Jimmy. Good luck with this. As a matter of interest, how old is your friend? You said he had no prior issues. This kind of mental illness often starts occurring around the 19/20 age range.
Jimmy - if he's on a section, Plod will be alerted anyway (by law). If he's got enough insight to take £200 out of a cash machine he has a plan and my guess is it's nothing to worry about. Everyone on a section wants to get out, so try and relax. He will turn up when the money runs out...
My friend has been located and is currently en route back to hospital.
It sounds like he came to his senses and got in touch with his girlfriend, who picked him up. From what I can tell, part of the problem was fear of being nabbed and force-medicated. I think by volunteering to go back it's really helped. We are all so relieved.
I can be pretty sarcastic on this site, but if there's one thing I know, you lot are a thoughtful, helpful bunch regardless and I really appreciate the comments, suggestions and even the efforts made to help. Fingers crossed that this is the start of his recovery, but obviously it's a long, long road. Cheers.
Edit - cardinal sin, you should put some money on something this weekend!
Jimmy- 90% of people that have been sectioned hate being banged-up on a mental health ward and just want to get out. ( My job involves dealing with this kind of thing, albeit indirectly.
Great news mate - had something similar happen with a cousin of mine a few years ago and it didn't end as well so I can only imagine the relief you must be feeling.
Good news Jimmy, glad to hear he is safe. Have found myself in the same position with my brother going missing whilst suffering from mental health problems so can fully appreciate how helpless you feel. Hopefully your friend will get the help he needs to make a full recovery.
You're all very kind, but I have to admit, if I'd stayed in touch with him a bit more regularly I wouldn't have been so surprised by the turn of events.
The best thing to come out of this is that he's made a choice to go back. After avoiding his meds and such for a month, this is the first time that he's accepted, even sought help. It's very promising.
Again, thank you for your advice and ideas, too many to name check but I read all of them and took it all on board. Onwards and upwards!
Comments
It sounds like he came to his senses and got in touch with his girlfriend, who picked him up. From what I can tell, part of the problem was fear of being nabbed and force-medicated. I think by volunteering to go back it's really helped. We are all so relieved.
I can be pretty sarcastic on this site, but if there's one thing I know, you lot are a thoughtful, helpful bunch regardless and I really appreciate the comments, suggestions and even the efforts made to help. Fingers crossed that this is the start of his recovery, but obviously it's a long, long road. Cheers.
Edit - cardinal sin, you should put some money on something this weekend!
Mental illness is a tough one.
You sound like a really, really good mate to have, Jimmy. Your friend's a lucky guy.
Rememberus?bad untimely chain of events and it could happen to anyone of us?
Trust you'll be able to sleep sounder tonight.
The best thing to come out of this is that he's made a choice to go back. After avoiding his meds and such for a month, this is the first time that he's accepted, even sought help. It's very promising.
Again, thank you for your advice and ideas, too many to name check but I read all of them and took it all on board. Onwards and upwards!
Take care.