Is our grandson gettng the right care?

[Louie47]

10 yr. Suicide attempt and hearing voice that are dark telling him To end his life. He attempted to kill himself again last night. How do we know if he's getting the right care?  He has been more wothdrawn over the last year but still os social when he warms up as i would call it. He sees us regularly.  Not sire what we need to dp?

[specialmom]

How is it going with your grandson?  

[specialmom]

In these situations, it seems drastic when they take a child in house for psychiatric treatment but it is the absolute best thing.  It's often for a weeks or more. Remember, they are trying to save his life.   A friend's son who is about the same age also was in a situation in which he needed in treatment for psychiatric issues.  He left that hospital on an antidepressant and while kids and drugs can be scary, it helped save his life.  I believe Zoloft was the medication chosen for him.  

My best advice is to just listen.  When his parents want to vent, share their terror and fear and anger and frustration and sadness about it all, just listen. Keep your own feelings under wrap and share with your spouse but not the parents.  They need support and a safe place to express how they are feeing.  And try your best not to second guess any doctor decisions or parental decisions.  

I'll be thinking of you guys and your grandson.  I hope he gets all the help he needs.  So hard!

[Louie47]

Good advise. Thanks. It is terrifying to imagine how this is going to work at home. I am somewhat fearful he could hurt his little brother, though he has not to our knowledge done anything to make us believe he will but how do we know for sure?  Want everyone to be safe from harm. He has never been badly behaved or mean. He gets good grades. We are now of course recognizing things that may not have m meant much before we knew there was a serious issue. Keep is in your prayers.

[Sandman2]

Oh, I feel for you.  There is nothing more scary then the unknown.  And that is where you are.  Unfortunately, the only information that you can legally get is whatever the parents give you.  And for something this serious, they might not want to talk too much about it....which leaves you hanging.  
   You can, of course, tell them that you are super worried, and want to know if there is any way you can help.  And ask them to please keep you updated as to how he is doing.
   For something like this he should be getting professional help. And by that I mean a psychologist at a minimum, an a psychiatrist would probably be better because he probably should be on some kind of medication for this.  If he is not, then that would be a major concern.  But, that is up to the parents to tell you.
  You said that he attempted to kill himself again last night, so I would guess that his parents are letting you know some information about what is going on?
  I hope this helps a bit.  Keep in touch.

[Louie47]

Thanks. His parents are sharing. He has been in a child behavioral hospital for 10 days. We just don't know what to expect.  We are close and supportive family. Not sure how to help them.

[Sandman2]

Oh, that is a long time to be away from your parents.  I feel for the little guy.
You have probably already asked, but I would think that he might really enjoy some visitors.  However, it might not be allowed.  Maybe any type of communication?

[Louie47]

We have all talked with him. Mom and dad are visiting but only on Sat. Sun. and Wednesday.  Not much tobtell us yet except he maybe tgere 2 more weeks.