Dilbert1234567

What can I do, I fear that he may hurt him self and or other people, he is manic depressive, a bit paranoid, and OCD, he has not made any threats or any attempts at anything, but I fear one more shock to his life may push him over. Its not just me that feel this way many of his other friends share this belief that he may hurt him self, possibly soon.

What actions can be done to get him the help he needs, I know if I bring it up with him, it may just push him deeper. I’m not sure where to start looking, I’m in California if that helps with the legal, if someone could point me in the right direction it would be a big help.

Thanks

~Dil

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fhqwhgads

I don't know how it works in California, but in my home state an interested party can go to the district courthouse and file paperwork called an "emergeny petition". Basically you explain why you think your friend may be a harm to himself or to someone else. You then need to swear an affidavit in front of a judge stating that the information that you wrote in the document is true. The police then get a copy of this paperwork, pick your friend up, and take him the the local hospital where he can speak to a mental health professional. Based on that interview, your friend is either released or held for further treatment/testing.

Start by calling the clerk's office at your district courthouse. They may be able to get you started....

Best of luck to you and your friend.

edit: If you feel an urgency, call the police. However, in my state, the police actually have to have first hand knowledge that your friend is a danger. (They can't just take your word for it)

Dilbert1234567

thanks ill call the clerk now, if any one knows about cali please keep posting, or any other helpful info, realy im grasping at straws let me know.

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Luki

I'm not sure what to tell you, I went through something somewhat similar as a Junior in high school. My friend had been cutting herself and confided in me. I went to the adinistration and told them everything she had said and shown me(the cuts). This was not the first time they'd looked in on her, she had been called to the office before for artwork that seemed of a suicidal nature.

She was watched closely for the last of her senior year and is alive and well.

Saddly, though, she grew to hate me for trying to be her friend, for going that extra step. I would go back and do it a hundred fold, I care about her.

Just remember that if you go to do something about it, don't just kinda step in, cuz kinda won't cut it. You have to take an affirmative action and stick with it.

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World's King

Make some phone calls. Get on the net. Learn as much as you can about his condition.

I'm not the most sane person in the world. I've been dealing with depression, OCD, and ADHD since I was 11. Some days are good and some days I wanna step in front of a bus.

The best you can do for him is to be there when he needs you.

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H12

So true; I've made best friends by simply doing that, not to mention save a life or two.

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analog

Agreed. Depression does not always mean they are willing to actually kill themselves. I've suffered from depression at various tiems during my life, and may have even made the odd comment about it, but i'd have never killed myself. Hell, I was into cutting for a bit there. Doesn't mean I would actually end it.

Before you do something to "drive him further" as you say, learn all you can about the ways his conditions can manifest themselves. You may find that there are many things you didn't know, that TOTALLY up-end the way you perceive his situation.

Good luck, you're a good friend.

stevie667

firstly, talk to him!
get a beer down him to loosen him up, and just listen to what he has to say, most people who are depressed have a part of them screaming just to tell someone, but that bit is hidden away until pulled out.
secondly, if you try to commit him, that'll most likely be the end of your friendship, i've had a lot of people try to do stuff like that to me because they where worried, it makes you foster a lot of resentment at someone for trying, even if they were trying to be helpful. a much better idea is to get some numbers of people who he can go to, clinics, help centres e.t.c.
thirdly, just be there for him. i know that when theres someone around when i need to talk or throw stuff at walls with, it generally doesn't make the world look as bleak.

Frowning Budah

Tough call. I think the first thing you need to do is talk to your freind and let them know your concerned and available if they want help. Proving someone is a danger to themselves is tough unless they have expressed it or tried to harm themselves. Having them committed if they are not open to help could be worse than not doing anything at all.
Good luck