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Did he really want to kill himself?

3 replies

pinkdolly · 26/02/2006 12:22

Hi, sorry about the shocking title. Just trying to make some sense of things.

The 'He' in question is my dad, and at the moment he is in Longreach House (phyciatric hospital). He was moved there early this morning after taking an overdose yesterday.

A Brief History-
My dad has always suffered from some sort of depression, and over the course of his life has been put on medication many times. He has always only taking said meds for 2-3 days and then binned them.
Growing up with him was awful as he has a temper and couldnt really bear being around us (I have 2 sisters). Life for mum has been hell and after 27 years of marriage she decided last september that she couldn't cope anymore. The divorce is due next week.
I stand by her decision 100%. But life has got worse since she left him.
He has been threatening for weeks to overdose. He says it almost every day. We have all (including mum) bent over backwards to help him. Trying to get him help where ever we can.
My older sister has had a miscarriage due to the stress, me younger sister is on anti-depressants and me, I dont know what to do. I'm 19 weeks pg with 2 young girls and i'm so stressed, it's making me ill.

Yesterday I went out for the day, without taking my mobile (I just didn't want to here any more bad news). Of course when I got home my mum gave me the news that dad was in hospital.

The thing is... My dad is on all sorts of medication, he had enough in the house to kill himself 3 times over. Yet he didn't even take enough to require any treatment, other then observation for 6 hrs. He then rang my house to leave a message saying he'd done it and then called himself an ambulance.

Of course, i'm upset. But i'm also very mad. Dad has always been quite controlling and I believe this was an attempt to get mum back.
It makes me sound horrible but I cant take this pressure any more. I am exhuasted all the time have constant migraines and am feeling unwell. I just know he'll be out in a couple of days and I dont know what to say to him. Has anyone else had any similer experience. I just dont know what to do anymore!

OP posts:
RedZuleika · 26/02/2006 12:30

Sorry to hear this. If he had enough medication but didn't take it - and he called an ambulance - then it sounds as though it wasn't a wholly serious attempt. Doesn't mean he's not in despair though.

What is his diagnosis? Depression or bipolar or what? I have a friend who's father has bipolar and she finds it very hard.

Tommy · 26/02/2006 12:49

Really feel for you pinkdolly like the other poster said, it sounds as if he wanted to get some attention rather than actually kill himself.
You have to decide what is right for you and your family (not very helpful I know) but if you need to take a few steps back then I can't imagine that anyone would judge you for that.

pinkdolly · 26/02/2006 17:41

Hiya,

My dad hasn't had any formal diagnosis, although he has been suffering for as long as I remember.
The phsyciatrist he saw the other day admits they have failed him over the years.
From our own research it would seem that he has bipolar, but of course, we're not experts.
He is in for 48 hrs at least so hopefully they will look into it properly this time.

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