At what point do I request a mental health assessment

[Noregrets78]

I'm losing all perspective here as I've become so accustomed to shocking mental health.

DD (16) has a history of self-harm and depression. About 3 suicide attempts, culminating in a spell in an adolescent unit.

She's been out about 6 weeks. I've been told to expect 'blips', and that it's not a straight line recovery. But the current situation is a constant barrage of hiding blades and medication. Everything is secure at home - the problem is taking things from shops, school, or dismantling objects.

She doesn't tell the truth, pretends everything is fine, won't give a straight answer to whether she's suicidal. Has stopped going to CAMHS appointments. Has said she won't see a separate counsellor for fear she'll be sectioned again.

Now in school, I have a nagging feeling she'll be hurting herself while in there.

I suspect I know the answer to this. I can't keep her safe, and she won't accept help. She may never forgive me, but I think I need to work out how to request a mental health act assessment which may result in her ending up back in the psych ward.

Please don't judge me for letting things get this bad. I'm severely doing my best here.

Anyone know how to request that assessment? Is it only following Crisis team assessment in A&E? (As I know she won't go there easily...)

I can't answer your specific question but I wanted to reach out to you because your worry and love for your child shines through your post. I was in your position only 3 years ago and we are now out the other side, and doing well. In retrospect the most helpful thing for me was getting support for my own mental health. I couldn't make my son accept counselling, but having my own therapy was key in helping me support him. My therapist supported my son through me, and it worked and he is now safe and healthy. Another service that helped, was the school's safeguarding worker. I can't remember the name of her role but she listened to me and supported me, which indirectly meant he was safer at school, because there was a flow of communication between us. I understand how this is a desperately bleak time and I want you to give you some hope for better times ahead.

I can't keep her safe, and she won't accept help.

Keep repeating this to everyone, until someone listens. If you are struggling to get anyone to act put it in writing.

MHA assessments don't have to only be after seeing the crisis team in A&E. For a start the crisis team can visit DD at home. Although precise routes available will differ area to area.

When is DD's next CPA review? If you can speak to DD's care co-ordinator they can organise an assessment.

If you can't get a professional already involved to organise an assessment, as the nearest relative you or DD's father (usually whoever is older) has a legal right to ask for an assessment. This can be via MH services or social care, if social care refuse a request from the nearest relative they must state why in writing.