Take every threat seriously

Jul 15, 2017 11:02 PM

Here's the story:

Friend was texting and stated that he wanted to die instead of going on living like this. Then, abruptly ended the conversation.

I tried calling, emailing, texting. I got nothing. He lives 8 hours and several states away. He apparently texted other friends too. I didn't have time or the knowledge (because no one does) to know if he would carry it out. So, I called the police in his state.

Obviously, it freaked his family out and upset him. But, he is alive.

The guilt comes from the relief that him being mad at me might mean that he will stop dumping on me.

This prepares me for this potential situation for a very depressed far-away friend. Glad to know it's possible.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Good job. I've done the same in the past. I'd rather have anger on my conscience than a death I could have prevented.

9 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 2

From on stranger to another, I'd do the same thing knowing my friend wouldn't talk to me, at least they're alive and not talking to me

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

You did the right thing OP

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You did the right thing, and don't feel guilty because you are not responsible for his mental well being. He is, and he should get help.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You're a good friend

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

Your friend needs professional help, not "sympathetic ears".

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

here's the thing, most people react that way. but he wouldn't have told you if he didn't want help deep down. one day he may thank you.

9 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 3

Glad you made the call OP. I did the same thing a few months ago after a friend texted me "goodbye" while I was at work. I almost lost him

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

his blood alcohol level was 5× the legal limit. He's doing better now. He still can't believe I called 911 but he's glad I did.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Intentionally ignores contact while knowing his action's absofokinglutely worrying others to death; blames others for the outcome. Hilarious

9 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 4

You get it. 100%

9 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 2

Long time ago I was in a similar situation. I did not make the call. Landlord found him when he didn't pay rent. It has haunted me since.

9 years ago | Likes 401 Dislikes 1

Hopefully you are ok now

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

You have to know that you are not to blame, though. But, I couldn't imagine that. I'm sorry @LeumisRichardson

9 years ago | Likes 148 Dislikes 3

Absolutely. TBH I don't know if making the call would have simply delayed the inevitable. Just know -you- did the right thing.

9 years ago | Likes 67 Dislikes 1

I shot myself in 2013 and that was like a $170K medical bill. I was fortunate enough to have it written off because it was a learning-hosp

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

ital. I still remember every detail, having not passed out. I even called the ambulance through broken jaw. I advocate for mental health

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

awareness now. And I don't want anyone to feel that kind of pain and sadness. Its horrible, and treatable.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

v

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 2

You did the right thing

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Had to do the same for my ex. We had only been dating for ~2 months, so I broke up with her soon after. 1/2

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Sometimes you just gotta get them as much help as possible then get out :/

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Not the attention he wanted, the attention he needed.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Either he was doing it for attention and got just what he deserved or he really needed help and you got it for him. He sounds like a jerk.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Had to do this before. You made the right call. Live in peace.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

My bio-mom msged me once saying she was killing herself. I called the cops in her state. She hasn't spoken to me in five years (fine w/ me!)

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

@Op Being put in that kind of situation is basically a Kobayashi-Maru. It might seem that you have to make a choice and live with it, but …

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

in reality it is someone else's choice entirely. If they truly want to die, they will and there is nothing you can do about it. In principle

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

you're being emotionally held hostage and that sucks. It is not your choice and you're not at fault, no matter how you react.

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

You are not guilty. You. Are. Not. Guilty.

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

A true friend values the friend more than the friendship

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I've made a few of these calls as screams of help. Then I went missing for 2wks. I was lying in bed the entire time looking at a colt 1/2

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

1911 .45. Only one person came looking after a week. My entire family had just died. It still scares me. Those were the signs that I 2/3

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

needed help. More people abused me than helped me. Now I'm doing okay, though I can't drink alcohol lol. When I'm stressed I go boating.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You may have saved his life. Better to call and not needed to than needed to call and did not. Maybe he'll thank you eventually.

9 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

I've got a "friend" that pulls this shit all the time. Told her today my gma is dying and she was so wrapped up in herself she didn't care.

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

She's obviously never gone through with it. Some people just do it for attention and that takes away from the people who really need help.

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

if he were dead, he would not talk to you anyway

9 years ago | Likes 638 Dislikes 10

Damn logic you scary

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

v

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

v

9 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

but now he or she does not have to live with the fact that they could have stopped it

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yeah... this is true. I have no counter-point. Your logic is solid.

