surviving suicide - what now?

something_girl

how long has she been in hospital, is she on a medical ward still, or has she been moved to psychiatric, if just medical, she will be assessed by the community psychiatric team, asked if she has thought better of her actions and then be allowed home, they are meant to do a follow up, but this is not my experience. Does she feel very relieved that her suicide attempt didn't succeed? Has she done any physical damage to herself?

This is far too big for you to deal with, as a relative, you need medical support, it's there if you demand it, the nhs is just so stretched.

The best of luck for your niece and for you. xx

Felicity

I am sorry, I have no advice but I just want to give you some hugs and well done for supporting her.

She has somebody like you that is willing to help her, so that is a first step.

Huge hugs for you and well done. I hope you get some good advice here.

Burlesque_Babe

lots of counselling and as much practical support as possible. I houseshared at Uni with someone who tried, failed, was released from a psychiatric ward after 2 days - tried again, I found him and got the ambulance just at the same time the police were breaking down the door as he had already phoned a friend in another part of the country to say goodbye who then called the police. He had failed again - thank god, but was totally messed up in his head from some awful child hood experiences.

I understand he got masses of help after university and is now doing really well.

caraboo

Thanks for all your advice and support.

I hope she gets the support from hosp and she def has family support.

Savvy_Sue

I'm a bit worried about how she can get better so far away from her young children. You say she doesn't have family support down there, and you say she's split up from her boyfriend - is he the father? Are the children with him?

Was / is the boyfriend abusive, manipulative or controlling? Or is that just my suspicious mind?

I suppose what I'm saying is that I would be want to discuss with the hospital whether separation from the children was helpful, and if not, see what could be done to reunite them.

bettiboop

Ask the staff who are supporting your cousin what is the best way to offer her help. They may not go into the specifics of her case owing to confidentiality, however they could offer general advice. Also you may find the following link useful.

http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Factsheets/Suicide/

Good wishes to you and your family

Bettiboop
x

littlemissmoney

Does anyone know of any good books for the friends and family of people who attempt suicide? e.g. to help you understand how they feel, how to help them, etc. I could really do with one

bettiboop

LittleMiss

There is a reading/book list in the website that I made reference to in my last post.

HTH

Bettiboop
x

dholtuk2

Just to let you know someone very close to me had a failed overdose attempt about 10 years ago now. At the time it was horrendous and nobody knew how to deal with it but I can assure you it does get better with time. Counselling is definately the best option but anti depressants are great too. All you can do is be there for her and dont try to push her too soon. Try not to look too far into the future and take one day at a time. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason although it may not seem like it at the time. In time it will make everyone stronger and make you all appreciate what you have in life.
I wish you all the best of luck with this hard time. Try to stay positive as great things could be just around the corner.