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Original poster

Daughters sectioned in psychiatric facility

61 replies

SpiderExtinction · 02/09/2023 16:52

I think I'm posting this because I am so tired and worn down and just needed a place to chat.

My daughter was sectioned in March this year and has been in a psychiatric facility ever since. She has improved a lot from how she was. Back in February she suffered with psychosis which is complicated with severe anxiety, depression, a learning disability and possible autism. She stopped eating, drinking, sleeping, using the toilet, even moving. She still has a poor appetite but has improved greatly with all the above.

The only thing that she has regressed with is talking. Since May, she has displayed selective mutism. I also found out that she had been showered by a male carer which would have traumatised her - she's scared of men. Her closing down like that seemed to coincide with that incident. Does anyone know if male staff are meant to shower female staff one to one?

We are working towards her discharge but it seems to be taking so long for anyone to make any decisions about anything. Planning started in June and we still have no decisions made. Each week drags on and seems like it's all going round in circles. They keep trying to push a 'gradual' return home which I know would be traumatic for my daughter. Her admission to hospital was immensely traumatic where she had to be taken into the ambulance and hospital against her will. If she came home and then got taken away again, this could potentially cause trauma for her again.

She has indicated to the social worker twice. that she wants to come home. Professionals agree that the clinical environment is having a negative impact on her now, yet nothing is moving forward. I'm just so tired.

Her section ends on 30 September. If nothing is sorted, am I allowed to just go get her? She's 19 by the way.

OP posts:
AutismProf · 02/09/2023 16:57

Was it definitely psychosis and definitely not autistic catatonia? A huge burnout can cause the symptoms you describe and would fit with SM which is rooted in anxiety and a freeze response.

www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/catatonia-autism

Original poster
SpiderExtinction · 02/09/2023 16:59

@AutismProf Thank you for the link, I will have a read. Professionals are suspecting Autism but they said she can't be assessed until she is back to baseline.

OP posts:
Original poster
SpiderExtinction · 02/09/2023 17:01

Oh wow, that explains her exactly how she is.

OP posts:
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 02/09/2023 17:03

This sounds like autustic burnout not psychosis. Even the age suggests she’s held it together but becoming a young adult caused an implosion.

She needs rest, care, low demand and possibly anti depressants. I’m not sure she needed sectioning. My dd would be also traumatised by a male assistant.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 02/09/2023 17:06

Ok maybe not antidepressants, but it’s definitely burnout.

Namechange600 · 02/09/2023 17:06

I’m so sorry you’ve had such a difficult time and your daughter too. so sad for her.
I don’t know the answers to your questions but I have a child with ASD and family members with undiagnosed probable ASD/ADHD and maybe dyslexia plus psychosis/schizophrenia. It’s really hard so sending you solidarity and hope you can get her out of there as sounds very traumatic environment for her xx

Original poster
SpiderExtinction · 02/09/2023 17:07

@ArseInTheCoOpWindow Thank you. I don't think she needs another section 3 anymore but rather needs her family to love and care for her (with the support staff coming in).

She's on Mirtazapine, Olanzapine and Diazepam for her mental health and anxiety. She seems to be doing better and more responsive lately.

OP posts:
off · 02/09/2023 17:08

I mean, you can order discharge before then, if you're the official nearest relative. Well, it's called "ordering", but it's more like a request, since the responsible clinician can bar the discharge if the patient is likely to pose a risk to themselves or others (which is a bit weird TBH, because if they don't, then why are they under section?).

Chocolatethief · 02/09/2023 17:08

Sorry about your daughter I hope she's home soon
Regarding the male staff showering her that should not happen while male staff can be on 1 to 1 with female patients if they need watching or support with toileting/ showering it should always be a female staff member. I have been on the wards and in 1 to 1 and have never had a male watch me use the toilet or shower. If I ever just went and closed the door on them they always had to get a female member of staff if I wasn't suppose to.

Original poster
SpiderExtinction · 02/09/2023 17:08

Namechange600 · 02/09/2023 17:06

I’m so sorry you’ve had such a difficult time and your daughter too. so sad for her.
I don’t know the answers to your questions but I have a child with ASD and family members with undiagnosed probable ASD/ADHD and maybe dyslexia plus psychosis/schizophrenia. It’s really hard so sending you solidarity and hope you can get her out of there as sounds very traumatic environment for her xx

Thank you so much, I just want to go and scoop her up and bring her home but I can't legally unfortunately.

Does anyone know if the autistic burnout or catatonic state is possible to come back from fully?

OP posts:
off · 02/09/2023 17:09

SpiderExtinction · 02/09/2023 17:08

Thank you so much, I just want to go and scoop her up and bring her home but I can't legally unfortunately.

