By son is threatening Suicide - **He has been hospitalized**

JAYMESMOM wrote: I just need a shoulder to cry on right now. I got called home early from work yesterday because my step-son (who is 7) had wrote a note in school saying "Today I am going to kill myself." He also included a picture of himself hanging with blood dripping down (in red).

The teacher got the assignment returned at 11 am and failed to call us. She notified my DH at 3:15 when he picked him up from school.

My step-son has moved in with us about 3 weeks ago. He has had immense stress, turmoil, and instability since January when his mom and step-dad seperated. His mom was also diagnosed with Bi-Polar so she is unable to provide a safe place right now.

The teacher was well aware of all this and the fact he has ADD and is on medication (Concerta 54mg) for this.

We spoke with his counselor (of 3 weeks) and she suggested we call his pediatrician. Well I did and they said to bring him in on Friday. WTH-2 days later.
Well after talking with the counselor again we decided to take him to the nearest hospital so he could be evaluted by a psychiatrist/social worker.

After a 4 hour wait we seen the social worker and decided he needed 23 observation at a residential facility. We then called his mother so she would know what was going on and while we waited for her arrival they started his admission paperwork. She arrived at 1 AM and it wasnt until 4:30 AM that everything was ready to go.

We arrived at the facility (1 of 4 children's facilities in Michigan and Northern Ohio) to find out we had taken their last bed. It was around 6:30 when we finally finished up all the paperwork and I had to pry his hands from his mothers so that we could leave. I got to be the firm one that doesn't cry and does things the way they are supposed to. Because my DH and his ex were a mess.

We managed to maybe get 2 hours of sleep this morning in a 4 hour period while my daughter politely watched cartoons.

Well we spoke with the nurse on his ward and they said that they are admitting him for a few days. I packed him clothes and we dropped them off this afternoon.
He can call home 2 times a day and they have visitation 3 times a week. We are probably having a family session tomm or Saturday.

I know this is the best thing for him but I am feeling guilty on so many levels right now. First, because I didn't spot this problem sooner. Second, because all he wanted was me to hold him last night (even after his mom arrived.) Third, because ultimately I had to make the decision. and Fourth, because I know it is hurting him so much to be apart right now and hurting my DH.



That is how I feel right now but once I get home I have to act all happy and be the strong one. Thank you all for listening if you have read this far.

Our Lil' Family replied: WOW, to you. I am sorry to hear about this. Your family will be in my prayers.

lisar replied:
I hope everything works out for you. Try and stay strong. He will be okay.

boyohboyohboy replied: my prayer are there for that sweet 7 yr old who has to go thru such an ordeal. I have you in my prayers also.
I am giving you a big hug for doing the right thing and getting him help fast!

kayla's mama replied: First off
Secondly you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. And that you guys are doing the right thing for him. KUP!!!

momOf5 replied: I had to let you know that I commend you for doing the right thing!!!!! As for the guilt, how guilty would you have felt if you didnt help him. Stay strong and everything will be ok. You are in my prayers! Big hugs to all of your family!

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Oh hun....I'm so sorry. You will all be in my prayers. I hope this gives him the help he needs.

A&A'smommy replied: OMG I'm SO sorry to hear this, the poor little thing I hope the hospitilization is VERY helpful to him!!! Take a minute for yourself and let yourself be emotional it might help!!

BAC'sMom replied: I'm so sorry.You and your family are in my prayers. I hope this gives him the help he needs. And I think you did the right thing.

b&bsmom replied: You were right in doing what you did. You would have felt even more guilty had something happened to him and you not gotten him this help he apparently is reaching out for. You did the right thing. Someone has to be strong. Make sure you take time to be emotional too. You are being a wonderful mom!! KUP

1lilpeanut2love replied: Lots and lots and lots of prayers and pt's to you.

You deserve a pat on the back!

Secondly I am so sorry to hear about your stepson. My heart just breaks for him. I hope all is alright and he will be able to come home soon. Best of luck!!

Rachael replied: Many hugs to you. I know this must be a difficult time for you and your family. Please know that he is in a safe place and I pray that he will get the help that he needs. It sounds like you are a great mom and only want what's best for your son. Please let us know what happens.

Rachael

ashtonsmama replied: Oh my goodness. I'm so so sorry. I can't imagine. At 7?!?

He must be in such immense pain...I'm so sad for you and him. Sounds like a good thing he's in a safe place to get back on track, but how hard that must be, I'm so sorry. Please know we're hear for you, and we love ya. We'll all be praying--KUP.

gr33n3y3z replied: I'm so glad you got him help

amymom replied: Thank you for taking such good care of that little boy. Know that my prayers are with him you and all that care for / about him. Plese take care.

amynicole21 replied: Poor kiddo! I'm so glad you took this seriously and got him some help

PrairieMom replied: You TOTALLY did the right thing. i hope this helps him. Good for you for being so strong.

msoulz replied:
ITA - be proud that you acted upon this to help him!!

MommyToAshley replied: Oh my, the poor little guy. He was crying out for help, and I am so glad that you were there to get him the help he needs. Sometimes loving people and doing the right thing is so hard, but you did the right thing.


I'll say many prayers for him. Please keep us posted.

ilovemybaby replied: He will be ok now! The fact that he wrote a note is good too. He was crying out for attention. He could have just gone and tried to kill himself without saying anything. My sister did it. She was serious. She wouldn't even let the nurses work on her (she was over 16 so they couldn't unless she gave her permission) or drink the charcoal drink they wanted her to drink. She was in a coma for two or three days...
The fact that he wrote that note probably means that he doesn't really want to die. He just needs help. I know that when I was suicidal I told people or wrote to people etc... I didn't really want to do it and would never have been able to (just too much of a scaredy cat when it comes to pain).

mom21kid2dogs replied: Sounds like you acted in a very loving, responsible manner. I'll keep your family in my prayers.

My3LilMonkeys replied: How is he doing now? Please keep us posted!

holley79 replied: Oh sweetie. I am so sorry. I do hope they are able to provide him with the help that he needs. You all did the right thing. It's hard but it's for the best. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers.

ediep replied: Poor little guy!!! Sending tons of prayers and hugs your way

My2Beauties replied: to you hon. I can't offer anymore help on the issue but I am here for you and you are in my thoughts as well as your step son!

Mei-Ling replied: You definitely did the right thing. I used to work as a nanny for a child named Brandon who is bipolar, and he also threatened to kill himself so I know from personal experience how hard it is to watch this happen to a young child. You mentioned that you feel guilty for not realizing the problem sooner, but take it from someone who has been there, it's very very hard to see the signs in a young child. I didn't see them in Brandon until I found a journal entry he had written about wanting to die. It's not always the easiest thing to know what's going on in a child's mind. Now that Brandon is on medication and going to therapy he is doing a lot better, and I'm sure you're son will do the same. I think your son is very lucky to have parents who are willing to do whatever it takes to get him the help he needs.