9 years ago | Likes 261 Dislikes 0

So, win win?

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

That's terrible

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Solid like Solid Snek. How bandana fit on head? Not a know.

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I think I might start saying this

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

that is why calling for a wellness check is ALWAYS the right move.

9 years ago | Likes 58 Dislikes 3

i mean ... at what point does it just become the new swatting?

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 2

Unless they shoot the suicidal person. Cause America.

9 years ago | Likes 20 Dislikes 15

don't carry weapons to meet cops. play stupid games....

9 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 6

Win permanent prizes.

9 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 1

I made a suicidal comment once, it cost me $11,947, I was imprisoned for a week. I wish I had just died instead.

9 years ago | Likes 220 Dislikes 14

What did you do to get committed?

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My wife was (falsely) put on a 72hr psych hold at a hospital. Even the staff said she didn't need to be there. Cost us over $10k. 1/

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

There's no accountability for the professionals who make those calls + you can't challenge them. They say you need a hold, you get held. 2/2

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Oh man, you shouldn't have said that last part, now we have to keep you at a hospital under observation for a week at your expense...

9 years ago | Likes 47 Dislikes 3

You know.... You can still be an hero right?

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 9

underrated

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 5

"we better not find out you want to kill yourself or else we'll make wish you killed yourself." -America, probably

9 years ago | Likes 110 Dislikes 1

I was suicidal over a very critical 5000 impossible dollars. They sure showed me, haha.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Accurate

9 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

I attempted suicide because I live in constant pain from an uncurable health condition. My family took the opportunity to take everything.

9 years ago | Likes 20 Dislikes 0

Except your life

9 years ago | Likes 19 Dislikes 4

Yeah ending up homeless, sicker by the month... yes I have my life for now, and freedom, but I'm not thrilled.

9 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 0

fast cars and expensive booze. end it all in a burning wreck in their living room :D

9 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 6

or don't. that could also be good. but you do you. i'm just providing options, not suggesting that they're -good- options.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

Don't know you're downvoted, I think it's a great idea. But I won't do that, I've never been into drinking and lived my life to help others.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

v

9 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 116

Insurance didn't cover the stay, Hospital contacted the IRS, the IRS took $240 out of each paycheck for over 2 years.

9 years ago | Likes 30 Dislikes 3

pretty sure you could have contested that in court. you cannot be turned away for inability to pay, and you refused treatment. 1/2

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 2

still would have fucked your credit, or been harassed by debt collection agencies n shit, so probably still not worth it. 2/2

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

No you're not turned away, They decree that you need treatment despite inability to pay, knowing that they can take it from you.

9 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 1

Dang that burns. On the plus side, here we are on imgur w/you. I'm so sorry you went through some shit times but I'm glad you're still here.

9 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueYYVRTWmjY&feature=youtu.be&t=1h59m13s I want a gif of those next 2 lines, lol

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Which 2 lines? This movie was great (I read the books first). The Litany Against Fear really helped me when I was very scared & sleepless.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That is the other side of this. Medical care and mental health care are expensive. Residential (ie: psychiatric imprisonment) is crazy

9 years ago | Likes 153 Dislikes 6

I'M NOT CRAZY! WHO TOLD YOU I WAS CRAZY?!!!

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Really isn't any better then the 50s in terms of care to be honest. Great dog and pony show but it is shit. Goes in your file as well. 1/2

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 5

Good luck getting a decent job or more after that stigma follows you around. Just admitting depression can cost you a job. I'd rather die2/2

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 2

expensive and morally questionable.

9 years ago | Likes 117 Dislikes 4

Yea. I can't upvote this enough.

9 years ago | Likes 19 Dislikes 1

Welcome to America: Where people know mental health can cause death but people still want to profit off them

9 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 2

Morally questionable? It's like chemo, it's unpleasant but necessary. But it is expensive, not just in terms of monetary price, either.

9 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 29

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[deleted]

9 years ago (deleted Jul 16, 2017 3:44 AM) | Likes 0 Dislikes 0

?

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Okay, I hereby declare that you need to chat with me, and I legally require you pay me $11,947 for it. It is illegal for you to say "no".

9 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 5

As soon as I snap and behave in a manner warranting being Baker Act'ed, sure. Until then: no.

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 6

THAT's what happened to me. I REALLY would rather have just been taken out back to a firing squad.

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 3