Update on calling the police regarding depressed neighbor

outnumbered

I wrote this post last week  https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12063640/i-could-really-use-some-advice-npr-updated#latest

The police and the ambulance showed up twice that day.  She was not brought to the hospital and ended up walking around the neighborhood with the police patrolling all day. She is still at home and her son (6) is at school.  There are no buses at our school and her husband is present (with her) at all school drop offs and pick ups.  I have been nervous at school because I see here there.  Today she stopped me after school.  She asked if I called the police after her visit.  I said yes.  She asked my  why "because I only talked about school".  I told her she sounded confused and I was worried about her safety.  She denied any confusion and said three times "that is very unfortunate".   My stomach was in knots.  I am glad that I called, but I am upset that I have to feel worried and nervous at school.  Apparently she has confronted other neighbors appearing very paranoid and confused, but I am the only one to call the police.  

Thanks for all your advice last week.

LoveActually4

I was wondering about this, thanks for the update.

Unless she is a risk to someone's safety she can't be committed against her will, so maybe she's definitely acting "off" but hasn't reached the level needed to be admitted to a facility? It's very sad. I hope she gets the help she needs soon.

ILoveBoys

Call if she appears "off". If she ever has to be held against her will, every time the police are called will be put into her case file as a history.

MelissaRae1525

You did the right thing. I hope it doesn't happen again, but if it does, it will show she's had history.

aforst

I think you did the right thing given her history. I really hope she can find the help she needs.

wiggyslilsis

I think you did the right thing. I also think that you should call if anything happens again because like another poster said it can help in the future.

RichardSlap

I just read both posts. I'm so sorry for her and for you. If it were me, I would be glad to have neighbors that care enough to try and help. Even though it was uncomfortable. In my experience with depression, mh was confused and hurt and not necessarily able to be constructive. I think you made the right call in getting the police involved.