what would you do

[canetoad]

14. A month ago, I did the same as you

A couple of friends called around one evening to say that a third friend, we'll call her Rose*, was threatening self-harm. None of us are young. Rose is in her 70s, is bipolar, suffers severe scoliosis and opiate addiction. She was also one of Australia's top TV stars in her day.

Why they came to me, I don't know. However I made a few calls to mental health agencies etc. In the end it seemed like the only option was the local police, for them to do a "wellness check", so I called them.

So yes, you did exactly the right thing. Some folk, well-meaning as they may be, will kick the can down the road. It's gotta stop somewhere. Rose was furious at the police turning up but she honestly thinks it was one of the other two that called them. I haven't bothered to correct her!

*Not her real name.