Worried about my friend

I saw my friend a couple of weeks ago, and she was not doing well.... having panic attacks that led to her being in the hospital, and she had one when I was present when we spent time together. We last texted a few messages back and forth 10 days ago, and she said she was still having panic attacks that were interfering with her job.

I texted her a little less than a week ago to see how she was doing, but no response. I called her the next day since I was worried and also wanted to have an actual conversation with her, but it went straight to voicemail. So I thought maybe her phone was on do-not-disturb or off. I called the next day to give it a shot, and same thing. I gave it another day and just tried calling today, and it finally rang, but it went to voicemail after that. At least it rang though... maybe that's a good sign?

My mind is going in many directions. At first I feared she was mad at me for something, although I look back and cannot identify anything that I had done wrong. Then, I started wondering if she's in a psych hospital (or there for medical problems). I'm not really sure what to do at this point. A friend of a friend follows her on social media and said he did not see any recent activity.

I'm also trying to think of ways to stay calm. This is one of my closest friends (maybe even my best friend), and it's not like her to go this long without responding to my messages.

@xRavenx I am sorry your friend is having a rough time and you have not heard from them. Do you have contact with any of their relatives?

If they are in the psych hospital, often they do not get computer contact with outside. Trying to get info from the psych hospital can be very difficult because of HIPAA laws and policies to protect the privacy of patients. Only close relatives and or those with a health care proxy can usually get through the red tape. If you did want to reach out to them, you might try contacting the social worker or even the psych wing desk and leave your name an phone number. If the person is there and they are able to call you, they could usually have call out privileges.

It must be very frustrating for you not knowing. Have you considered what self care actiivties might help you? Adrienne's Yoga and 5 minute Tai Chi on youtube help me stay calm in the face of difficult challenges. @CANDC

Thank you. I am not in touch with her relatives. There are multiple psychiatric facilities and hospitals in the area, and I understand HIPAA laws, so there's no way of really finding out. I do like Adrienne's Yoga videos and would like to start doing them again. I did start to go for more walks and hope to be able to do that if the weather allows it. Distraction is what I've been trying to do, but I'm still worried.

Her phone actually rang for the first time today, although it went to voicemail. I wonder if that is a sign that if she did happen to be in a facility, she is not anymore. Regardless, I was unable to make contact with her.

Do you live close to your friend?

No, she just moved back in with her mom and lives at least 45 minutes away

Might be worth a drive. Forty-five minutes isn't too bad, depending on your schedule, of course.

She finally got back to me and sent a text that she had been inpatient this past week. We are going to talk more tomorrow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xRavenx She finally got back to me and sent a text that she had been inpatient this past week. We are going to talk more tomorrow.

Wow that is good news. Glad you heard from them and you hopefully are more at ease.

I find that by practicing yoga, I have a higher tolerance of uncertainty and I can meet challenges with less stress.

@CANDC

There are still hospitals with psych units that do not allow cell phone use. It is very unfortunate but it is the case. I am glad the situation has resolved the way it did.

Thank you for your support. It was a relief to hear from her.