When I went to work this afternoon, I learned that one of the men from the Intermediate Care Program tried to take his life sometime after breakfast...
He tried to hang himself.
I do not know how serious of an attempt it was. Now, however, he has been placed into an observation cell in the prison’s Mental Health Unit which is at a more isolated part of the facility, and where he could be watched constantly.
More than likely, within the next week or two he will be transferred to the Central New York Psychiatric Center in Marcy, New York. He may be confined here for a month or more, and until he stabilizes. Then he will be returned to either this prison or another one to continue serving his sentence.
I take it personally when one of these guys gets so depressed and desperate that he opts to self-destruct. Ironically, when I saw this man the day before, he seemed normal and well-adjusted. He was laughing and joking with me. Yet for some reason the bottom fell out.
It has been said that men who are without hope are dangerous men. They think they have nothing to live for. Depression causes them to look at the world through a dark prism.
I do know this particular individual has struggled with suicidal impulses for many years. There’s a war raging inside his head. Yet, this is why I am thankful to be assigned to ICP. I am here to be a friend, minister, helper and encourager. People like him need to be shown a lot of compassion.
D.B.
I do not know how serious of an attempt it was. Now, however, he has been placed into an observation cell in the prison’s Mental Health Unit which is at a more isolated part of the facility, and where he could be watched constantly.
More than likely, within the next week or two he will be transferred to the Central New York Psychiatric Center in Marcy, New York. He may be confined here for a month or more, and until he stabilizes. Then he will be returned to either this prison or another one to continue serving his sentence.
I take it personally when one of these guys gets so depressed and desperate that he opts to self-destruct. Ironically, when I saw this man the day before, he seemed normal and well-adjusted. He was laughing and joking with me. Yet for some reason the bottom fell out.
It has been said that men who are without hope are dangerous men. They think they have nothing to live for. Depression causes them to look at the world through a dark prism.
I do know this particular individual has struggled with suicidal impulses for many years. There’s a war raging inside his head. Yet, this is why I am thankful to be assigned to ICP. I am here to be a friend, minister, helper and encourager. People like him need to be shown a lot of compassion.
D.B.
