On Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 1:03 PM, tom <tootommy20032000@...> wrote:

>
>
> I hope that it's ok to ask this?
>

Sure it is - and it says you feel safe here, which is a compliment to
everyone present.

What the VA can do depends in part on what state you live in. But generally
speaking, unless you are in *immediate* danger of hurting yourself or
others, nothing can be done involuntarily. The definition of "immediate"
varies from one state to another, but it generally is quite conservative.
We live in a nation that greatly respects the rights of individuals, so the
burden is quite high for any government agency to hold you against your
will.

Here in California, repeatedly talking about killing yourself will not get
you committed. Only if you say you intend to do it and have a plan and the
means to carry it out, can anything be done involuntarily. Reckless
behavior, unless it is overtly life-threatening (speeding isn't, driving
into a wall at high speed is), isn't grounds.

May I ask if you are thinking of killing yourself now? It didn't sound that
way from your posting, but I'd feel better if I knew for sure. If you are,
you can always call a suicide hotline for free, anonymously. I think
there's now one specifically for vets, which I'd imagine you know about.

If you don't feel safe talking about all this at the VA, I'd strongly
suggest finding somewhere where it is safe for you... or talk to the VA
folks about what would help you feel safer, if that's possible. If there's
one thing that post-traumatic stress takes away, it's just that - being able
to feel safe. It is totally human for you to be struggling with this.

Nick


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