Friend is in psychiatric hospital, worried about her state of mind.

[SilverDragonfly1]

My best friend was voluntarily admitted to a ward last week. I have been texting with her every day and today she had a bad session with a consultant she felt didn't understand her problems and has started talking in a way that shows she is likely to consider suicide again soon.

With her permission, I called and spoke to a nurse on the ward. Explained that although she hadn't explicitly said it, I felt strongly that she would hurt herself if she self discharged.

What is likely to happen now? Has anyone experienced similar as a patient or family member? I am worried they will section her and she will blame me :/

If she expresses suicidal intent they will section her.

I think there are different types of sections which can last various lengths. As you've spoken to the nurse about your concerns they will take it seriously. Your friend I'd in the right place.

They do not automatically section someone who is suicidal. It depends on a person's illness and their mental capacity.

She would not automatically be sectioned but if she refuses to stay voluntarily and there are concerns for her safety then a Mental Health Act assessment might be carried out which could result in her being kept in hospital under an assessment or treatment section.
You did the best thing for her though by talking to the staff, even if she is sectioned then it wouldn't be your 'fault' and would hopefully keep her safe while she gets good help and support to recover.

Thank you. She agrees hospital is the best place for her and that it would be good if she could stay over Christmas (sent her a bunch of little presents today), but- and of course, I only have her point of view- they don't seem to be doing much. I've no idea how it all works, but she has only seen a consultant once (not an outstanding success) and there doesn't seem to be group therapy or anything. They have an activity room and garden, both open intermittently and a TV room so patients can interact with each other. is that part of the therapeutic benefit? And is there likely to be some sort of care package when she is discharged? I know funding and staffing levels are beyond dire.

I threatened suicide and texted a friend and police at door very shortly, followed by a visit from psychiatrist. Was off my head on prescription drugs. It nearly broke my son in two.I am sorry.

OP what you have described about the ward sounds quite normal. Consultants often come just once a week to hold their ward round, the nurses will have compiled a report and spoken to the psychiatrist before your friend came I to the room I'm sure.
Acute wards are a place to keep people safe in the short term, until a plan is made. The dire funding / staffing situation means it's unlikely there will be groups and things going on unfortunately.

She will be discharged with a plan when safe to do so, maybe follow up visits from a crisis team or a referral to a community team.
If she is willingly staying then there will be n need to section her, so you haven't done any harm

Psych hospital isn’t a therapeutic environment, it’s a place where they keep you safe and that’s about it.

Consultant once a week or less. Some OT. Mostly TV watching, regular meals and checks every 5-50 mins depending on your level of risk.

You don’t automatically get a section if you’re suicidal, especially if you’re willing to stay voluntarily. When you’re discharged, the only guarantee is a crisis visit within 24 hrs, but then you’re left to your own devices.

Whatever ideas you have about what psych services can offer; lower them, then lower them a bit more. You may then want to consider if you’re still expecting too much.

I’ve been in the system a long time with multiple admissions.

I didn't think I had high expectations of the services anyway, I have a lot of personal experience but not been involved in actual hospitals before. Anyway, what you've said is reassuring, in that I now know her experience is normal. Nothing has been said to her about my call, presumably it is in her notes. She is being kept safe and it is good to know she (probably) won't be thrown out onto the metaphorical streets with no further help. Thank you all again.

Well, she has now been detained. But not angry with me (or the hospital).