Hello, My 13 yo son showed signs of deppression July of last year and later ran away but was found quickly by the sherrif. We got him into to see a therapist who stated he had mild depression and that he did not require meds. Mar 23 at about noon he tried taking his life, thank god the shower rod could not hold his weight and broke. He is currently admitted as an inpatient at a mental health institution for children. Tough choices, The family wants him out ofcourse but doctors and social workers are recommending an extended stay to build his confidence. My concern is the unfortunate consequences of leaving him there. He speaks of other children with problems all the time and I as a parent don't see how being surrounded by many children with multiple problems would help him. Is building confidence and slowly healing the shame he feels for what he has done more important than a safer environment? I feel we could help him more than a place filled with disfunctional teens ranging from the same problems he has to very disturbing mental conditions, but I am asking because I am talking about my son and ofcourse am basing my decisions right now on the love I have for my children as well as trying to do what he needs.View Thread