Stepson had major meltdown and has threatened suicide...

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My stepson was at his mother's house today - he's 18 - and my husband informed me that he was on his way home with him as things really got out of control. I'm sure my husband somewhat sugar-coated what went on.

My question is this: my stepson told his mom and dad that tonight he would just end his life. How serious do you take him and what should be done at this point. He is not welcomed at his mother's house and is currently on Christmas break and will basically be home alone the next couple of days...

Thanks in advance...

Well i don't know if he's really planing on taking his life, but the question is: do you really want to risk it? He shouldn't be left alone, that's my opinion. And when someone is this depressed you should consider anti-depressants. Drugs are a good way to help you endure the suckiness of life.

I have always heard you need to take a suicide threat seriously. I think especially from a teen boy. More teen girls attempt suicide but tend to use pills and usually survive whereas the teen boys use more serious means, like shooting or hanging and are more successful at killing themselves. I guess I would call a suicide hotline and ask their advice, better safe than sorry.

Yes, take it serious, at the same time, be matter-of-fact about it. Someone needs to be with him until he talks to someone good. That's just the way it needs to be. (I am not a fan of psychologists, psychiatrists, and the like. He might be better off talking with just a regular family practitioner or internist.)

Now, being 18 is a tough age. When you find you do not really fit in socially, job wise, and maybe a couple of other ways, that is a difficult situation. And you find out how little school skills and school success transfer. Well, they do for medical school, they might for such areas as computer science. That's the hopeful side. And that's what you got to help him see. Be matter-of-fact about that part, too.


disclaimer: NOT a parent, NOT a doctor. I have lived a number of years as a person with Asperger's and have learned a few things.

I had posted this on the General Forum:

Thank you to all that replied. My husband had a long serious discussion with him on their way home (45 minute commute). My husband has been a great support system for his son and has basically been very non-confrontational towards him...except for yesterday. He let him know how concerned we both are for him but will not allow him to "rule" us anymore and play the games he's been playing. We will continue to be a support system, will try and guide him in the right direction, but now that he's 18 he will have to be responsible for his own actions and choices.

We are going to schedule him an appointment with his counsellor...hopefully being able to get him in soon. I don't think at this point he would do anything to harm himself after hearing about their talk on the way home. Although I did think it a good idea if he threatens again to follow up with admitting him and hopefully nipping it.

One of the questions asked was: why is he going to be home alone? The answer to that is: my husband and I both work and cannot be at home with him. We have bills just like everyone else and with the holidays barely behind us, we need to keep up our work schedules. I know that if either one of us felt he was truly suicidal, we would've admitted him on the spot...but again, after all the discussion last night, we didn't think it necessary.

Thank you again for all your replies.