignore the solicitors letter but I'd reply stating you can't retract something you stand by as being true. You have no ill feelings towards your friend and you will not contact him because you don't want him to wrongly think he is being harassed but you remain worried for him and the safety of others and have a moral duty to do what you think is best.

I really believe too many people stand by these days. Im not saying we should all be on a moral crusade but when there is possibility of real harm I don't think it's ok to turn a blind eye.

Kynthia

It sounds like you did the right thing. I'd be tempted not to respond, and there's certainly no requirement to as solicitors will write almost any letter a client wants but it has no particular power. Only respond if you think it will do any good, as what you say could just anger him and start a further row.