Guy having breakdown/psychotic episode advice ...

td53

Well-known member
The bloke up the road from me appears to be having a proper mental breakdown. I've tried to approach him to offer help (what exactly, I dunno, but I don't like reporting people)

He doesn't even seem to acknowledge me. He's always been a bit weird but last few days he's been full on ranting and raving at himself, banging walls and stuff. He's not my neighbour so it's not a massive issue for me, but I can hear it in my house it's that loud, even though he's inside with doors and windows shut. The noise is not my concern.

I'm far more concerned he's going to hurt himself eventually. His anger seems directed inwards. There's no threatening behaviour per se. He just keeps screaming that he hates himself and he's 'sorry' but there's no one else there.

I've spoken to a couple of neighbours who've had same conclusion. He's not a threat to anything but himself.

Anyway, I've tried 101 but they didn't really take it on as he's not obviously threatening suicide.

I've tried getting advice from council but they suggested 101.

I've been advised by somewhere else to contact 'mental health services' but given no contact details.

I can't find any obvious contact for mental health services locally and even if I did, I don't know his name or owt. - I'm in Lancaster not Blackpool so that possibly limits direct advice!

What do I do here? It seems like the guy is going through a full psychotic breakdown to my untrained eye (and ears)
 
The bloke up the road from me appears to be having a proper mental breakdown. I've tried to approach him to offer help (what exactly, I dunno, but I don't like reporting people)

He doesn't even seem to acknowledge me. He's always been a bit weird but last few days he's been full on ranting and raving at himself, banging walls and stuff. He's not my neighbour so it's not a massive issue for me, but I can hear it in my house it's that loud, even though he's inside with doors and windows shut. The noise is not my concern.

I'm far more concerned he's going to hurt himself eventually. His anger seems directed inwards. There's no threatening behaviour per se. He just keeps screaming that he hates himself and he's 'sorry' but there's no one else there.

I've spoken to a couple of neighbours who've had same conclusion. He's not a threat to anything but himself.

Anyway, I've tried 101 but they didn't really take it on as he's not obviously threatening suicide.

I've tried getting advice from council but they suggested 101.

I've been advised by somewhere else to contact 'mental health services' but given no contact details.

I can't find any obvious contact for mental health services locally and even if I did, I don't know his name or owt. - I'm in Lancaster not Blackpool so that possibly limits direct advice!

What do I do here? It seems like the guy is going through a full psychotic breakdown to my untrained eye (and ears)
Ambulance mate. Probably police as well just to make sure he isn't gonna hurt himself/others. No shame in it.
 
Ring 999 ask for police, say the guy is a danger to himself and is clearly having an escalating mental health episode that could change. Say that you are worried for his safety but also for those in the street.

They should send someone out and the police officers can then assess him and if they need to section under 136 which means they can take him to a place of safety (Police Station or Mental Health unit), so the person can be assessed by qualified Mental Health professionals.

  • "Police can use these powers if they think you have a mental disorder, you’re in a public place and need immediate help. They can take you or keep you in a place of safety, where your mental health will be assessed."
 
Ring the police.
Ambulance won’t attend as he is conscious & mobile.
Police can section under mental health act & arrange for him to be “treated” at a mental health facility (though in likelihood that will be A&E).
 
Ring 999 ask for police, say the guy is a danger to himself and is clearly having an escalating mental health episode that could change. Say that you are worried for his safety but also for those in the street.

They should send someone out and the police officers can then assess him and if they need to section under 136 which means they can take him to a place of safety (Police Station or Mental Health unit), so the person can be assessed by qualified Mental Health professionals.

  • "Police can use these powers if they think you have a mental disorder, you’re in a public place and need immediate help. They can take you or keep you in a place of safety, where your mental health will be assessed."
I'd say that's a sensible way forward. it could just be his prescription has run out and he can't control things. If you are on serious medication that can have a massive impact.
 
I wouldnt be phoning the police and getting him sectioned ffs. They will smash his front door down aswell if you say to them he is suicidal or harming himself. The police havent got a clue what to do with mental health so how are they supposed to assess him?

