My son tried to kill himself tonight

[Haunted]

My hubby and I spent the nite out of town Saturday, my 17 year old was to be picked up by his Dad for the nite. We came home this afternoon to find my entire home had been tossed, we had been robbed. Apparently my kid blew off his Dad, invited a few "friends" over and it escalated. They stole computers, cameras, jewlery, designer clothing, drank anything they could and my son stated that it got out of hand. We called the police who took prints and interviewed neighbors who heard nothing.

My son refused to provide any names to help out and the police were really kind of help. After the CSI left and we were cleaning up the mess, my son went in to take a bath. He admitted to drinking and smoking pot and expressed a lot of remorse. I told him that I loved him but that he put our family in a lot of jeopardy. Anyway, he called out to me from the bathroom. I knocked and entered. He is usually very shy but he had a knife, a pair of scissors and a pen and had written on his chest some obsenities. I took away the sharp stuff, assessed him physically and he stated he had taken a bottle of Aleve and was feeling sick. Also stated he wanted to cut himself but the knife was not sharp enough and showed me some scratches on his forearm.

I called 911 and the EMT's arrived, his BP was way up, his BS was low, less then 60, he was started on IV NS and taken to our local ER. They tried a charcoal lavage and he is at this time very lethargic and still medically unstable to be moved to a Psych hold for a 5150. It's almost midnight and I am numb. His Dad has not returned any of my calls and I am sure I will be a wreck in the morning. The ER doc was a complete jerk who treated me like I was a felon and I wanted to punch him. I love my child, he is the only kid I will ever have and I want to do what is right for him but I cannot touch this pain he is having.

What an awful experience. To have this ability at our fingertips, to touch and heal a stranger and when our family members fall apart we are helpless. I wish I could cry. I wish I could rage against someone or something. I feel bewildered and helpless. I feel sorry for this young man who's smile can brighten any dreary day, who get's my jokes, who inspires me to be the best I can be. This kid who did such an abominal act that I have no understanding of. I guess I am angry that he would waste his life, but am not sure where to place my anger. He was not medically stable enough to be transferred to a psych unit when we left but they promised to place him in an observation unit and monitor his 02 sats.

I am quite sure this post will be eliminated (go on with the projected anger Haunted) but this is my resource right now and I am reaching out to my peers in compassion. I thank you for letting me vent.

[RNin2007]

Wow, I am so sorry to hear what you went through tonight =(. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your son. I do hope you get through this, and the next few weeks and that your son gets the help that he needs.

(((hugs)))

~J

[traumakimmy]

Know this. i am praying for you and your son and your family right now. I can't imagine the pain and anger you feel and how that all mixes in with the love you have for your son. But at this time so him your unconditional love.

in my prayers.

kim

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

I cannot imagine how you must be feeling at this point. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your son for healing.

[Miss Mab]

Hi,

I am SO sorry this is going on for you--and your son. What a tremendous amount to deal with. It sounds like you did all that you could at the moment. Try to relax your mind somewhat--he is in a safe place.

I have no real words for you--but I will keep your family in my thoughts.

Mab

PS> Why would this post be deleted?

[blue heron]

Dear Haunted,

My heart goes out to you and your family. I am praying for all of you, that God will reach down and give you help, support and wisdom, today and in the days to come. The hardest thing of all is to see our loved ones in pain, esp emotional. {{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}

[Bipley]

I can't say that I am sitting here with my mouth hanging open, I previously worked with psych patients for many years. I see many issues here that seriously need to be dealt with. Once he is medically stable he will be tx'ed to a more appropriate unit and issues will be addressed.

One suggestion... don't play the role of nurse. Let HIS nurses do that. YOU play the role of Mom. I realize that sounds overly simplistic but face it, it's easier to be an objective observer than it is to be a nurse when it come to our own.

As a friend to a friend vs. a nurse to a fellow peer... ((((MEGA HUGS!))))

If you need ANYTHING, please PM me or any other person on this forum. I think it is safe to say that we are ALL here for you.

Hang in there, you are just approaching the tough part. I realize it seems that you have already walked in on the hard part... truth is, you are just in the baby stages. You have a long way to go. You can do it, this is your SON!

[EricTAMUCC-BSN, BSN, RN]

being a teenage boy is rough these days especially with how they treat each other in public school. best of luck and intelligence.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I'm so sorry - sending you a heartfelt hug.

steph

[vamedic4, EMT-P]

I cannot imagine how you must be feeling at this point. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your son for healing.

My feelings as well. I hope everything works out, and that your son is okay. Please - take care of YOURSELF right now. We often forget to do that when our family members are in trouble.

vamedic4

[LPNtoBSNstudent, BSN, RN]

Please take care of yourself. I agree with the other poster who said be his mom now not a nurse. Please try to surround yourself with friends and people who care about you. This is an emotional kick in the stomach and you need help now too. I am so sorry that you are going through this. There is nothing I can say, I know, to make this better for you, though I wish I could. I hope your son will stablize soon and be able to get the help he needs.

[nursemary9, BSN, RN]

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((haunted))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Please know that you have my thoughts and prayers!

I agree that right now you just need to be a Mom.

I know you are shocked and angry now; but please just Love your son now.

I pray your son will do well; I hope you will let us know how he does. As for yourself--you also need to take care of you.

We will all be here to support you, I'm sure.

Mary Ann