Being sectioned - info please.

[maxitab]

I have 14 days in which to decide to voluntarily admit myself to hospital, start recommended treatment, or I will be sectioned.
I don't want to take mood stabilisers (lots of reasons - not to go into here).
Can I ask people here what their experience is of what choices/negotiation there is in terms of treatment if I am sectioned as opposed to being a voluntary patient. My experience in the past has been that I am admitted voluntarily and as soon I refuse anything they use sectioning as a threat to get me to comply anyway....!

[Allyke]

Oh Maxi... I don't really know anything about it, I'm afraid. Just wanted to say I'm sorry it's come to this and send you some love xx

[marcustwelve]

Hi, don't know much about this I'm afraid But would have thought voluntary would be showing willing to seek help in some way, all I know i think it takes two Psych's to section.... Doesn't sound fair / right that they use sectioning as a threat!! Take care and all the best with whatever you decide to proceed with.

[Ainsworth]

is meds the only option for treatment Mx? have they told you this? if that is their plan(which i would think it was), then yes, i can see it going to section if you refuse.

it doesnt seem like they are giving any options here and both will lead to the same outcome.

[maxitab]

Yes, this is what I think.....my T is fighting for me to remain as I am (he does not panic about me as much).
The only option it seems I have is to pretend that things have vastly improved. I have a fortnight to slowly 'recover'!

[Madman]

Hi Maxitab,

I think sectioning can be very different from one person to the next - depending on an individuals state of mind and needs. My own experiences have not been too bad really, apart from my first when I was 17 and having a very bad psychotic episode. I have gone in voluntarily a couple of times since then and have had a much easier time - on both occasions I have had treatment offered to me that I didn't want, so alternatives were given.

I think it's probably best to go in of your own accord if you can - that way you don't feel as though you are being forced into anything quite so much and your MH team will maybe treat you differently than they would if they have to section you.

When I was sectioned I was in for 6 months, but when I went in of my own accord it was just a matter of weeks before I was back out. Weigh up your options and do what you feel is best for you. Being in a decent state of mind and admitting yourself goes a long way to showing that you are prepared to accept their help - you can at least make them think that you are willing.

Very best of luck Maxi - take care

[Hope & Hope]

Hi maxi,

I think Madman has offered some very good advice. I do not have anything to add, but i wanted to wish you luck and give you a big ((HUG))

Take care,

Hope xx

[Jericho]

Should point out Maxi, sectioned forced meds including nasty old fashioned depots if you kick off, voluntary some negotiation about dose. I once got off a six month section in about 14 days and was discharged but I used Jedi mind tricks on them! (J/K bullshitted my way out really). Take care Maxi, hope it works out.

[Rising Phoenix]

Sounds like a no-win situation to me. By refusing mood stabilisers you will be noted as non-compliant towards treatment. And the psychiatrists will be emphasizing that when they have to justify the sectioning. As you say, voluntary really means blackmail.

I'd never go voluntary if I was told "go voluntary or else". It's blackmail. And If anyone attempted to blackmail or threaten me, I would be telling them to shove it up their arse. Although it's not a good idea to tell the psychiatrist that. It might give them ideas.

Sorry I can't be more help than that (if that even was a help!). I just hope that whatever happens you can look back on it and say "Yes it did help me". Take care. x

[Apotheosis]

Very hard to know what to do; given the way the system operates. Best to try & retain as much freedom as possible; & if there is no choice in the matter; to negotiate the lowest dose/mildest drug as possible. The MH system is so wrong. Sorry to hear that they have put this on you Maxi.

I have to say that in some ways they have won with me - long term neuroleptic dependency - & I have my moments of believing that what I primarily have is a brain condition that needs medicating. Very difficult to make the alternatives reality sometimes; given some of our life circumstances, experiences, & the way this society & MH system operates.

There is of course the perspectives; when all things are considered; that maybe a wise use of medication can sometimes help?

I've posted this before - it is a perspective that I've found helpful -

[I know it's specifically discussing schizophrenia & neuroleptics - but the same applies with other conditions/drugs]


From the book 'One in a Hundred' by Aiden Shingler -

"Neuroleptic drugs [also known as anti-psychotics or major-tranquillisers] are powerful & complex substances. There is a vast amount yet to be understood about the intricate interplay & specific interactions of these drugs on the neurological system. I feel, however, that they can fulfil a valuable role in assisting individuals in their quest for balance, but only if there is a balance of interests between those prescribing & those receiving.

It is lamentable that the means & methods by which these drugs are systematically imposed by clinicians gives rise to a profound conflict of interests.

Neuroleptics have the capacity to act upon the human psyche via the realm of alchemy rather than pharmacy.

My understanding is that schizophrenia is a psychic experience that manifests itself as spiritual conflict. The openness & susceptibility to the effects of paranormal stimuli by those undergoing Psyche-sensitivity can be overwhelming: a dam burst causing a flash flood of psychic activity that fills the planes of the mind.

If neuroleptics are administered sensitively, then rather than suffocating psychic activity through chemical saturation, these compounds can function as a filter, & posses the potential to limit the frequency & intensity of paranormal occurrences by reducing the psychic aperture, thus enabling psychic activity to be channelled & assimilated. Used minimally, these drugs can improve the life of the individual rather than impoverish it. All too often major tranquillisers are administered as an overdose that nullifies the neurological system rendering the recipient brain-dead.

The expression less is more springs to mind. Anti-psychic drugs need not be a bitter pill to swallow."

Hope it all works out Maxi. X