Help! DS (12) has just taken overdose!

[BoffinMum]

I am just leaving London to go home. DS2 just rang me to say he had taken an overdose. AP has managed to get into the bathroom and is sitting with him, I have phoned ambulance etc. Currently on train not knowing what the hell is happening, and very shaky. On my way to meet them at hospital but won't be there for over an hour.

[SilverStars]

So sorry to hear this. The fact he has phoned for help straight away indeed shows he is wanting help.

With cyounger children they often consider hospital. However as you are aware hospital itself is not always ideal, as the amount of actual talking treatment is often the same as outside of hospital. So is it worth asking him what he is wanting, what would help him?

No consolation at all but if this was an adult A and E would treat and often discharges. Many adults who take overdoses, especially smaller amounts and then seek treatment straight away do not get admitted to hospital ( lack of resources, no treatment inpatient often, risk factors etc - plus it can encourage people to do this to get help if inpatient is seen as help).

I hope all is well. Have you asked for a CAF meeting for your ds, to get all people involved with his treatment and care together to agree how they are going to move forward in supporting him. And maybe request some family counselling to help you all? Just a few ideas but not for tonight.

[QOD]

Thinking of you x

[NurseyWursey]

Hope you and your lad are doing okay BoffinMum all here for you.

Please tell him that it does get better. It's hard. It's hard for an adult let alone a child. But I promise it does. With all my heart.

[Badvoc]

Glad you are with him and he is safe.
X

[Jinsei]

Glad you're with him, and hope you're all ok.

[bishbashboosh]

How terrible for you and him and what a nasty shock for you, glad you're there ,thinking of you xx

[FabBakerGirl]

I really hope he can get as much support as he needs and that your op goes okay too.

[BoffinMum]

OK, they have done temp, BP, bloods and an ECG. Temp, bloods and ECG all fine, waiting for blood results and second ECG now, but he's perky and has eaten a sandwich and is planning his birthday. They think they will probably discharge him tonight as we are scheduled to have a review at CAMHS tomorrow anyway.

Bit of an emotional roller coaster today - thanks for all your hugs and support xx

[BettyBotter]

Thinking of you and your ds, Boff.

I've heard that the 'upward' period of recovery from depression can be a riskier time in terms of overdose/ self harm than the downward sinking into it time.

Hug your boy hard tonight.

[NurseyWursey]

Good job he's eating, that's always a good sign

Has he had a referral or anything from the hospital now?

Hope you both feel better soon

[IamtheZombie]

Will continue to think of you, BoffinMum.

[bigTillyMint]

That's good news, BoffinMum - you are doing a great job of supporting him. Things surely can only get better

[BoffinMum]

Nursey they are in touch with local CAMHS so that is all in hand.

[dottyaboutstripes]

Really relieved to read your update. Poor DS and you too, it's all so hard

[LackaDAISYcal]

phew Boffin (I posted on your 2nd thread); he will get through this. As a long term MH patient, I agree that the road to recovery is very long and often rocky (and I speak as an adult without the whole teen turmoil thang going on as well). It sounds like he has a very supportive family and MH team behind him. hugs to you and yours xxx

[thecatfromjapan]

Sending love and good wishes to you this morning. Here's hoping today is far, far better.

[evertonmint]

Sounds like that sandwich made both him and you feel a bit better Hope the CAMHS appointment is helpful. Thinking of you, your DS and your family (and good luck to your older DS with his interview!)

[BoffinMum]

Hello again, we are on the ward having spent the night here. I slept about 10 minutes all night it feels like. DS is OK and we are just waiting for some more bloods to be done.

[Slh122]

Hoping you're both feeling better today Boffin sorry you didn't sleep much

[BoffinMum]

Dh has now arrived bearing toiletries and my hip medication and means of entertainment, plus joy of joys my laptop charger. MN is such a comfort in situations like this.

[jonicomelately]

10 minutes sleep sounds terrible Boffin Everything else soungs really positive though.

[BoffinMum]

Well, I listened to my Paul McKenna relaxation app a few times and basically dozed a bit, but the little parent bed was difficult to sleep on because of my hip, I was obviously very worried and stressed, and at 6am some kid in another bed started chatting to his dad and woke us all up. All a bit difficult. God knows why we still have shared wards in the 21st century.

[BoffinMum]

DS on the other hand slept like a log and has just wolfed down cornflakes.

[Donki]

How frightening - and it is particularly heart-wrenching when it is your own child and they are so young and you just want a magic wand to make it all better for them.

You are much in my thoughts (Mum of at times suicidally anxious preteen)

[bigTillyMint]

Oh Boffin, sorry you have had such a bad night on top of yesterday, but the rest sounds positive! Agree with Donki