I would contact some local mental health charities and get some advice. See if there a few of you in your community who can go and sit with him offer him some support by just being there. Im sure the experts at the charities will advise you well.

Thanks for looking out for your neighbour 👍



 
I wouldnt be phoning the police and getting him sectioned ffs. They will smash his front door down aswell if you say to them he is suicidal or harming himself. The police havent got a clue what to do with mental health so how are they supposed to assess him?

I would contact some local mental health charities and get some advice. See if there a few of you in your community who can go and sit with him offer him some support by just being there. Im sure the experts at the charities will advise you well.

Thanks for looking out for your neighbour 👍




That's just bullshit! The person has to be in a public place. If he's gone back into his house there's nothing they can do. They could try and speak to him, but if he doesn't want to speak to them he doesn't have to. He has to be in a public place, so smashing his door in is just fantasy. Mental health teams won't come out to him, he needs to ask for help or be directed there by his GP etc., He may already have a mental health team working with him. The Police are trained to deal with mental health, they were when I was in the job and they are far more trained now than then as they deal with a huge amount of people who have mental health issues.
 
I wouldnt be phoning the police and getting him sectioned ffs. They will smash his front door down aswell if you say to them he is suicidal or harming himself. The police havent got a clue what to do with mental health so how are they supposed to assess him?

I would contact some local mental health charities and get some advice. See if there a few of you in your community who can go and sit with him offer him some support by just being there. Im sure the experts at the charities will advise you well.

Thanks for looking out for your neighbour 👍



Aye, I've tried approaching him, but it's not really worked. Spoken to neighbour who has done same. I'll try some advice line tomorrow. Police didn't want to know when I rang 101 and he's seemingly stopped for last hour so 999 will likely just say 'ring back if...'

Dunno. It's pretty likely his direct neighbour has reported tbh cos I imagine it's making his life pretty shit cos it's a terrace. I could go and hang round outside his house and listen, but if he's paranoid, that's not going to help!

All I want to do is someone pass it on to community mental health team as I guess good chance he's know to them and I suspect Mark GT is quite close to the money re meds etc. but that seems like trying to pass on information across the iron curtain.

I'll try the lines in morning and see what they say.
 
That's just bullshit! The person has to be in a public place. If he's gone back into his house there's nothing they can do. They could try and speak to him, but if he doesn't want to speak to them he doesn't have to. He has to be in a public place, so smashing his door in is just fantasy. Mental health teams won't come out to him, he needs to ask for help or be directed there by his GP etc., He may already have a mental health team working with him. The Police are trained to deal with mental health, they were when I was in the job and they are far more trained now than then as they deal with a huge amount of people who have mental health issues.
He's rarely outside. What I can hear is him in his own house. Occasionally he's outside and muttering, twitching, just seeming really tortured and I've approached him a couple of times with "you ok fella?"/"you alright mate?" and but he runs inside. I don't think I'm that scary.

Dunno. It's not a 999 job tonight I think. Agree police have improved a lot. I've had some experience of that and they can handle stuff well but equally, don't want to involve police unless it seems an emergency and right now, it doesn't.

See what happens I think.

Feel really bad for the bloke cos he seems trapped in some shit moment in his head but I don't think police in middle of the night is quite right for now.

Appreciate the advice greatly.
 
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I’d put a very short note through his door to say whatever the problem is he isn’t alone and if he needs to speak to anyone call your number.
 
He's rarely outside. What I can hear is him in his own house. Occasionally he's outside and muttering, twitching, just seeming really tortured and I've approached him a couple of times with "you ok fella?"/"you alright mate?" and but he runs inside. I don't think I'm that scary.

Dunno. It's not a 999 job tonight I think. Agree police have improved a lot. I've had some experience of that and they can handle stuff well but equally, don't want to involve police unless it seems an emergency and right now, it doesn't.

See what happens I think.

Feel really bad for the bloke cos he seems trapped in some shit moment in his head but I don't think police in middle of the night is quite right for now.

Appreciate the advice greatly.

If this is happening inside His house then maybe a call in the day to the community mental health team, they will either have him on record and any information can be really important or he may be unknown to them, highly unlikely, and they then have his address and they can make a visit if they think it’s necessary.
 
