I could really use some advice. NPR UPDATED

outnumbered

Fours years ago I watched my neighbor descend into a nightmare of depression.  She was committed twice against her will and recovered.  Over the summer I had some odd interactions with her, but I brushed them off because she is a bit socially awkward.  She just knocked on my door to talk to me.  She not making any sense.  She told me she needed to talk to somebody real,  that inappropriate things were happening, that nothing seemed real,  that something was happening, and that nobody could make her go away.  Her speech was stilted and her face was angry and strained. She left and I am shaking. I cannot put into words how paranoid she was acting.  I am friends with her husband.  Should I contact him?  I am not sure what to do.

UPDATE:  The police are there and now there is a lot of activity.  Additional police cars and an ambulance.

outnumbered

Wordsmith226 said:

COuple questions: Is she in charge of children right now?  How old is she?

She is about 43 and her six year old son is in school.  She picks him up at 2:45 while her husband is at work.

ASmallWonder

Wordsmith226 said:

COuple questions: Is she in charge of children right now?  How old is she?

Ditto the kids question because if there are children, I'd honestly call the police for a well check.  Otherwise, I would definitely reach out to her husband.

missyishere

Call her husband.

outnumbered

Wordsmith226 said:

Also, was her husband part of the previous commitments or against them?

He had her committed.  I will give him a call and if he does respond before school gets out I will call the police and talk to them.  I am crying because I am so sad for her.  I have never seen anybody as sick as she was 4 years ago.

RondackHiker

I'm glad you're calling him and that you'll call the police if needed.

Like PP said, write down what you can.

MelissaRae1525

ThisIsBrea said:

Definitely call the husband, and if you're worried she could do something dangerous to herself, I'd call the police.

This

74dragonfly

Id call. She sounds desperate for help. 

outnumbered

Wordsmith226 said:

If that sounds pushy, I am sorry about that.  It is my straight forward opinion, but not the end all be all.  I was typing fast and cocky to get it all out. 

No it is not pushy at all. I just made a quick call to my dad so I could calm down.  I am taking some deep breaths and just calling the police.  I am really worried about her.  I must admit I am a bit nervous that she will try to 'retaliate'.  Last time she was sick she was very angry.

insertclevername

I am glad you are calling the police for a well check.  If she is scheduled to pick up her child later then something needs to be done immediately.  If she is paranoid and delusional at this point she may not even realize that you were the one to call the police.

missymo

So sad!  I'm happy she has a good neighbor like you who cares about her welfare.  

LoveActually4

I'd call her husband and if you feel safe doing so, maybe go check on her until he gets there. If you don't feel safe going, I'd call the police.

outnumbered

I called the police.  They came and took a statement from me and are on their way to her house.  I heard over the police radio that they have been there recently for altered mental status.  I cannot believe how hard that was.  It is just sad to see this happen to her.

missyishere

Oh no, well I hope it isn't anything serious and that she gets the help she needs. You did the right thing.

outnumbered

Thanks for the advice everybody.  I knew what I needed to do, but it helped to hear it from other sources.  THe police will call her husband and contact the school.

wiggyslilsis

I'm sorry you were put in this position but so so so glad you did the right thing. She is lucky to have a neighbor that actually cares about her.

LoveActually4

I just read the update. Wow, hopefully the ambulance is there ad a precaution and no one is hurt.

You did the right thing.