Sectioned

[charliiiii]

I am currently in hospital after having a mental breakdown this morning. Has anyone else ever been sectioned before? What am I to expect, I am petrified

Anyone

Really sorry to hear you have been struggling. I have never been sectioned before but have been dangerously close after a suicide attempt when I was at rock bottom.
Hopefully someone else will be along soon to advise. I’m sure you will get the treatment you need to feel a bit better in yourself

What section are you on? Can you not have a chat with the nurses?

I'm sorry you're going through a really difficult experience.
My DD has been sectioned a few times so my knowledge is only from that.
You should be told which "section" of the Mental Health Act is being implemented.
Emergency detention is up to 72 hrs and a Short-Term Detention is up to 28 days.
Either way, a senior consultant and a Medical Health Officer have taken this action because they believe, in your best interest, it's safer for you to be in hospital.
There is an appeal process if you don't agree and if no one has already told you of this, I think you can ask to speak to someone from Advocacy (in my area) to help you exert your rights
You will be reviewed very soon if not already and it's also possible for the section to be ended early if the professionals feel you're able to keep yourself safe.
You can name a person (kind of next of kin, type) to have your information and treatment detail as shared with and equally you can refuse consent to have your info shared with anyone.
Please try not to be scared. Let the staff look after you. You maybe need this "quiet" time to rest your body even if your mind is racing.
The most important thing here is you
I really hope you have better days ahead. I'll keep checking in to see how you're getting on Lots of love and peace to you.

Thank you so much for the replies, just think I've hit rock bottom I can't see myself living much longer or ever getting better

That sounds extremely hard, charliiiii. I’m so sorry. Those feelings can shift though, and change. I hope you have someone to talk to there, as well as on here x x

Dependent on the section you are either in for assessment (section 2) or assessment and treatment (section 3).

There a couple of things that will really help you:

Find out who your named nurse/associate nurse/HCSW are and they are your key contacts. The other members of the team are there for you too but will probably know you less than your affiliated care team.

You may be on enhanced observations- this means someone may be with you all the time or will come and see you every 5/10/15 minutes. This is to help and support you so make sure you ask for support if you need it.

There will be some staff who are great, some who are not so great and some who you can't stand. This is normal.

Take the medication prescribed to you. Ask for extra if you need it as there is PRN available a lot of the time (to help you sleep or relax) and tell the nurses about any side effects as there are meds to counter these as well.

Take your time. You will feel better. This is a moment in your life not the defining part of it.

@charliiiii This really must feel your lowest point. Please take a little comfort, if you can from the staff around you who will have hope for you. You're not alone even though it feels like it just now. There are a good bunch of folk ready to be your team and help you at every tiny step. There is no rush. Just go hour to hour. No need to make plans. It's ok to hit pause. We're willing you hope.

@charliiiii
Hi x. Just saying hello and thinking of you.
No need to update.

Hello thank you all so much for the responses, I don't have it in me at the moment to type out a reply but I will find the energy soon. I appreciate it all so much x

Lovely to hear from you, but absolutely no need to respond. Just know that people are here for when you want to chat.

A colleague of mine was sectioned because she did not attend 6 monthly appointments. She nearly lost her job as a result.
The following advice if you want to get out asap which should be in 10 to 14 days on Section 2 (no guarantee but worth a shot)
You must cooperate with them and basically do what they say which usually means taking medication . Medication is mainly all they off in terms of treatment.
You will be offered an Outpatients appointment after discharge where u can comment on Meds etc DO GO TO THAT APPOINTMENT
They will also discuss any further help they or you feel you need
If you feel the Section was unfair you can complain whilst in hospital
just ask but no guarantee

Try and look at it as
I’m now hopefully going to get the help I need from this awful illness.

It may not be the best of places but then again it good be a really good ward with lots of help allocated to your needs.
Take what help is on offer whilst your under observation and ask what happens when your discharged because when you get out there may be no follow up!!
May also depend how long there keeping you under section

Just try to rest as much as you can,
And try and eat

I was sectioned earlier this year for 5 months. Happy to help if I can- let us know how you are and what you need to know.