He's rarely outside. What I can hear is him in his own house. Occasionally he's outside and muttering, twitching, just seeming really tortured and I've approached him a couple of times with "you ok fella?"/"you alright mate?" and but he runs inside. I don't think I'm that scary.

Dunno. It's not a 999 job tonight I think. Agree police have improved a lot. I've had some experience of that and they can handle stuff well but equally, don't want to involve police unless it seems an emergency and right now, it doesn't.

See what happens I think.

Feel really bad for the bloke cos he seems trapped in some shit moment in his head but I don't think police in middle of the night is quite right for now.

Appreciate the advice greatly.
Regretting not thinking of this earlier td. My daughter is a mental health nurse who works in the community, albeit she works in Oldham. Her job is to assess and help people to see what they would need to remain in the community and then to work with colleagues in NHS and the Council to put in place the support needed to enable this to happen. If this doesn't get resolved feel free to pm me with your number and I'll ask her to give you a call. She might at least have some ideas on where to turn.
 
Not sure there's much you can do beyond the police, who might not be arsed anyway, community won't attend without referral and everyone else is either phone or online help.
 
Only just seen this but can’t offer more than anyone else really.
Unless he has the insight or will to take himself to A&E then the police are probably the only option. Crisis teams need a referral and a lot of the other options are self-referral which may make confidentiality a stumbling block.

His own GP should be aware of his mental health issues but without knowing who that is you’re stumped again.

Hope he’s settled a bit today, it’s very sad. Crisis care for mental health is a bit lacking sometimes and you have to jump through hoops to get heard.

Hope you're ok too, it’s a worry to see someone so distressed ❤️
 
The bloke up the road from me appears to be having a proper mental breakdown. I've tried to approach him to offer help (what exactly, I dunno, but I don't like reporting people)

He doesn't even seem to acknowledge me. He's always been a bit weird but last few days he's been full on ranting and raving at himself, banging walls and stuff. He's not my neighbour so it's not a massive issue for me, but I can hear it in my house it's that loud, even though he's inside with doors and windows shut. The noise is not my concern.

I'm far more concerned he's going to hurt himself eventually. His anger seems directed inwards. There's no threatening behaviour per se. He just keeps screaming that he hates himself and he's 'sorry' but there's no one else there.

I've spoken to a couple of neighbours who've had same conclusion. He's not a threat to anything but himself.

Anyway, I've tried 101 but they didn't really take it on as he's not obviously threatening suicide.

I've tried getting advice from council but they suggested 101.

I've been advised by somewhere else to contact 'mental health services' but given no contact details.

I can't find any obvious contact for mental health services locally and even if I did, I don't know his name or owt. - I'm in Lancaster not Blackpool so that possibly limits direct advice!

What do I do here? It seems like the guy is going through a full psychotic breakdown to my untrained eye (and ears)
My stepson went through exactly the same as you’re explaining above a few years ago
We tried everybody for help whom we found a waste of space. He was very very I’ll ( mental health) the police were called and they could see he wasn’t well and they took him to the hospital and it was the police who managed to get him sectioned( we were powerless)
It turned out the medication he’d been on wasn’t working properly any longer and they changed his medication he was so poorly ( mentally) they kept him in different hospitals for around 6/8 months so he could be fully assessed and monitored. His medication was finally changed and once it started working he was released from the hospital to a place that has staff 24/7 in case they’re needed but he has his own flat in a block. He’s been well since he came out around 4 years ago and he now attends BFC matches with his dad and myself as a season ticket holder and he loves the games and it gives him something to focus on
I’d definately call the police so this poor soul can get the help he so obviously needs
Thanks for trying to get him help
By the way the crisis team were crap did t wanna know
 
Aye, I've tried approaching him, but it's not really worked. Spoken to neighbour who has done same. I'll try some advice line tomorrow. Police didn't want to know when I rang 101 and he's seemingly stopped for last hour so 999 will likely just say 'ring back if...'

