If you are feeling suicidal.....

[SheilaT]

22. It is my understanding, although this may vary from state to state,

that if a person goes to an ER and says they are feeling suicidal, they can be admitted for a short period. It may often be enough to get the person past the crisis.

Several years ago my sister told me that her son had done that at least once, perhaps more. Recently I have learned from my younger son's roommate that he's behaving in ways that indicate suicidal inclinations. I live over a thousand miles away, and I'm frantic with worry. I've been able to talk to my son since learning this, but it's only a small help. I am frantic with worry. The son is an adult, 28 years old, and I understand at least some of what he's going through. But it's not that hard to get trapped into a downward spiral of helplessness and depression.

I have told my son about going to the ER. But I don't know if he'll do that in a crisis. I can't swoop in and rescue him, and I'm terrified of what might happen.