posted
My friend isn't in my state, she's in New Mexico, she's alone for the next 6 weeks with a 2 year old and has a 2 month old colicky baby that won't stop screaming. I don't think she has actually stopped crying herself since yesterday.
I'm afraid she's becoming a danger to herself (she has a long mental health history) I don't think she's a danger to her children but unfortunately it isn't out of the realm of possiblity. I need a phone number that I could call for my own piece of mind that there is something I could do if it is an emergency. Unfortunately I have no way to contact her husband while he is away, otherwise I would.
I'd appreciate good thoughts, prayers etc for my friend if you can spare a few.
posted
Any mutual friends closer to her than you are? Do you know how to contact the police in her town, just in case things go seriously wrong? Might it be possible to call find a suicide prevention hotline in the town she's in, call them, and talk to them about it?
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posted
I'd already googled that Trevor but thanks for the link I at least have that as a quick reference if I need it.
The nearest mutual friend is in Arizona. Theoretically there should be military support services for her, but she isn't on base (they are actually trying to move back on so she doesn't feel so isolated) but right now, there really isn't anyone she knows in the area at all.
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posted
Albuquerque, The thing is I *know* I can't call anyone "official" unless I'm absolutely positive it is a crisis, because if they take her children away from her, she would never forgive me.
posted
the problem at this point would be getting her to the base, she's having difficulty leaving the house with the screaming baby to do grocery shopping. Theoretically there should be something, but I don't know what that something is nor how to contact them.
posted
The support group would probably be willing to reach out to her - I suspect she's not the first, relatively new mother to be all alone in a strange town.
posted
They are Catholic and I was half wondering if there was anything I could look at there, but I don't think they've been regularly attending anywhere, with the recent chaos.
posted
On the Kirtland website they information about the Chaplain's Office. It mentions they offer counseling. Perhaps you could call and talk to them?
posted
hmmm ok, thanks for finding these links guys. I was so worried I lost my head. I don't think I can or should do anything yet, but now, at least if I feel I HAVE to do something, I have the phone numbers to start calling.
posted
Given that she isn't Mormon, would the local Mormon ward give her a hand? I hear they are usually pretty nice people and have a thing for helping people sometimes.
Posts: 13123 | Registered: Feb 2002
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posted
Trevor, I'm still a little reluctant to call at this point. I think I'd probably call the Catholic chaplian first if it comes down to calling people. Chaplians have more stringent privacy rules than the red cross does, and I don't want do do anything that would cause a bureaucratic backlash for them.
posted
Deal in hypotheticals then - "I have a friend who's having some problems and I was wondering if there is a support group for the families of AFB personnel on deployment."
You don't have to mention her by name, but I highly recommend connecting all the dots while there isn't a pressing need.
posted
Always good to know the numbers for the local crisis shelters. Even if they can't help you, there's usually someone there who can direct you where to go.
Posts: 2919 | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
yeah, the question is, when do I actually do something. all of her previous suicide attempts have been pretty spontaneous as if she hides the plan from herself until the last minute. I'm hoping she can hang on by her fingernails until friday.
posted
Contact the Family Support Center at: 1451 4th Street SE Consolidated Support, Building 20245 Kirtland AFB, NM 87117
505-846-0741 DSN: 246-0741 Fax: 505-846-9889
Monday-Friday, 7:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.
There are all sorts of services of which the newcomer might be unaware. Besides the most obvious, a few hours of childcare might contribute greatly to relieving stress.
Posts: 8501 | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
the most recent incident I know about was 2 years ago, however there were several before that. She is normally very good about taking her meds, but I wonder if they've gone out of balance.
Friday I think her mother is coming out to visit her. Though it may fall through.
posted
If you don't want to make calls on her behalf, I'd suggest giving her a call once a day yourself.
If she starts to believe she really is isolated and alone, the prospect of suicide will become more attractive and it will begin to sound like her only escape.
Even just one phone call can help keep her grounded.
posted
Yeah I've been doing that! The problem is that the calls are becoming increasingly draining on me, especially because I'm not in a position where I could just fly out there and make it better.
posted
*Sigh* Mack, I called NAMI's helpline and told him I need a plan, and all he gave me was less than the stuff I got here on hatrack, said I'm basically doing the right thing and to call 1-800-Suicide and talk to them. (I don't know that I actually want to call that 1-800 number from work for obvious reasons.)
posted
I did try the base chaplian. He was very nice. They can arrange respite care for the kids to give her a break. The problem is getting her to drive to the base and do it.
There are a couple of other things I can suggest that he mentioned. So at least I can give her some ideas.
posted
Can you call the suicide hotline on your cell phone instead of work phone? Just to ask their advice since they deal specifically with this type of situation all the time?
posted
I may later in the evening when everyone is gone (I come in the latest so I work the latest) But, we aren't supposesd to be on cell phones at work, cause it looks bad.
AJ
(This whole mess is making me want to cry and I don't cry.)
posted
*has to scroll up to see what Stormy is talking about*
Well, it looks like there are 9 different buildings containing 23 different wards and branches in Albuquerque. Finding the ward that she is in would require her address, and then you'd need to look up either the Stake President or Bishop in the phone book. I would hope that they would be willing to help - it's just a matter of figuring out who to call.
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