Dunno. It's pretty likely his direct neighbour has reported tbh cos I imagine it's making his life pretty shit cos it's a terrace. I could go and hang round outside his house and listen, but if he's paranoid, that's not going to help!

All I want to do is someone pass it on to community mental health team as I guess good chance he's know to them and I suspect Mark GT is quite close to the money re meds etc. but that seems like trying to pass on information across the iron curtain.

I'll try the lines in morning and see what they say.
If the Po Po haven't already s136'd him, call your local team.


Good luck as it is a nightmare trying to get the support.
 
Call the police, you’ve no idea about his mental state or how it could escalate. He clearly could be a danger to himself, which could be serious and he might become a danger to others. If anything happens to him you’ll regret not doing something. I have experienced just this with a family member, the police were called, they called an ambulance and she was sectioned. She spent eleven months in various facilities before they get her settled on the right medication.
 
Spoke to mental health team Tommy recommended. They were very good. First service to actually listen and log it. They're going to cross-reference information I would give against their existing clients and gave me advice on how to respond if it carries on at same level. (Which tallies with a lot of stuff in here)

Going to try local police as well and just register with them as he may be known and if they can laise mental health team, that might provide his identity.

Please let me know if you manage to get the person the help they need. So nice of you to be concerned for the well being of this poorly person 💕💕thankyou
 
My stepson went through exactly the same as you’re explaining above a few years ago
We tried everybody for help whom we found a waste of space. He was very very I’ll ( mental health) the police were called and they could see he wasn’t well and they took him to the hospital and it was the police who managed to get him sectioned( we were powerless)
It turned out the medication he’d been on wasn’t working properly any longer and they changed his medication he was so poorly ( mentally) they kept him in different hospitals for around 6/8 months so he could be fully assessed and monitored. His medication was finally changed and once it started working he was released from the hospital to a place that has staff 24/7 in case they’re needed but he has his own flat in a block. He’s been well since he came out around 4 years ago and he now attends BFC matches with his dad and myself as a season ticket holder and he loves the games and it gives him something to focus on
I’d definately call the police so this poor soul can get the help he so obviously needs
Thanks for trying to get him help
By the way the crisis team were crap did t wanna know
Thank God you don't support PNE.
 
With mental health unfortunately the person needs to open up to somebody (total strangers) can be useful as they've no preconceptions. If pushed he may just clam up, getting him or her to accept he has a problem is sometimes the hardest part. I know this won't particularly help in this case, but I'd keep just gently keep offering to talk, without pushing it. Or post the Samaritans phone number through his letter box. Good luck in doing what is totally the right thing.
 
Spoke to mental health team Tommy recommended. They were very good. First service to actually listen and log it. They're going to cross-reference information I would give against their existing clients and gave me advice on how to respond if it carries on at same level. (Which tallies with a lot of stuff in here)

Going to try local police as well and just register with them as he may be known and if they can laise mental health team, that might provide his identity.
Well done you, and Tommy for the top tip. Glad you were listened to 👍
 
First of all thanks for caring, arare thing in this day and age. The fastest way I know to get help to people is via the Samaritans, good luck with everything, I hope the guy gets the help he needs.
 
I think Tommy nailed it but just in case The advise for Lancaster (as opposed to Blackpool) is to contact Lancashire County Council social services adult mental health team. They will work with the NHS mental health trust. Ask them for an email address and also send in an email saying you are concerned about his personal welfare and safety. My sister works at LCC adult mental health. They are really pushed so don’t get dicked around.
 
I work in mental health. Its a 999 job. He would be assessed at A and E then the Mental Health Team at hospital would take over.
My neighbour rang the police 3 times last night it turns out. I rang once as I detailed above.

Each occasion the police fobbed us off cos it's not 'a threat'

It's beginning to piss me off. I tried to ring local police station and was on phone for an hour with no answer.

Mental health team were very nice but they suggested I could conduct some investigation into his identity and I had to point out I have no tools to do that and maybe police could do that but the concept of the services sharing info seemed a bit radical...

I'll try what @Cuthbert suggested tomorrow.

This is quite eye opening to be honest. What seems to be happening is the triage element of all the various services is set up to filter all but the most serious circumstances and therefore everyone is keen to hand off to next person. I totally understand the capacity isn't great but it should be easier than this!!!
 
