If I tell my doctor I’m feeling suicidal will my child get took by the social services

[alexloveskieron1]

I’ve been feeling very depressed and suicidal. I spoke to my mother about it and she told me to go to see the doctor but said I shouldn’t mention I’m suicidal because my daughter could get took away from me. I don’t want to lie because I want to get the help I need and I feel like if I don’t say this I won’t get the proper treatment I need. Tia

OP I’ve had depression for years.

I’ve been to the GP with suicidal thoughts- no SS involvement at all. Even when I was with the mental health team with PND.

I have had SS involvement when I got admitted to hospital with very definite suicidal plans. And then again in the times that I’ve attempted it.

My kids are still living with me. When I was really unwell (ie in hospital) they were temporarily with their dad or my parents. But there was never any question of them being taken away by social services. They did some work with my kids, and checked they were ok at school. The school were then able to support my children.

If you admit you are struggling, are honest and most importantly, accept help, you will be fine. Ok you might get referred to social services but it’s nothing to be scared of. Unless you have definite plans, it is unlikely that you’ll even be referred.

Lots of people feel suicidal at times. Please be honest with your GP

Okay guys I’ve read most of the replies and thank you, I’m just a bit confused on what to do now haha I have got my appointment next week to see my GP. Also thought I would mention that I’m feeling very depressed but not very suicidal (I could of worded that better in my post so I apologise) I do have suicidal thoughts probably like 2 times a week but I know I wouldn’t actually go through with it and I also know my daughter isn’t in any harm she’s actually the only one getting me through each day and seems to be the only one that can cheer me up, I said this to my mother also but she still said not to talk about feeling suicidal or the SS will take her.

Your mother is being daft, SS will not take your child.

Tell your gp the truth, ignore your mother. You’ll be fine.

"Mum, you're worrying me, please can you tell me why you think SS will take my child? On what do you base this opinion"?

OP do you have a partner or family support nearby?

They won't take away your daughter

They may offer support

If they already think you have support in place e.g. Family members who can care for your DD for some respite for you if ever needed, they may not offer you SS support at all.

Go to the GP, be honest 💐

Hi OP. I went to the gp when DD was 5 months with suicidal thoughts as well as thoughts of harming DD. I was honest about everything. Gp was very understanding and fast tracked me to therapy. I was seen within 2 weeks.
Yes she did call SS. They came round once to check my home and to speak to me. They were not judgemental at all and my HV was there as well. They asked me questions about what support I had and things like that. They came round a second time to tell me they were closing the case and that was is. If you aren't abusing your child (which I'm sure you're not) then you have nothing to be worried about. If I hadn't got support in place then SS would have helped me get through that hard time. I hope you're feeling better soon and I'm sorry you're going through this x

@Qcumber

What help and support did SS provide you?

work sorry I don't think I wrote that very clearly.
She asked what support I had in place and I already had a lot (my mum wasn't working and was over almost daily, DDs dad was in thr picture and his family helped a lot) so they agreed I didn't need any practical support from them.
They did say that I could have someone come round weekly just to chat and help out with things around the house but I declined.
If OP has less support than I had then I'm sure they will offer her something more than a weekly chat.
They were very nice though and the focus was on what they could do to help me get better.

And did you have therapy too?

OP- please ignore your mum. She is NOT giving you very good advice. Actually, she’s giving you bad advice (with the best intentions, she’s probably scared).

If you don’t give your GP the full picture they might not be able to offer you the help that you need. If it’s only twice a week you think about it I very much doubt you’d get referred to SS, but this is still really important for your GP to know as it is a symptom of an illness, and a red flag for how bad things are for you.

work yes I had therapy. Initially 6 weekly sessions of CBT but that didn't really work for me. Then was referred for 6 weekly sessions of talking therapy which was more suited to what I needed. I was also prescribed sertraline which I weaned off after a year.

Thank you everyone for your help ! I have decided I won’t hold back on telling him how I feel when I visit my GP. Also I will be having words with my mum aswell incase she gives anyone else the wrong advise

Good luck OP, well done for opening up.x

My HV told me exactly that. I wish I had the strength to report her at the time. No one will take your DC away but you may be assinged a social care worker.

Good luck OP. I hope your appointment is helpful x

you need to tell them, but explain that you want help to stop feeling this way, not to go through with it

I just wanted to add that I work in an environment where people come when they are really in need of MH help for suicidal thoughts and SS are very rarely worried about this unless there is a threat to the child. If you tell your GP exactly how you’re feeling and that it’s your DC that gets you through each day you’re going to be absolutely fine. You’re doing the right thing. The hardest part is the first step, you’re being incredibly brave. I hope you get everything you need