AIBU to consider a date with a man who is sectioned under the MH act

Does he have unaccompanied leave? Or was that not covered?

Well he wouldn't be able to go.

But if he doesn’t have leave?

Not if he has leave no

Honestly, no. Especially since you have children. He’s probably very nice and is doing all the right things for his mental health, but for me there would be too much risk.

Guessing he’d have to be accompanied by a mental health care professional on any date if he’s an inpatient under a mental health sectioning?

This is just PEDANTIC and not a real answer.

Hi, I've worked in Mental Health and YOU will be viewed with suspicion by his Care Workers. Even though these patients are are supposed to lead normal lives with support- it don't really work like that. Sorry to disappoint.

The word is discharged not released.

There is a huge amount of stigma still attached to severe mental illness & language matters.

I've been detained under the mental health act and discharged from section several times.

Ok. So, you've come to MN and asked a question. The responses have overwhelmingly advised you not to pursue a relationship with this man and it seems that wasn't what you wanted to be told.
End of the day, it's your choice. You know him. We don't.
BUT you met in a support group so I'm assuming you are fragile (for want of a better word) yourself. You have children. You like this man and he has expressed that he has feelings for you.
It's flattering and you're tempted but is it a good idea? Really?
Mental health issues can be all consuming for those around the person suffering. And I mean all consuming. If you're dealing with your own issues then the advice is always, always, to make your recovery a priority. I guarantee that if you get involved with someone who clearly has his own recovery to prioritise you will become lost in his issues and put your own progress back.
Ultimately it's your choice but what do stand to gain from this relationship and what could you potentially lose as a result?

Be there (with boundaries)as a friend to this person if you like them, but don't start dating them at such a chaotic tone in their life.

People with poor MH and trauma aren’t red flags

This is a good response.

some of the comments here are awful and very judgmental regarding MH. It can affect anyone, even the most hard working and honest people.

But yes it is probably not the best time for either of you to start a romantic relationship and also your life with him could be really hard if he relapses

The people on here being so unkind and acting like OP is some kind of predator should bear in mind it’s likely that OP is also fairly vulnerable with MH issues and needs kindness and empathy.

How long as he been sectioned and did you meet him while he was or before?
I would think that someone who is sectioned, and has been for a good while, would be extremely vulnerable and not in the best position to make good decisions. Plus have you even met him in person?
Maybe get to know him as a friend first- I wouldn’t even be considering a relationship until he’d been out of the facility, settled and potentially in community treatment and stable for a good long time (at least a year).
Is it safe to assume you also have MH issues if you met via a support forum? You need to consider your own needs as well OP.

Because she can rescue him and make him all better! And its so wonderful to be needed, and he is just looking for someone to rescue him and here you are

Mental Health Nurse with Bipolar here!

I would say no to starting a relationship with him. Be his friend. Depending on why he has been admitted, what section and his treatment plan then he likely would not have the privileges to have many visitors, leave from the unit etc. But whether he is in for the first time, or his tenth and whether is sectioned under 2 or 3 or if it’s a voluntary admission he will not be of sound mind. Be his friend as I am sure that is all he needs right now.

I work on a female forensic unit and whilst very different to an acute unit the concept is the same. Our service users have limited capacity and/or not in the right mind to make important decisions and actually agreeing to “date” him and then it not working out may have an even more detrimental affect on his mental health.

Personally, I think you'd be better off on Married At First Sight.

Wait till he has recovered and is no longer under a MHA order. Then decide how you want to progress this relationship.

And has been for months so clearly unwell and not in his best interests to start a relationship which I'm sure the staff would agree on.

If you had read the op you’d see that this man is indeed an in patient

this is the response I suspect the op was wanting when she started the thread 🤷‍♀️

Some of the responses here are astonishing. Here are some facts.

There is a huge difference between mental health and mental capacity. Somebody with mental health issues is deemed to have capacity unless they are assessed under the Mental Capacity Act and deemed not to.

Somebody sectioned under the MH Act is not necessarily in hospital. They may be being treated at home under a Community Treatment Order. Don't assume they are in a locked ward in a psychiatric hospital. (though some are)

There are far too many reasons for why people are sectioned, to be able to make an objective statement about their ability to conduct a relationship. Everybody is different. Response to treatment is different, reasons for the detention vary dramatically. There is no definitive answer to the OPs question, but the ignorance shown in some of the responses is frightening.
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I’d be wary as he may find it difficult to accept if you have a date and don’t want further. This could add to his problems

Whether youre being helpful or sarky this is really inappropriate