If one attempts suicide, they can get admitted right away and get full time care right away. But for those who are really suffering but not suicidal, then it can be very traumatic for those who have the illness and for those family members trying to do the best for them in the meantime because the treatment is often outpatient or person is put on a waiting list to be admitted.

Taking care of someone who is suffering greatly from mental illness but not suicidal so is getting out patient treatment that can take weeks to complete is not easy. Particularly if the cared for person can go from suffering but not suicidal to suicidal in just a minute or so and they make an attempt.