Urgent : Adolescent mental health

[courtrai]

Currently sat in A&E after DS 16 phoned me to say he'd attempted to kill himself (had knife but no harm). We've been triaged and frankly downplayed (triage nurse was good, MH team referral was apparently not well received). DS wants to wait even though they've said they won't look at him til at 'least the early hours' clearly hoping we'd go home with phone support number and existing GP appointment for 7 days time (saw GP last week who was dismissive hence second appointment for 2nd opinion).

He wants to wait for MH team so we wait but what do I ask for? What can they offer? He's unlikely to warrant inpatient care but has disclosed 4 previously attempts at suicide.

Anyone know what I can do here?

Is he saying he still wants to make an attempt? Does he feel safe enough to go home?
With a lengthy wait I'd be tempted to go home if you can make sure it's a safe environment for him. Although the MH might see him in hospital (probably tomorrow morning IME), they are unlikely to be able to offer much more than a follow up appt and crisis numbers to keep you both going. Can you work out a safety plan with him?
It's good that he told you before acting, though, and shows he trusts you to help him.

Oh dear, that sounds awful. Has he given you any idea of the reasons for his suicide attempts? Does he go to school, and does the school have counsellors? Can you access private counselling for him?

They try and keep under 18s out of in patient care as much as possible as they're best at home. They'll probably do a camhs referral but their waiting lists are lengthy. If you wait for the mental health team they'll do an assessment but probably send you on your way, they may offer follow up care at your home for the next few days. They do that in some areas. He'll probably have his medication if he is on any looked at or offered a prescription. They'll then think you will wait for therapy from camhs. Are there any more charity based therapy services in tour area? Failing that could you pay private for cbt or counselling? Also are you linked in with the school, they can often offer shirt based counselling in the school day xx

First of all hugs, been there it sucks.

Unless they are convinced he's at immediate harm they will discharge to gp care or possibly send a mental health nurse to your house, all depends on whether they think it's real or attention seeking. It's certainly worth waiting as it shows that you are concerned enough to wait, the gp will see that he's been seen by the hospital

Thanks all; he's not currently on any meds but I think short term it would be beneficial. It's been a steady downwards spiral but he's been resistant to any talking therapies. I was aware that he'd cut himself previously once but didn't realise the extent of what was in his head until now. I think if they can offer a temp medication to restore some calmness we can take some steps forwards but his extremes of anger/frustration just skew his thought patterns right now

Camhs services in many areas are absolutely dire because they are underfunded compared to need.

They tend to have very few staff.

If you can afford a private psychologist, I’d go down that route. I’m sorry this is happening. Really feel for you.

Thank you - we've GP second opinion this week and CAHMS assessment at the end of month. I don't hold out much hope on either. Fortunately his pastoral care team at college are being very good

I’d recommend asking CAMHS for adhd assessment as impulsivity can lead to multiple attempts. Meds for anxiety/ low mood can be useful in short term but talking therapies will probably be recommended first / at the same time. Hope you manage to chat in the meantime to get some clues to the reasons behind his distress. This must be a very difficult time for you, hope you have some support too.