Does anyone know if the autistic burnout or catatonic state is possible to come back from fully?

Show quote history

Yes, possible to come back. I'm proof.

Original poster
SpiderExtinction · 02/09/2023 17:10

off · 02/09/2023 17:08

I mean, you can order discharge before then, if you're the official nearest relative. Well, it's called "ordering", but it's more like a request, since the responsible clinician can bar the discharge if the patient is likely to pose a risk to themselves or others (which is a bit weird TBH, because if they don't, then why are they under section?).

Yes I did this but then after talking to her responsible clinician, I decided to withdraw it because he said she could come home for a 'trial period' on section 17 leave and it can keep being extended if she's doing well, without having to go back and forth.

The RC also said that discharge from the mental health act wouldn't the same as discharge from hospital.

OP posts:
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 02/09/2023 17:10

I think recovery is totally possible. It takes a long time though. The most important thing is low demand. So make assistant is not low demand.

My Dd went into burnout in March. Couldn’t read a paragraph. But can now read a chapter. Still exhausted. Sleeps hours all day.

SirVixofVixHall · 02/09/2023 17:10

A 19 year old girl showered alone with a male staff member ? I would be very concerned about abuse . Surely that is totally against safeguarding guidelines ?

Original poster
SpiderExtinction · 02/09/2023 17:11

SirVixofVixHall · 02/09/2023 17:10

A 19 year old girl showered alone with a male staff member ? I would be very concerned about abuse . Surely that is totally against safeguarding guidelines ?

This is what i was wondering. I tried to find NHS policies on it but I couldn't find anything. That would have been hugely traumatic for her and I was so annoyed it happened.

OP posts:
Echobelly · 02/09/2023 17:11

No advice to add, just wanted to say I'm sorry for all your daughter is going through and wishing you strength and her a good recovery.

kiptee · 02/09/2023 17:11

I am a mental health independent advocate...if she is detained under the MHA it is her right to see one in a private area and they are completely independent and will represent her wishes around being detained I strongly urge you to look into this.
I assume she is detained under section 3? If so she has the right to appeal under tribunal in the first six months. And once in each renewal period. The section renewal is after six months and then every twelve months. However she will not be held if they feel she's ready to be discharged. Legal aid is free.
In terms of discharge- after section this is called section 117 and is a process to plan for support after discharge.
Your daughter also has the right to section 17 leave either unescorted or escorted from day one. This is her right and the type of leave is decided by her consultant.
I hope this has helped

off · 02/09/2023 17:13

SpiderExtinction · 02/09/2023 17:10

Yes I did this but then after talking to her responsible clinician, I decided to withdraw it because he said she could come home for a 'trial period' on section 17 leave and it can keep being extended if she's doing well, without having to go back and forth.

The RC also said that discharge from the mental health act wouldn't the same as discharge from hospital.

Show quote history

Fair enough. I'm glad you've been properly informed of your options — I know that doesn't always happen the way it should.

kiptee · 02/09/2023 17:14

If she is informal status then she is not being detained.
She should always have her rights read to her, she has the right to know about her treatment etc. as an advocate we can support during ward rounds and around communication.
Has she had a mental capacity assessment? I'd advise this also

AutismProf · 02/09/2023 17:15

Burnout - if that's what it is- requires rest and can take a long time to recover. Late teens is a common age.

My young adult child has taken 4 years but is much much better.

kiptee · 02/09/2023 17:17

And yes as the nearest relative you can have the power to discharge if detained under section 2 or 3, as a NR you need to communicate this with hospital managers 72 hours before you want this to happen and in writing.
However please note the responsible clinician can stop this if they feel the patient is a risk to others or themselves.

determinedtomakethiswork · 02/09/2023 17:18

I would be traumatised by a guy showering me, too. Ffs why is this being allowed to happen?

Original poster
SpiderExtinction · 02/09/2023 17:22

determinedtomakethiswork · 02/09/2023 17:18

I would be traumatised by a guy showering me, too. Ffs why is this being allowed to happen?

I know! I was shocked when I found out. I made it clear in writing that it was not to happen again.

She's so vulnerable and being naked in front of a man (which she has never done before) would have caused her such internal trauma. I just can't even comprehend why they thought this was a good idea when they knew she was more scared of men than women.

It may take me a while to reply to posts but I am extremely grateful for everyone's messages.

OP posts:
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 02/09/2023 17:24

determinedtomakethiswork · 02/09/2023 17:18

I would be traumatised by a guy showering me, too. Ffs why is this being allowed to happen?

I think this is just appalling. My dd can be mute and us ASD. This would traumatise her. I’d be taking action on this. Totally lack of understanding or correct medical support.

Holding your hand🤝