Mental Illness

[Boisdeslandes]

My son is mentally ill and because I told the mental health team how he has behaving he now is in hospital but wants nothing to do with me. The Psychiatrists deemed him not to be ill enough to be sectioned and so technically he is in control of his life.

The doctorss do not know evrything that he has done so how can they be treating him properly? I think as his mother (even although he is 26) I must have some rights?

[bednobs]

no, you don't. He is an adult and has been deemed by psychiatrists that he has mental capacity.

[boxtops]

The hospital will have undertaken many procedures and used standard scoring charts to determined your son's state of mental health. They will have access to the medical records from his GP on which his treatment and problems to date should be recorded. Does he have a social worker who could help?

[marval]

My parents were in your position some years ago. They had to get help and my brother never forgave them for that. Unfortunately, you don't have any rights, only if he does something to get him sectioned can you be sure he will get expert help. He cannot be made to go into hospital or take any medication. It is a very difficult situation for you, and heartbreaking too. It is not easy to watch someone you love with a mental illness, knowing that they are left in society, to do their own thing. My parents got a social worker involved, but my brother did not wan't to know. All you can do is be there for him, hopefully he will realise he needs help and come to you.

I wish you well with this, I know the pain it can cause.

[Boisdeslandes]

He has no support, no social worker nothing. Yesterday he hated me and smashed his way into my home today he is sorry and wants my help. This has all happened because his father died and yet the Drs don't even acknowledge that fact. Often he is begging for help as he cannot understand his own state of mind but then sometimes he seems realtively normal to strangers although not to us his family. I am so heart broken and don't know where to go for help. Every professional I talk to says call the police if he is a problem but he is not a criminal he is unwell. If he had a broken leg they would fix it. How can we live in a society that doesn't help those with mental problems. I feel like have have lost my husband all over again and now I have lost my son too.

[Boisdeslandes]

Thanks t those that have tried to give me a little bit of hope. Last night my son walked out of hospital and so who knows what happens now. Some of you have said the professioals are not the right place to get help so maybe I will try to look elsewhere. Sadly I think he just needs an outlet for his feelings - he can't won't talk to me as he thinks he is making things harder for me. Right now I hope he is safe as I have no ida where he is.

[joko]

woul he read a book or 2?

might sound odd...but...its source of info an advice from an authoritative voice...that is not from docs doing tests on him or nagging family...

sitting quietly reading at his own pace may enable him to help himself...as the decision has to be his...

[Boisdeslandes]

My son called me on Thursday and has been at home since then. He is very quiet and subdued but no longer talking about ending his life. He has spend most of the time re-arranging his room. He says he has grounded himself until he is better, very sad but his decision and probably the right one. He seems fearful of the world outside. We have talked about the fact that the 'professionals' seem unable or willing to help him so I can only hope that he can find a way through this and that I can help and support him on that journey. He is playing mousic and that seems to be a comfort to him. Just wish I knew what to say or do. I so want my son back but have a little home he has started on the journey to recovery.