My neighbour rang the police 3 times last night it turns out. I rang once as I detailed above.

Each occasion the police fobbed us off cos it's not 'a threat'

It's beginning to piss me off. I tried to ring local police station and was on phone for an hour with no answer.

Mental health team were very nice but they suggested I could conduct some investigation into his identity and I had to point out I have no tools to do that and maybe police could do that but the concept of the services sharing info seemed a bit radical...

I'll try what @Cuthbert suggested tomorrow.

This is quite eye opening to be honest. What seems to be happening is the triage element of all the various services is set up to filter all but the most serious circumstances and therefore everyone is keen to hand off to next person. I totally understand the capacity isn't great but it should be easier than this!!!
I encountered this with my sister in 2020 and my friend last year.
Absolutely tearing my hair out with each department passing over responsibility to another and getting nowhere.
Both even sent home from A&E with relaxation tips 🫤 My sister we paid for urgent private psychiatric appointments and my friend is no longer with us, as documented last October 😟

It’s shocking to be honest, crisis care that is.
Keep up posted and good luck.
 
I encountered this with my sister in 2020 and my friend last year.
Absolutely tearing my hair out with each department passing over responsibility to another and getting nowhere.
Both even sent home from A&E with relaxation tips 🫤 My sister we paid for urgent private psychiatric appointments and my friend is no longer with us, as documented last October 😟

It’s shocking to be honest, crisis care that is.
Keep up posted and good luck.
Aye, I've had second hand experience of tragic lack of care but never the direct experience of trying to seek care. I can only imagine the frustration of it being a loved one...

Anyway, I have 999'd now it as the latest round of shouting included 10 minutes of "I need help. I need help. I need help" which is as unequivocal as it can get I suppose.

Got ref number, shared with my neighbour who is also trying to sort out and who tried to speak today with him which seems to have triggered more angst, not made things better.

We'll see!

To be fair, the call handler was superb (in interests of balance after moaning above!)
 
Aye, I've had second hand experience of tragic lack of care but never the direct experience of trying to seek care. I can only imagine the frustration of it being a loved one...

Anyway, I have 999'd now it as the latest round of shouting included 10 minutes of "I need help. I need help. I need help" which is as unequivocal as it can get I suppose.

Got ref number, shared with my neighbour who is also trying to sort out and who tried to speak today with him which seems to have triggered more angst, not made things better.

We'll see!

To be fair, the call handler was superb (in interests of balance after moaning above!)
Oh dear. He is obviously quite poorly and slipping through the care net right now 😳
Lets hope one of the emergency services turn up soon 👌
 
Oh dear. He is obviously quite poorly and slipping through the care net right now 😳
Lets hope one of the emergency services turn up soon 👌
I won't know cos it's round the corner from me (it's an L shape terrace if that makes sense) but yes, they've logged as a 'welfare/crisis' visit and that's really what I wanted to happen overall.

Another thing for me is my neighbour who is actually next door to him is on his own and I think was getting a bit shaken by it. He's very proper and not very emotionally expressive but he's areally nice guy and I wanted to get it into system so he can report an escalation or threat to life cos he's more likely to hear it but he'd got nowhere.

I need to let it go a bit cos I'm flippin'' knackered now.
 
I've been reading this thread but as I couldn't be of any help I hadn't posted, but just wanted to echo other people's sentiments, thank you for caring! It's so easy to turn a blind eye or not want to get involved but you've definitely gone above and beyond trying to help this poor fella 👏🧡
 
Nah, people are alright. You've got to give a bit of a shit if you expect others to do so and let's be honest, I'd also like to sit in my yard without a chorus of pained anguish as the soundtrack so I'm not being totally Mother Theresa...
 
Nah, people are alright. You've got to give a bit of a shit if you expect others to do so and let's be honest, I'd also like to sit in my yard without a chorus of pained anguish as the soundtrack so I'm not being totally Mother Theresa...
You need to try to take some time out to relax now yourself for a while. It’s exhausting and stressful dealing with a situation like this.
 
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