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Rkello Asked January 2015

Parent who threatens to hurt self or others. Advice?

I have shared before with this group that my mother has cognitive issues from a stroke she suffered a couple of years ago. I have written her doctor several times and contacted APS on three separate occasions. Each and every time I am told that she seems fine and that unless she causes harm to herself or others that there is nothing I can do. Today I received a call from one of her neighbors that she is threatening to hurt herself or others with a gun. What am I supposed to do? I live 1,500 miles away from her. She and I have a very rocky relationship and she will not listen to me. I need advice....

BarbBrooklyn Jan 2015
I agree with Pam. And whether or not she has a gun that you know about, she may have acquired one. I would certainly tell the neighbors to call both 911 when this happens and APS to report that this person is a danger to herself and others. With luck, she'll be transported to an ER and held for a psychiatric workup.

She really needs to be in a psychiatric hospital for a full evaluation and medication. Can you convince her doctor to send her for a psychiatric consult?

pamstegma Jan 2015
You need to tell them to call 911 when this happens. You need to keep the landline number for her police department handy. I would notify the police on how to reach me or the nearest blood relative. It does no good for them to call you after it has happened. The police need to be there when the threats are in progress.

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JessieBelle Jan 2015
It sounds like you need to call her local police and let them know. Does she have a gun? If so, please warn the police so they don't get harmed when they go to check on her.

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