Very concerned

Concerned-1

Looking for some urgent advice.

I have a family member whom suffers with clinical depression and has done so for many years.

They are now at the point of considering taking their own life, they have a plan and even have written a letter of "goodbye".
I am very concerned, they have even said to a number of people how grateful they have been to know them and they are slowly saying goodbye to everyone.

How can I get them admitted to the mental health hospital? Can I personally have them admitted if I present them at a A&E or is there another way?

I honestly believe they DO need to be sectioned under the mental health act, I'm concerned they may appear okay to staff and they won't be sectioned, however is there anyway I can get them admitted or sectioned?


PLEASE all advice, I can't do anymore, I honestly believe they need a secure unit, professionals and proper treatment ASAP

rosie-lee

What a difficult predicament for you. I wishI could help but am unsure about these circumstances.

You have posted quite late at night, so please don't be disappointed to have no responses yet. I am quite sure in the morning some very sensible posters will come along with some support & practical advice.

Concerned-1

rosie-lee wrote: »

What a difficult predicament for you. I wishI could help but am unsure about these circumstances.

You have posted quite late at night, so please don't be disappointed to have no responses yet. I am quite sure in the morning some very sensible posters will come along with some support & practical advice.

Thank you.

I think they honestly need sectioning.
I did a online assessment filling questions in and it has come back as possible Bi-Polar disorder and panic attacks.

They have really thought about this, and I really think they will end it all.
I'm really worried, that they may not get the help in time.
They need sectioning and a proper assessment completed in hospital, just need to know how to get them admitted.

Thank you for your reply

AbbieCadabra

can samaritans help at all?

Gingernutty

Concerned-1 wrote: »

I think they honestly need sectioning.
I did a online assessment filling questions in and it has come back as possible Bi-Polar disorder and panic attacks.

Self diagnosis using Dr. Google is a bad idea. Diagnosing someone else is an even worse idea.

Are they currently receiving treatment?

Have you tried to talk about your concerns with his/her doctor? They won't be able to discuss anything about the patient or treatment, but you can describe your concerns and what's been happening.

rustyboy21

My OH had an issue 4 years ago with medication he was given for a bells Palsy and it had the effect on him of suicidal tendencies He couldn't come off them cold turkey as he had fits similar to epilepsy. He tried to commit suicide twice on consecutive nights. Took loads of medication but I heard the wrappers and caught him both times. On both nights , he texted goodbye to his Mum, but didn't say anything to me. he drugs just gave him that little extra 'guts' to try and do it. It is horrible to see someone in that state.


We ended up in A&E and they did blood tests etc to check on overdosing. We eventually got to see the emergency Psychs , who would only section him, if he agreed. I threatened him with leaving him, if he didn't get help, so he agreed, but his Mum discharged him the following day and left me to sort him out. It has taken me 4 years to start trusting him again, I still have doubts at times. He is embarassed by it all


I would suggest if the situation is so bad, that you take them to A&E, but don't think that will be your saviour. They will only admit them, if they really show they are a danger to themselves, or others. If they don't sound too suicidal, they will just refer to the Psych dept in the hospital, which takes months and months.


The majority of people who say they are suicidal are not up to doing the deed, they just need to speak to someone. Can you get them to ring the Samaritans or a crisis helpline. They will be able to guide you better than anyone on here.


Hope things work out ok

Lily_rose_2

The next of kin can request a Mental Health Act assessment.....that's a legal right! It has to be the next of kin though...husband/wife, parent. I'd suggest contacting either the local CMHT (Community Mental Health Team) or the Social Services Department - where AHMPs are based....who complete the assessments with the Psychiatrists.

I'm a psychiatric nurse, and would be concerned, from what you've said here, so would suggest getting them some help. Services vary across the country, but where I work A&E have specialist psychiatric liaison teams...who can assess/refer to crisis teams/refer for Mentsl Health Act assessment if necessary - so A&E might be an option.

Out of interest - are they asking for help? Have they got a CPN or Psychiatrist already? If they have, it might be worth contacting them to express your concerns.

lilmissreading

Do you have a copy of the goodbye letter? Perhaps if you take it along with the person to A&E it will help the drs understand how serious this is?

Does the person agree to go along with you? That's a good sign if they do as shows they may be open to help? I heard it said that some people can find is useful to think of suicide as a permanent solution to a temporary problem which can help people hold on long enough to try out sources of help.

Don't know much about sectioning.

rustyboy :grouphug: I can't imagine how stressful and distressing that has been.

ljonski

You will need to be proactive and willing to spend some time with them till they are getting some sort of treatment.
If they are clinically depressed, then are they already known to the local Mental Health team?
Give them a ring immediately on their emergency number and make them aware that you are convinced that they are in imminent danger of taking their own life!

They may ask you to ring 999 and get an ambulance or even police.
You must be prepared to accompany them to the hospital and bring any evidence you have of their intentions and whatever medication they are on.
But it is possible that they maybe able to convince the medical staff that they are of sound mind, in which case there is nothing that then can be done ecxcept ring their GP. or wait until an attempt is made.
If there is a plan then make everyone including the Police aware of it immediately!

Make sure though that you do ring theMental Health unit first.
Good on you for spotting it!

tomtontom

Lily_rose wrote: »

The next of kin can request a Mental Health Act assessment.....that's a legal right! It has to be the next of kin though...husband/wife, parent. I'd suggest contacting either the local CMHT (Community Mental Health Team) or the Social Services Department - where AHMPs are based....who complete the assessments with the Psychiatrists.

I'm a psychiatric nurse, and would be concerned, from what you've said here, so would suggest getting them some help. Services vary across the country, but where I work A&E have specialist psychiatric liaison teams...who can assess/refer to crisis teams/refer for Mentsl Health Act assessment if necessary - so A&E might be an option.

Out of interest - are they asking for help? Have they got a CPN or Psychiatrist already? If they have, it might be worth contacting them to express your concerns.

To correct this, it is the nearest relative that can request a MHA assessment, not the next of kin, who has no legal rights in this situation. They may be one and the same, but there are good reasons why they may not - it is worrying (though sadly not surprising) that a psychiatric nurse does not know the difference.

AnnieO1234

If there is an immediate danger (i.e. A goodbye phone call, just taken a load of pills) call 999.

If there is a less immediate danger look up the contact details for your local Emergency Mental Health Team. Especially if your relative is known to the services for problems like this.

If this is simply a cry for help, encourage them (even drag them if you have to) to their GP or even a and e to access the services you require.

Samaritans and various other mental health charities may be able to assist you with coping with this situation more so than them being able to actually do something for your relative.

Xxx