What Would You Do? Who Do I Talk Too?!
Question: Hello,
My oldest child revealed to me yesterday he had thoughts of killing people at the school.
From some kids this might be just a threat. BUT my child has a history of mental health issues, and is currently in the state children's jail system.
Now that I look back at how long he has been in the jail system and what the judge has not let him out due to unsatisfactory mental health facilities here where we live, it all makes sense now.
Is this something I should tell someone about? He says he is not in that frame of mind now, since he has been in jail for a time over his mental health, it is not something he wanted to talk about but he opened the door, so he must of wanted me to know.
Is jail the place for this kid or is a mental hospital? Am I blowing this up out of proportion? Other parents what would you do?
Answers: Hello,
My oldest child revealed to me yesterday he had thoughts of killing people at the school.
From some kids this might be just a threat. BUT my child has a history of mental health issues, and is currently in the state children's jail system.
Now that I look back at how long he has been in the jail system and what the judge has not let him out due to unsatisfactory mental health facilities here where we live, it all makes sense now.
Is this something I should tell someone about? He says he is not in that frame of mind now, since he has been in jail for a time over his mental health, it is not something he wanted to talk about but he opened the door, so he must of wanted me to know.
Is jail the place for this kid or is a mental hospital? Am I blowing this up out of proportion? Other parents what would you do?
If I were you, I'd tell the authorities in the jail system because they're in the best position to get him the help he needs. You said the judge hasn't let him out because of the unsatisfactory mental health facilities where you live so if these are the only choices available to him, leave him where he is - but tell the authorities there. Can you imagine living with this knowledge - not telling anyone - and your son carries out his threat? Can you just imagine living with that guilt? You have a responsibility to do everything within your power to do and nothing less.
he needs to be in a mental health institute where he can be closely monitored and get the right help that he needs. I think it's best that you talk to your doctor about it to find out what he suggests.
If I were you, aside from talking to your son, I would contact a mental health center and get him to see a psychiatrist and counselor. Your son seems to have some problems that need attention and help real soon. Since he is talking so far, he may not need to be hospitalized yet. Good Luck and DONT Wait.
i would tell ur doc and ask where to go for help he may be sectioned if he threatens to kill people i know it be hard to do this but u will have to for ur sons safety and otherws around ask doc for anti pyscotic drugs and make sure he takes them daily if not ask for lithium he really needs help and im glad ur trying to help mental hospitals are not as bad as they used to be i have worked in this profession for 10 yrs and all of my clients have been treated really well so try not to worry good luck sending prayers from scotland
By all means tell someone, do not keep it to yourself. Remember Columbine. There were all kinds of clues people saw, but no one said anything about them, and tragedy occurred. If you truly love your son, as I'm sure you do, help him by working with him to get the help he needs. You said it yourself, he opened the door on the subject, so he must have felt that he needed to address it. I would speak with him and tell him that you feel he was asking for your help, and that you want to have a meeting with him and his counselor at prison to discuss the issue and go from there.
"Blowing this out of proportion"? Uh, no, when someone with that history says this you better take it seriously.
Jail is not the place for him (you didn't state an age), that only makes things worse. If there is no facility in your area, search out of your area, let that be your goal for 2008; finding the proper facility to help him. Begin with a national mental heath organization by asking them for assistance.
He needs to be evaluated to find out what his issues are; in need of psychotopic meds, counseling, behavior modification, biofeed back work...what?
well i am not a parent i am just a kid too!!! i think that he should be in a Mental Hospital he hasnt actually done a crime (yett) so jail's not 4 him!! but you really do need to tlk to him because that is soooo NOT Normal!!!!!