...and so there he sits. Voluntarily in a facility. For now.
Trouble is, he's been there time and again. Will he stay? Will he get a few days down the road and walk out?
Should we - his caring friends - initiate a petition for involuntary hospitalization based on his risk of harm to self and others and his history of mental health issues? Will that just be time and emotion and effort invested only to have him beat the system as he has done so many times in the past? Is it even WORTH trying to force the hand of a guy who won't make the choice to get well? Better to let him retain freedom of choice - and suffer his consequences until they finally lead him to his bottom.... even if that bottom is death?
It's so goddamn hard.
The community mental health folks advise; "step away. let him make his choices". I suppose they're right.
Be there as a reminder that people care, but tell him clearly "You need to choose, man. Life or death. Get well or keep going. It's up to you."