posted
I just called the Red Cross. A mutual friend who has been through similar experiences, (though not when children are a factor) is on the phone with her.
So the Red Cross called me back. They can't contact the husband unless they have medical proof something is wrong, and I can't get her to go to the doctor without her husband's influence. She doesn't want to go to the doctor, because she knows how unstable she is, and is afraid that if the doc finds out how bad off she is, he will take her children away from her. They were willing to call her, but I doubt they will be able to do anything either. I need to talk to her husband before I/we have anyone outside intervene. Gahh, all of these agencies that are supposed to help are absolutely useless.
The only thing I can actually do is have the New Mexico DCFS number handy, and if I truly think she's a danger to the children, call them and tell them she's threatened them. This gets them put into foster care (which I've heard is pretty bad in New Mexico) and her clapped into a mental ward for 72 hours. And then she'd have to go through a bunch of legal rigamarole to get them back. I can't do that unless I'm *absolutely* sure she would harm them, because she'll never forgive me if they take the kids away from her.
I'm going to try to figure out how to contact her husband through the Air Force base, but I don't know if it is possible.
posted
Goody, I know we talked last night but in my delirious state I can't remember what the other suggestions were. Could you post them here for my faulty memory?
quote:Goody, I know we talked last night but in my delirious state I can't remember what the other suggestions were. Could you post them here for my faulty memory?
You said that a local church group was going to visit her and something about somebody helping take care of the kids for a few hours so she could unwind, if I recall correctly.
posted
Yes, things are Much Better! I still haven't gotten her to go to the doctor, but the situation isn't at the crisis level it was before. They were able to find a colic remedy (chammomille, dill and ginger) that has helped the screaming baby considerably (he's actualy sleeping!)
There is a lady that has been helping her with the kids too, and is another adult to talk to during the day. Also now if she does go to the doctor, I'm not so worried about them immediately commiting her, and taking the kids away. Her mother is now visiting.
I'm sure it is going to get bad again (5 more weeks before her husband is back) but for now there is a bit of a breather.
posted
Majorly glad to hear that things are starting to settle down a bit for her! Can we dare to hope that having adult interaction outside of immediate family is going to be enough to help her get a grip?
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