I’m screwed!!!

[Phoenix1990]

Had an appointment today with my local mental health team. Keyworker brought in the consultant psychiatrist.
After a long talk, mostly them, it was decided that I am going to be assessed under the mental health act, which means that I could be sectioned. I've been asked every time I attend, if I will agree to go into hospital. I have always said no because I do not benefit from being on a psych ward.
They are telling me I can't keep myself safe from harm. Apparently getting raped due to being mentally unwell is considered not being able to keep myself safe!
It could take up to 7-days to be assessed. I'm screwed. I have done all that I can do to help myself i.e. meds, psychology, ect etc in recents weeks/months. What more can I do? I told them today that I want to keep trying and work on recovery, but according to them, they don't think I can do this because they feel that I will do what the 'voices' tell me to do, despite the fact that I don't listen to them all the time and I now feel that I don't want to give up in spite of everything I am going through.
I don't know what to do. What do I say to make whoever assesses me not section me and ruin my life?

 

[oopswronglife]

I'm sorry...I know you feel awful. Let's consider options and realistic outcomes.

1. You are sectioned and its miserable because you feel trapped and in a new and scary environment. The key here is to remember its TEMPORARY. You think you cannot survive it. You think its the end. But you can...and it's not. You will get out sooner or later and if everything is still horrible you can always end things then. You are no more dead in a week or a month than today.

2. You are sectioned and despite your worries now it HELPS. That would be pretty great.

3. You run away to Burkina Faso using false papers and evading the coppers and live out your days in a small village. Unlikely to improve things in the big picture but a fun idea.

Try reasoning with them...its all you can really do...and if they won't come around then just treat it as a task to complete.

This isn't a prison sentence. It's not months or years locked up being abused and having your life ruined. They MEAN well even if they often don't help. There might even be a twat or two there who is cynical and annoying, but there will be nice people too and they want to help you. You have nothing much to lose by giving it a go if things are this bad AND you have no choice...seeing if even part of what they say or offer is helpful. If it's not, play the game, say the right things instead of what you know and want to say, get out...and regroup.

It sucks to have choices made against our will. It feels like a violation and more insult. Once it happens we have two choices....fight (which in the case they have ordered this will make it worse) or accept (which doesn't mean approve of) and move into the current. You can get through this whatever it ends up being. Easier by miles to say than to do...I know...but you CAN do it.

 

[GlowingCactus]

What do I say to make whoever assesses me not section me and ruin my life?

Don't answer their questions honestly, lie to them to make them believe what you want them to believe, but lie carefully enough so it won't be 100% obvious to them that you're lying. If they realize you're telling huge lies to avoid being locked up, that would just make your situation worse. For example don't pretend you're feeling totally fine but downplay your problems a bit. Anyway that's what I would do but feel free to disregard my message if you think that's bad advice.

 

[Amz_Falls]

Being sectioned is the absolute last resort. They are obligated to use the 'least restrictive' option. Try and come up with some alternatives/compromises and failing that agree to go informally as you have a much better chance of being discharged quicker. Just keep your head down, smile and nod!

 

[Misanthrope]

Are you in the U.K?

 

[Phoenix1990]

Good news.... I have just had my mental health act assessment and I haven't been sectioned! I was asked a lot of questions and took everyone's advice. Thought, during the assessment, that it wasn't going in my favour, but it did in the end. I just have to continue working with the mental health team and start new meds this weeks, but I'm not going to be held against my will. I'm so relieved. I can now relax for a few days then get back to putting my plan in action.

Are you in the U.K?

Yeah based in the UK

 

[bea1974]

Well done!

 

[drake4871]

Good news.... I have just had my mental health act assessment and I haven't been sectioned! I was asked a lot of questions and took everyone's advice. Thought, during the assessment, that it wasn't going in my favour, but it did in the end. I just have to continue working with the mental health team and start new meds this weeks, but I'm not going to be held against my will. I'm so relieved. I can now relax for a few days then get back to putting my plan in action.

Yeah based in the UK

Maybe I'm paranoid but I'd be careful in your shoes OP, they might lightly keep tabs on you to make sure that they made the right decision. Happy that you have your freedom! :)

 

[bea1974]

Have you ever used a mental health advocacy service? In my experience they aren't all very good, but most are. Could be useful for future meetings/appointments etc.