Greenleaves:

I think you and I have a lot in common in terms of impulse control. I am not trying to spin this conversation about me, but I want to just tell you what is working for me, and have you just be open to the "possibility" of listening to what I am doing, and I hope it will be of some help to you.

I have seriously attempted suicide 5 times. (I was very serious about it, each attempt got more serious, and I obviously suck at it as I'm still here. I guess I was not meant to die)4 of those attempts were through overdosing with alcohol and a variety of pills. The other time was through carbon minoxide poisoning (I got out of the car right as I was falling asleep and I was seriously sick for about 10 days.) These attempts were all done when I was alone, and in three different states, Indiana, Georgia, and Florida. In regard to the law, here is my experience. In Indiana I was admitted to the ER and released when I was off the ventilator and stable. No commitment to a mental facility as they do not have that law in Indiana, but they do have a law that if you tell your doc that you are sucidal or will hurt someone they will commit you. In regard to my attempts in Georgia and Florida, they have the same laws..after I was released from the medical hospital (while in the medical hospital I had to have a nurse in my room all the time as I was viewed as a suicide threat) I was kindly taken by a sheriff to a mental hospital. The law states a minimum of 72 hours, but can be indefinite based upon how you are doing. If you are not making an EFFORT to get better by attending all the group sessions, etc. you will NOT get released. There were people in all of these facilities that had been in there for weeks. Do you want to do that? NO, I doubt it.

Now, here is what I have found IS working (whew, finally something positive.) First, I know what it is like to have impulse control. Here is what my therapist has taught me to do when getting ready to do something stupid / impulsive.....take a deep breath, and say to yourself, "if this is a good idea to do now, it will still be a good idea to do tomorrow!" It works. In addition, I just recently got put on mood stabilizers and the change is incredibly dramatic. I have been on anti depressants and anti anxiety meds for years, but the mood stabilizers are what is making the HUGE difference. Lastly, I have been attending classes on Women's Coping Skills. Really helping as I have no coping skills other than to open a bottle of wine.

Greenleaves, I hope you are doing better, and you are not alone. If you want to talk privately, pm me. Take care.