To think going to a psychiatrist appointment having taken an overdose

[User567907]

Is seeking attention not in a negative way but in a way that shows they want help and don’t wish to die. Friend did this today and was then not allowed to leave the appointment she says she still wanted it to work even though she was then made to get medical attention.

Yes it is. I hope she gets the attention she clearly needs to get better.

If I'm reading the OP right your friend took an overdose, then attended a planned appointment but didn't like how it panned out?? The psychiatrist would have a duty of care to get the patient medical attention ASAP so I'm not sure what else they could have done?

I did the same thing many years ago. I was absolutely desperate for help but didn't know how to put it into words. I needed to start a very serious and difficult conversation, somehow that was the only thing I could do.

If she'd taken an overdose she might not be in a fit state to decide on the best course of action herself.

Psychiatrists aren't going to keep people in against their will for shits and giggles.

She wasn’t happy that the psychiatrist put her on a section 5.2. I told her that she couldn’t not put her on a 5.2 after what she told her.

A suicidal person's feelings are rarely black and white in terms of wanting to die or not. Or anything else really. It's complex.

Are they giving her good care and treating her with compassion?

I wouldn't be happy about being section fived either tbh. Tho I'm not surprised they did, I agree with you. Is she still being held on a section or is she home?

She’s in a medical ward but will have an assessment before she leaves.

The psychiatrist can and will use the section. She’s threatening to kill herself. Any good psychiatrist will keep them under in on a section. It’s in their hypocratic oath. Even if they go to the appointment your friend has stated she wants to die. That’s a section immediately

Saying you want to die in an appointment with a psychiatrist is not an "immediate section". Don't frighten people with untruths.

I don't think anyone is particularly happy about being sectioned but yes, I agree it was clearly a last ditch attempt to be taken seriously and to get some actual help. MH services are a joke in many areas and I've often considered it myself as it seems the only way to get therapy or anything other than drug pushing, is to make a serious attempt on your life. Never done it but can see why she did. When you're desperate, you'll try anything to make it stop.

Attention seeking

She wasn't just saying she wanted to die though was she, she had actually taken an overdose, changes things @theboxfamilytree

If she had taken an overdose then surely she'd need an assessment for physical harm first and foremost. I imagine the section was for that. Further investigation by the psychiatrist could occur after any initial immediate danger to health was ruled out. I also agree that if someone has tak n an overdose, then attended an outpatient appointment and disclosed the attempt then that's a good sign that the patient is asking for help . And that's good. I hope she gets the care she needs.
Fwiw, I was placed on a section 5 years ago for similar reasons. Did I want to be in the MHU? No. Did I need to be there? Absolutely.

I meant attention seeking in a positive way not a negative way. As in she wants the help.

Yes, it sounds like she is in crisis and probably quite confused about what she really wants/needs. I hope she gets the help she deserves.

I know that's what you meant, Op. Unfortunately some of us with a history of mental health will have experienced being called attention seeking by many people, some of whom should definitely have known better, e.g HCPs.
I think that's why your choice of phrase was picked up by PPs. It's obvious you care about your friend.

I’m truly sorry for any offence caused.

Seeking help might have been a better way of phrasing it. I hope your friend gets the helps she needs.

She’s seems to believe the psychiatrist should have left her to leave after she told her that. I have to keep telling her that she was doing her job by calling the ambulance.

I get what you mean about 'attention seeking but positive', but I think it is muddying the waters. I think it's a good thing your friend told the psychiatrist that they overdosed, and there must be a part of them that wanted to communicate how bad they were feeling and for someone to care and respond. But they may also have very mixed feelings about it, and if they're feeling low, the prospect of being 'made' to survive might also be quite scary. And of course it's natural for people to direct their anger or frustration at an authority figure.

I hope your friend gets the help they need to start feeling a little better.

Thank you yes I’m glad she told her.