Can I voluntarily be sectioned?

[partyrings1]

My husband has left me and I cannot cope I feel like my brain has stopped functioning.

I took an overdose two years ago and I really don't want to hurt myself again but I think I'm a danger to myself because of intrusive thoughts.

I've had depression and anxiety since I was 11 and I can't cope anymore.

Are you ok @partyrings1?

Offering a big hand hold, please come back here and chat if you can’t sleep, you’re not alone

Sorry you’re feeling so bad.

You can ask the mental health team to admit you as a voluntary or informal patient. If they think you’re a danger to yourself and you try to leave once admitted they can then section you. But you can’t section yourself, there are a lot of rules around sectioning and which section to put someone on (need certain number of professionals to agree to a section 2 including a psychiatrist as they have to follow the Mental Health Act when taking away someone’s right to leave).

No you cannot voluntarily be sectioned
Being detained under MHA is only for people who don't want admission or treatment not for people who are asking for help.

You can ask for voluntary admission but this is unlikely to be a first option and honestly you might find it isn't really what you want. Acute mental health wards are full of people who are manic and psychotic and therefore not very peaceful places for recovery. The regime is likely to be quite restrictive especially with Covid precautions.

You can
Go to A&E and ask to see the duty psychiatrist
Call 111 option 2 mental health crisis line if they have that option in your area
See your GP as soon as you can and ask for an urgent referral
Call Samaritans in addition to any of the above

Thank you everyone for your kindness I think something inside of me has clicked and I've thought no more doing this to myself. I have to find the strength to be okay.

I have reached out to my mental health team today so that they are aware and I can get support that I need whilst going through this difficult time x

I'm glad you've reached out, I hope they get back to you soon and are helpful

I am glad you are feeling a bit better @partyrings1

My thoughts have been with you. All the very best OP, I really do hope things are better for you soon.

My thoughts have been with you too partyrings, I hope you are OK this evening xx

Please speak to your gp they might be able to offer therapy and medication could you try speaking to a family member about how your feeling hope you get the right help

I am under the mental health team and psychiatrist and my anti depressants have been put up today so a higher dose and they've given me a short course of diazepam so I can take one if I'm feeling panicky xx

Aw bless you - you have been so strong - you will get through this and there will be so many sunny days. Just keep looking forwards 😘

You can ask for voluntary inpatient treatment. If during the course of your stay, you become a danger to yourself or others then the psychiatrist may have you on section. Section has to be verified and agreed by a second psychiatrist. On section you are watched, whilst showering, using the loo, going outside etc to ensure that you can’t self harm. It serves the purpose at a given time, but it’s not a cure as such. Therapy and medication are the fixers OP. I’d call your GP, say what’s going on and ask for a referral urgently to MH services and community crisis.
I’m so sorry for what you’re experiencing. There’s some great advice upthread on managing low mood at night.

Thinking of you op. 💐💐💐💐

Thinking of you