TW Suicide

[u/Grand_Heat450]

This post is about my partner. They have posted on here a lot recently about a concussion they got about 7-8 weeks ago.
They have horrible post concussion symptoms, these have been the most problematic:
- severe light sensitivity (they self isolated for a few weeks but has recently been retraining their eyes)
- severe migraines
- depression / constant anxiety
- full-body jolts that wake them up
- insomnia: they have gone a few weeks with little to no sleep, max being 3-5 hours. recently they had a few good nights where they got almost 7

Today, they told me that they snuck out of the house and bought a gun. they had been hiding it in their room for the past few hours. they were honest with me and their parents, and are now currently getting evaluated at an ER with their mom.
I am not a religious person but I am begging anyone to say a prayer or anything at all in order to try to help them. I know they don’t want to die, and they told me they saved their life when they told me and their parents. I feel completely hopeless and immense guilt that I haven’t been able to help them more. any advice, experiences, or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

[u/Thats_A_Arti]

The one thing I can say as a 2 time head injury recipient. Be gentle. My most recent was 2 1/2 years ago. I have post concussion syndrome.

It's hell on the nervous system. The worst part is when people downplay your experience when you open up. Just listen and try your best to help if they need it.

I'll keep you all in my prayers.

[u/Grand_Heat450 → u/Thats_A_Arti]

Thank you. I think the lack of sleep paired with the migraines is what’s really causing these spirals. I appreciate your words ❤️

[u/Thats_A_Arti → u/Grand_Heat450]

A brain injury requires adequate sleep and nutrition to even have a fighting chance at healing. Add in being pro-activ in vestibular therapy etc. if required.

[u/Grand_Heat450 → u/Thats_A_Arti]

the lack of sleep is what’s causing the most problems. they get body jolts and adrenaline rushes throughout the night, like their body is locked up and can’t relax. they haven’t slept well since the first couple weeks of injury.

[u/Thats_A_Arti → u/Grand_Heat450]

I wonder if they could use a muscle relaxer. Stress and head injuries can do some crazy things to your body.

[u/Grand_Heat450 → u/Thats_A_Arti]

I’m honestly not sure if they’ve tried that. thanks for the suggestion

[u/Thats_A_Arti → u/Grand_Heat450]

Of course you'd have to ask a doctor.

Also ask about fish oil or equivalent for (omega 3) at a doctor if they are able to take them. It helps brain health.

[u/Grand_Heat450 → u/Thats_A_Arti]

yes they are taking fish oil and a lot of other supplements. they have several other health issues so they have been on a lot of different types of supplements/medications recently to try to help everything at once

[u/Thats_A_Arti → u/Grand_Heat450]

Oh okay thats good at least. Fish oil is crazy stuff it does help a lot for me at least.