to believe someone who took an overdose

[User600303]

Two and a half months is still a significant risk despite a letter stating their frame of mind is now good and they aren’t having suicidal thoughts or self harm thoughts. Stating this is due to a medication increase.

Not sure it's really your business tbh. Need a bit of context here if you want helpful responses.

Thank you for your reply. The context would be too outing which is why I have used more general information.

Yes I would.

Yes, it’s totally possible to have attempted suicide 2 months ago, but to now be better medicated and receiving care and to no longer feel suicidal. But context is everything. Are you concerned about their readiness to return to work? Are you concerned about them taking a 6 month old baby off on their own for 2 weeks with no support? It makes a difference.

It's pretty impossible to say without more details tbh though

With the right medication at the right dosage, it is entirely possible to significantly reduce the risk of suicidal and/or self harm thoughts. That doesn't mean they wouldn't still need additional support though and doesn't necessarily eliminate the possibility of similar thoughts returning in the future.

It can be incredibly difficult when someone you are close to has been through or is going through a mental health crises. I wake daily with the fear that today will be the day I get the phone call to say they're dead, that's even during the periods of time that person is deemed by professionals as doing reasonably well and well enough to keep themselves safe.

It's not possible to answer something like that without context. Even then it's still guesswork.

Its entirely possible to be actively suicidal 2 months ago and for things to have shifted significantly in that time, but obviously you dont agree and I assume that's based on your knowing the individual.

I just don’t understand how risk can change so quickly which is why I’m worried.

I'm going to go out on a limb and presume this is in regards to access to a child, and the person has been signed off as 'safe'? I'd discuss with CAFCASS as to what to do. And if completely off- then yes, depending on the circumstances of the suicide attempt, situational, crisis, etc a med change may stabilise mood adequately

Yes, it is definitely possible for their risk to have dropped significantly if they have had a medication review and/or therapy.

Because medication can make a difference and can 'work' in weeks. Also, because many people who feel suicidal do so when they feel alone and unsupported. Getting treatment means their situation has changed.

I overdosed 2 and a half months ago. I'm currently the most stable I've been in years. I always seem to have a good period after a suicide attempt, plus my meds have been looked at and I'm getting support from mental health services. So I would say it's entirely possible not to be at risk anymore.

That's exactly the time frame within which medication works. It's actually quite a long time.

Even they were having thoughts, that doesn't necessarily translate to "significant risk".

You're really not going to be able to get good advice on Mumsnet, but I would like to point out that not believing someone can be a great way to make their mental state worse.

user I’d only be worried if my children were involved in the risk.

If it was work related I’d be quite happy to take them on.

I have taken ODs in the past and recovered my usual cheerful nature within the timeframe you describe.

If the person who took the OD is now saying that they no longer feel depressed, you should believe them, whether medication is involved or not.

If this is to do with safeguarding issues, it sounds a bit like you're trying to find a reason, any reason, to deny someone access.

It’s not to do with access to a child.

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