| For adults a lot of this depends on the state/country you reside in. For example it is generally much harder in california, unless there is a "danger to himself and others" (which the suicide note actually HELPS with). It is important to start treatment promptly. You did the right thing. Also, independent of location, many people with mental illness have a corresponding condition called Anosognosia, which is basically a lack of insight into your own condition. It works kind of like denial. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anosognosia A book that can help communicate with someone with mental illness is I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help! by Xavier Amador (the author's brother had schizophrenia and communicating is challenging, although the book really helps) You can pass this on to his family. It is really tough to navigate through this if the person is not cooperative. |