A family member (17yo) has just been discharged from hospital into our care - just overnight until his mum can pick him up tomorrow morning. The psychiatrist said that she thought he'd definitely be better off with us than on a mental ward, but warned us that he's been having suicidal thoughts and can't be left alone. She said that he's thought about taking an overdose repeatedly. My question is - should I throw out all medication or put all medication in our bedroom so that he can't take anything left in the kitchen/bathroom while we're asleep? Should I sleep on the sofa next to his bed to keep an eye on him in the night? She said not to leave him alone, but how 'not alone' is 'not alone'? He is rational but very sad - suffering with depression after a series of bereavements.
I want to ensure his safety but would going around hiding medication in front of him (as, since I can't leave him, I can't do it without him being there iyswim) be appropriate? I'll do whatever it takes to keep him safe, but don't want to treat him like he's in some kind of trouble, when he's just very vulnerable right now. He's watching TV atm, hence I can ask you guys without him seeing what I'm up to on my laptop. But I might disappear if he needs me. Thanks in advance. Feeling a bit awful and helpless...
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Mental health
Question - when someone is a suicide risk
35 replies
becstargazeypie · 25/09/2012 13:11
OP posts:
tedhutchinson ·
25/09/2012 15:00
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