Medical Help and Suicide Prevention

[Tabitha]

Hello All! I am in some serious need of help or advice. Our son has been doing really good up until this past summer after he was hit on his motorcycle by a truck who ran a red light. Thank the good Lord he was able to walk away from this accident but he walked away with three fractures in his spine and other smaller injuries. Two of the fractures are in his neck and one in his lower back. The navy hasn't been much help as far as doctor care or physical thearpy. He experience muscle spasms that cause his whole body to tingle. He had one so bad last night that he was found by the city police laying in the road. He was transported last night to the hospital. I'm assuming a military hospital. This isn't the first time this has happened. He was told by one of his chain of command that the pain was in his head. :( How could they say this and his x-rays show fractures? Because the pain has become so severe and he isn't getting the care or physical thearpy that he needs he is also becoming more and more depressed. So severe that he called me a few weeks ago and stated "Mom if you don't hear from me, you know I have done the unthinkable." After this comment my husband and myself talked to him for almost three hours on the phone. Telling him to talk to his chain of command about his thoughts. It took alot in him but he did it. His chain of command response was he needed to get in the gym to work on his physical well being. WHAT?????? Now how on earth will this help him when he has injuries is my thoughts. We have also found out that he a couple of times has over done his meds that they gave him for his injuries. This is so disheartening to think that he isn't being heard. He is in pain all the time and is also contemplating suicide. Our son has never been in this state of mind before. Before this accident happened he was a happy kid with a carefree spirit. He has always had a positive outlook on everything. Does anyone have any knowledge on how we as his parents can help him, or who we can talk to about our concerns or how we can get him the help that he needs? PLEASE!! I'm scared to pieces that phone call that every parent is scared of recieving is going to come any day now. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

[Tabitha]

Hi Moebee, I am so sorry to hear this. It is so heart wrenching. In this day in time we here so much about suicides and about mental health. But the fact is it really doesn't affect us as individuals unless it's one of our own or someone we love. I do agree it ha been really bad. Until our son was moved he wasn't getting any help at all. It was horrible. Not the medical help he needed or the mental health part. Once they moved him to shore duty, his commanding officer really seems to care and stepped it up 100%. Our son is now getting the physical therapy he needs from his accident and also getting help for the mental health part. It's so sad that they are discharging your son instead of getting him the help he needs right away. Our son was on restrictions for 2 or three months also. It was horrible not being able to talk to him. I am praying for you and your family. For peace and guidance. But I also agree with you 100% it seems like no better place for him to be then home where he can get the help that he needs. Again I'm so sorry you and your family are going through this .....It's horrible and the Navy really needs to step it up to do more to help our men and woman in their times of need!!

[MoeBee]

Going through the same thing- accept our son did attempt suicide a month ago- we were notified and flew to base he was admitted to the psych ward for 2 days it was HORRIBLE conditions!  He was released on 2 anti depressant medications and therapy 4 days a week.  Just this past few weeks he was called into legal and had is NRJ on Tuesday and Captains Mast yesterday- he is not on restriction to the ship- for 45 days - and being given a General Honorable discharge after 5 years.  He had an impeccable record not one mark on him - they took the low road and are discharging him instead of getting him the treatment he needed.  The incident was the day after Veterans day-  his first Psychiatrists appointment scheduled for get this.......... JANUARY 8th! 2 months after a suicide attempt - horrendous.  My son had just enlisted for 6 more years was set to go back to Japan for 3 years on May and they are now discharging him.  I am OK with that part because the Navy has done absolutely NOTHING for this situation= they preach Suicide is taken seriously- well I know first hand it is NOT.   He will be just fine in the Civilian world has a strong work ethic and at this point I just want out son HOME where WE can actually follow up on his treatment and get him well and sane again.  They failed our son.