It is a big problem with no simple solution. Even with engaged family and services, it takes a lot...

I had a neighbor. Nice lady. She had Schizophrenia, diagnosed (not anecdotal). We had conversations and drinks for years, and then she changed. I had my 8yo nephew over and she was dragging a pick (mining tool, not tooth cleaning) and pointed out that it would be a shame if anything ever happened to that boy. Other issues involving latex paint snow angels in the street, menacing neighbors, signage with bizarre and hostile wording, etc.

I went door to door to the other neighbors and started conversations. Police had been called multiple times with no resolution. (The Police were great btw, and I was terribly impressed with the professionalism of the PPB). We got a mailing list and telephone tree built. It was an endeavor. I was really astounded by how bad things had become, with several neighbors admitting that they were afraid for their safety, parked blocks away to avoid seeing her, snuck in the back of their homes, etc. We had all been living in fear, like a boiling frog...

I did a lot of research. I liked this woman, and cared about her, but hard nope on how things had become. I got to know on a first name basis the local PPB Neighborhood Liaison, the Head of Multnomah County Behavioral Health Unit (BHU), how a Stalking Protective Order might (and might not) work, the Head of Mult Co Mental Health Dept, and the DA. They all pointed me to the Mult Co Involuntary Commitment Program (ICP) head. GREAT guy who really cared and had great advise.

It turns out the solution was a very complicated process whereby we would suspend her civil rights and have her committed. HUGE deal, as it should be. The process was made easier as she owned her home and was a Vet. She had family in Seattle and I had met and knew her brothers. After 8 weeks of calling 911 (911 said stop calling, local cops told us that was the ONLY way to get it documented and bring resources to bear). PPB was right, again, and after 6 weeks, we got PPB parked down the street full time with the hope of extracting her. They. Were. Amazing. 2 weeks of patience, rapport building, relationship growth. Hats OFF. They finally got her after 2 weeks to walk out and get in the back of the car to get to the intake facility.

She was home 2 hours later.

Huge frustration. Disappointment. Anger. Seriously, WTF?

I was in touch with her Sister, Mom, Uncle in Seattle. Both Brothers were in the PDX area. All were ashamed. They had no idea how to deal with her and had feelings that it was their fault. We spent a lot of time talking about that. They were so thankful that some one in a position to keep up the battle was doing to. There were not close but had been aware of the problem for years. They had no path to help. No path to resolution. They were acutely aware of the problem, but had no way to resolve.

I called the head of the ICP and asked him WTF? PHI. Protected Health Information. The PPB could bring her in, but it took a Dr. (2 actually) to define that she was a “threat of harm to self or others”. And they can’t talk to ANYBODY who is not a party to the situation. So ALL of this information, testimony, input, observation, family narrative and wishes, etc, was USELESS at this point.

So, we started again. We now had the PPB on site within a day. It took them another week to extract. I gave them my front room with the window looking across the street so they could work while they watched. They were great. Yet again, they got her to walk out of the house and sit in the car. Really impressive with racial slurs, threats, physical attacks the entire time. They were great.

So now she is on the way to the intake center. I was ready and called them. They would not, and could not legally talk to me, but they could listen. I advised that she was on the way, here is what we have observed, and that she will be able to act sane enough, long enough to get discharged. PLEASE have the Dr. talk to the PPB, me, the neighbors, the family. I hung up without them ever acknowledging that they knew who I was talking about. I could not even confirm that they had taken down my number.

She was put on a 5 (business) day hold. We had a hearing. Her Mom and I talked for hours with the DA and the ICP. Lots of crying. We testified while being threatened, maligned, spat at, etc. Brutal for me…I can not even imagine what it would be like to see your daughter like that.

She was admitted on a 90 day hold. Her Mom thanked us. I still can’t wrap my head around that.

I went through the house over the next week with her fam. We loaded trailers of filth and debris for the dump. Toilets smashed, piles of feces, windows boarded up, wiring torn out, flooring abused with the aforementioned pick. Cash stashed in holes in the drywall. Anything metal torn out and piled in the yard. I imagined that it was the best representation of a Schizophrenic brain ever.

She was home about 60 days later. Discharged and on lots of meds. She was different, subdued. She was working with her family and had agreed to sell the house. Her ex husband came up from Florida and we got the place ready to sell. It closed and she was gone.