Hmm not sure if I should get involved or not So recently we have noticed this younger girl I...

Tough situation. If it were me, I’d call the local police precinct and see what they advise. If she is legally an adult, Adult Protective Services might have to step in. And if not, Child Protective Services. Either way, sounds like she needs to be protected from herself.

LadyGrace ·

You know I wonder if it might be a good idea to call an ambulance and say there's someone in the road that could get hit and let the medics check her over and if they find that she needs help or if she's out of her mind then I'm thinking they will take her to the hospital instead of jail. You can tell them she's schizophrenic and that may be the key to make them come even though there's not been an accident yet.

LadyGrace ·

I think if it were myself I would be worried that if I didn't do something she might get hit and then I would feel horrible. This girl definitely needs help and she obviously cannot advocate for herself. The police needs to be called for her own safety and let them decide how to help her and they will also put her in a mental facility at the hospital if they find she can't even talk sense, but yes she could get picked up and kidnapped and if I could prevent that or getting hit, I would definitely call the police. It's the right thing to do.

SW-User

You could always contact the Sherrifs department and make them aware.

Miram · 31-35, F

People diagnosed with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.

And compared to the general population, they aren't more violent..Unless there is a history of crime, no point in treating them as dangerous.

She does need help and shouldn't be neglected and left in the streets during episodes.. Call 911 and ask to be redirected to crisis line for mental health. Or call the national alliance on mental illness (NAMI) for non emergency situations or to seek advice specific to that situation.

NAMI HelpLine 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264) or text "NAMI" to 741741. They will provide resources specific to your state and support.

Heartlander

Hmmmm .... If someone is walking in the roadway I believe that would require an emergency response by the police, health department or emergency rescue responders. Rather than trying to figure who would be the appropriate responder just call 911, explain the situation with all the details and it's likely that the 911 dispatcher would best know who to contact next. Do your best to supply as much detail as possible so the dispatcher can make the most suitable referral for your concern. Not all police departments are equally trained to handle mental health emergencies, also organizational structures differ from one jurisdiction to the next, and the 911 dispatchers are likely the best trained to navigate the government services maze.

Any time there is an obvious potential for personal harm would classify as a 911 emergency, and not necessarily a police type emergency.

LadyGrace ·

Make sure if you call the ambulance that you tell them she schizophrenic. I think they'll have to come.

Sapio · 51-55, M

I think if you feel comfortable to step in. Then you should. People with schizophrenia are approachable. My guess is she is either out of her meds, Haloperidol, or she's not taking them.

I think that your daughter is pretty safe but I do understand your concerns. Only she and her doctor know what her delusions consist of. That being said, I think that's more of a reason to try and talk with her. It'll help you get a grasp of what's going on and probably make you feel more at ease.

You strike as a very intuitive person. I think you'll be able to reach out to her and she'll respond as well as interact with you.

cherokeepatti · 70-79, F

If she is deemed to be a threat to herself or others they can take her for a mental health evalution, up to 3 days in the USA. Otherwise they won’t get involved.

Sojournersoul · M

Maybe call the police. Not sure what would be best but she needs help.

Threepio

As the close relative of someone suffering from schizophrenia, let me say this:

To get her help she needs to BE A THREAT TO HERSELF OR OTHERS. Clearly, by walking in the center of the road (a threat to her safety) while in a psychotic state (talking to herself) she is meeting the standard.

Call 911 and report your observations. Law enforcement authorities have the power to have her detained and then held in a mental health facility for 'observation'.

Getting her the help she needs is their responsibility.... NOT YOURS

DO NOT approach this individual.... you do not know what, if anything, they are capable of.

Quimliqer · 70-79, MVIP

A person feels obligated to help, yet when there are issues at hand and unless it’s something understood, it’s best to stay out of it.

SW-User

To ensure her mental health, calling a crisis helpline is probably the best course of action. They can arrange for someone to come out and assist her.

Ontheroad · M

Definitely what @OlderSometimesWiser said. She needs help and they are best situated to get her the help she needs.

NerdyPotato ·

That's a difficult situation indeed... It doesn't sound like anyone can get through to her though...

SW-User

Schizophrenia is very difficult.. particularly because they even see the ones they love as the enemy.

Becareful not to make things worse..

Justafantasy · M

Have you tried just talking to her? like a person. Not like someone you figure needs help.

Kstrong · 56-60, F

If it was your daughter, wiuld you want someone to step in and help? Yes, she may be off her meds, but if someone hits her, think of the problems, guilt they may have...

DareToSayIT · 31-35, M

Call the police. She maybe young but don’t know what trouble she can bring with her.

TheOneyouwerewarnedabout · 46-50, MVIP

and heres me thinking humanity is in the toilet bowl...
bless your soul..

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deathfairy ·

well her mother seems to care for her, so i think it’s okay for you to just keep an eye on her from a distance.