My daughter took her own life while at Uni - can I help other parents? *MNHQ SLIGHTLY EDITED TITLE*

[Cclub]

This may seem a strange thread but I may be able to help other parents. Ask me anything that will help you keep your young adults safe .
DD , 19 , was a first year student in a RG uni . She experienced poor MH from the age of 13 . She accessed help at Uni and did make a previous attempt on her life whilst at Uni . We were not informed.
If your child is starting at Uni this term you may have questions . This thread is just to help others - please be kind . No need for condolences as I know you will have that for me but I just want to be able to help others . Ask me anything . Xx

bitout . Thank you . I hope your daughter talks to friends about it too . Xxx

I am just glad that this post is staying live . I do intend to share the findings after the inquest- which is at the end of Nov xx
I remain happy to answer any questions you may have about the experience xx

She was going to talk to her flat mates about it today. She's not sure if her uni has an opt in either but she's going to find out.

Thank you for starting this thread OP. My DC are younger but i am noting yours and others suggestions.

Thank you for your reply. It is amazing to hear how you are coping and trying to help others.
My dd wants a gap year in Australia - yup I am terrified

Cclub - thank you! Will sign that.

Mentally I don’t want to presume but you sound almost a bit scared of your DH - why does he get final say in all the parenting decisions but gets to dusregard your and your DD’s input? Could you go with your DD to the GP and request a counselling referral? Surely your DH would have to accept it as a medically supported decision?

Also signed. Its a simple but effective idea

I've signed and I think it's a really valid petition.

Thank you for this thread

We are facing the Uni question with a similar history in one of our children and there's a lot to think about, not helped by the first choice being about 200 miles away.

After the first few weeks at Uni -unbeknownst to me DD presented her self at A&E telling them she felt suicidal . This was something I had "trained " her to do in a crisis. The hospital staff sent her off and told her to see her GP. At that stage she did not have one . This was the first of many opportunities that were missed . It is so important to have a GP but it is a complicated process for someone who is navigating through the things a young student deals with 😢

I am a mental health practitioner working with students with mental health problems. What would you like me to know? X

I'm so pleased you have support from family and friends OP, do please lean on them if you ever need, as I'm sure you have
France79 that's very brave, noble and kind of you.
I have had MH issues throughout my life, in my third year of university I had what I suppose would be called a breakdown and I agree OP the services were just not there. I remember turning up to A and E as I was just so scared what I would do to myself (had already made some unsuccessful attempts). I waited for four hours, just crying and crying in the waiting room. I asked the receptionist how long it would be and she said 'This isn't the place for you, you need to see a psychiatrist'. I turned around and walked out, now sobbing. That was 11 years ago and I can still remember how it felt.
OP - Did your daughter have any interaction with any other services? I'm a police officer now and aside from sectioning powers, which are limited, it's very much a case of just getting them to other services, although MH training is getting better - is there more you feel the police can do?
Your strength and need to help and advise people is inspiring OP, I hope you had a peaceful Christmas.

How did the inquest go? X