To ask about mental health act assessments

[busyweeks78]

I’ve been told unfortunately that I may have to have one. What sort of questions do they ask? Is it rare to be detained?

It's not rare to be detained, but it's very much a case-by-case decision. There are clear criteria for detention, most importantly that you are suffering from the MHA's definition of a mental disorder and detention is necessary for your/someone else's safety. So it might be worth exploring if treatment is necessary if there is a suitable alternative, usually the home treatment team.

It really is best to be honest and open. It's carried out by 2 doctors and a MH professional, they are only interested in your best interests, and there are lots of alternatives to admission for people who are open to this. There is no incentive to detain beyond safety, and they certainly will not be looking to admit unecessarily.

The charity MIND will have local MH advocates who are really helpful for anyone in this process. They are good at rallying and being in the person's corner.

Of course sometimes treatment is unnecessary and the assessment will indicate this. It's not only HTT/admission as outcomes.

Many people do fulfill the criteria to be detained but are not detained if there is an alternative - such as staying with a family member and having the Home Treatment team come in every day.

Don't be afraid. If you are detained it will purely be to keep you safe or to keep others safe from you. If you are feeling suicidal then it may be best for you to be detained to get the help you need and deserve.

thanks for responses