What does it take to get sectioned?

[gando1]

Hi. I was wondering... what does it take to get sectioned under the mental health act? Just that I know a few people who have been suicidal and been allowed out and then killed themselves. Surely there should be a way of stopping this?

[WendyS]

Individuals are usually sectioned under the Mental Health Act if they are deemed to be at risk of self harming, or in danger of causing serious injury to others. I believe that at least two medical officers (doctor and psychiatrist) have to have seen the person first before a decision can be made. I think the problem is that so many beds in psychiatric hospitals have been abolished and the so-called "Care in the Community" initiative used instead that individuals are moved out of hospitals far too soon when still suffering from depression or mental health problems because there is simply no longer enough room for them or their bed is required for another even more urgent case. Then these individuals cannot cope alone in the outside world when there is inadequate support. I'm not sure that "the Care in the Community" initiative has been very successful. For every individual who has been helped, probably a dozen have fallen through the net.

[Cobra.]

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[mycats]

Excuse me Cobra I have had two friends kill themselves, who obviously had mental health issues and I REALLY dont think that was funny!! What the hell is wrong with you? I hope you never have to lose someone like that, but maybe then you wont be so flippant.

[beejaybee]

Mental Health is not a "laughing matter". I hope you never experience seeing someone you love suffer. It`s ingorance of the subject that make peole mock it.

[Pippa68]

I am glad that gando1 got a sensible reply ~ sorry I have nothing to add, gando..WendyS has done well with her answer :o)

[unruliejulie]

Cobra, bit insensitive mate. Sounding a bit obsessed now, leave it for the questions that ask for it and not serious ones like this.
gando, i don't have an answer to your question except, if someone really wants to do it, no-one is going to stop them. Very frustrating but i think getting someone sectioned is quite extreme even if it is for their own good. sorry for your losses, i have been there myself.

[bmthdj]

hey as a sufferer of mental health, i have been sectioned under section 2 of the mental health act and a ongoing sufferer of mental health problems. i was sectioned for my own safety by a doctor psychiatristand a social worker. i was taken to the hospital by the police under 136. and the only way i am aware of getting help is through professionals like doctors and police.