A sisters love, Mental Health First Aid skills and persistence...a happy ending
One of our Mental Health First Aider's (Karen) rang me with an issue. Her sister (who was known to have episodes of psychosis) had been driving with her husband and 3 year old child in their car. She had become convinced that she needed to go to Darwin and had started driving toward the exit from Melbourne toward Adelaide.
Her husband had not been able to break through her delusion but had been able to get her to stop the car and let him get their child and himself out. As far as Karen knew her sister was still driving toward Adelaide and then intended to drive to Darwin. Karen and her brother-in-law were very concerned for her sister's safety. They had tried contacting her on her mobile but it was turned off.
Karen and I discussed MHFA for this situation. We could not talk to her sister but we decided that she was possibly a danger to herself. We made the decision that Karen would contact the Victorian Police and ask for assistance. Unfortunately the Victorian Police were unable to assist as Karen's sister was an adult and they did not have enough information to intervene. (This is not a story about police inadequacy, we believe the police would have helped if they could).
The next day Karen and her brother-in-law were able to see from her sister's bank account that she was still driving toward Darwin. She had stopped twice for petrol but there was no evidence that she had eaten or purchased adequate hydration. By the evidence of times she had purchased petrol it seemed she had been driving for nearly 20 hours without a rest.
We discussed that now Karen's sister could be a danger to others on the road. The next big town she would need to travel through was identified and Karen contacted the police in that town and they were very helpful. Because of the reliable information Karen and her brother-in-law were able to provide, the police said that they would look out for Karen's sister.
The police did stop Karen's sister. When they did it was clear the she was physically unwell (de-hydrated) as well as mentally unwell. They were able to take her to hospital and get her help. Her husband flew from Melbourne and stayed until she was well enough to come home.
Sometimes friends and relatives need to be strong enough to get help for someone against their will. If a person is a danger to themself or others call for help. Police and ambulance officers have special powers under the Mental Health Act/s of the states they represent.
Thanks to 'Karen' for allowing me to tell this story.
Remember Mental Health is your and everyone's business.
