I really need some help here.. #Sectioning

Kiirrsstty · 23-04-2014, 06:58 PM

I have recently been diagnosed with sever Depression but I seriously can't cope with living in my community..
I am currently a Self-Harmer and it is a regular thing for me, I usually cut everyday but it never really seriously deep. I have thoughts of suicide everyday too and I can't talk to nobody about it because I have a serious problem with people and I struggle to talk to them..
I think I need to be sectioned for my own safety aswell as the safety of my family but is it a good idea?
Please help, Thank You :)!

crazykat · 23-04-2014, 07:06 PM

Hospital is generally used as a last resort, after you have tried other options. Then if it is decided hospital is the best option it is always better to go voluntarily rather than being sectioned as you have more rights regarding your treatment. Do you have any support at the moment?

Kiirrsstty · 23-04-2014, 10:32 PM

I am currently having support from both my GP and a therapist but nothing seems to be working.. I don't want to hurt my family but I can't think of any other way than to go to hospital..
I know it's a last resort but we have tried everything else :?

LilMissEmma · 23-04-2014, 10:35 PM

If you are in the right mind the know you need to go into hospital, chances are they won't section you.
Sectioning is reserved for people who cannot make the decision for themselves.
If you were to go into hospital, it would probably be as a voluntary patient. If you really feel this is the route to go, you would need to speak to your professionals.

Horizon · 24-04-2014, 02:59 PM

Have you thought about a day hospital instead? That way you would be in a structured setting throughout the day, but would sleep at your own house. And that way you can put into practice the skills you learn at the day program.

As for what the others said, I agree. Hospitalization is a last resort. If you are in immediate danger of seriously harming yourself or someone else, that's when the hospital becomes a more realistic option.

As far as sectioning, you would want to be a voluntary patient if you ever went of your own accord.

How long have you been seeing the therapist and GP?

Kiirrsstty · 28-04-2014, 10:19 AM

I have thought about that and I'm not quite sure how I feel about that..
I have been told by my family and a few friends that have been in hospital for the same problem, that it is probably the best option for me.
I have been seeing a therapist for ages now, maybe a year..
My GP I haven't been seeing for that long to be honest :)!

Horizon · 29-04-2014, 02:43 AM

You said earlier that you had tried everything else. What have you tried?
And in the grand scheme of things, 1 year isn't that long to be seeing a therapist. I was with one therapist for 7 years, and I was in therapy before her, and I had a partial program before I went inpatient for the first time.

Why are you not sure about the partial program, but would prefer inpatient where your freedom is severely restricted and you don't get to choose when you leave, as opposed to being able to leave the day program and go to your own home and put the coping mechanisms you learn into place in the real world?

I don't know where you're located, but usually the way it is in the US is that you are there to be stabilized and then released as soon as your condition has medically improved. They don't keep anyone all that long, not even patients I've met who have tried to poison their children, for example: they got out in a week. You meet with the psychiatrist for about two minutes a day, meet a social worker for a one-on-one session once if they even get around to it, and the rest of the day is groups (which is what day programs are comprised of) and a whole lot of sitting around and waiting.

The day programs I've been in usually have a smaller amount of people in them, and therefore you get more than five minutes to say something about what's going on for you, as opposed to a room full of the entire unit trying to get in their say.

Hopefully this made some sense. I'm not trying to come across as harsh, I just think there are other things like other medications and maybe day hospital to consider before you make the leap all the way to inpatient.

jemimalomax · 01-05-2014, 06:59 AM

I don't know how it works where you lived, but where I am (New Zealand), if you were to be admitted to hospital it would be on a voluntary basis as you seem willing to engage with treatment. Personally, I advise against being treated in hospital unless absolutely necessary. During my first admission to hospital I was sectioned as I tried to discharge myself and my admission lasted three months. Hospital made me worse. My self harm escalated. I think there were a couple of reasons for this. The first was that being around other acutely unwell people who advocate self harm as a legitimate coping strategy normalises it and allows yourself to believe it is an acceptable behaviour in response to stress. The main reason though is that hospital is a very stressful environment. You lose all control over your life and privacy. You are around people with numerous serious mental health problems that can be quite scary. Of course, there is a place for hospital if you are unable to engage in treatment and are unable to be kept safe in the community, but I would only say that it should be a last resort. I would explore options of treatment in the community - day programmes or sometimes you can get nurses who come to your home and watch you 24/7. Whatever your decision is, I really hope it works out for your recover.