Has anyone had a teen sectioned or treated as an inpatient?

[SummerLovingcantwait]

My DS (18) has struggled with his mental health for years but only just recently agreed to get help.

He is due to see a Consultant Psychiatrist today or tomorrow as his condition has got much worse in the last couple of months & his symptoms are quite frightening for both of us.

We have gone private & I was told on the phone that he would potentially get admitted as an inpatient or if considered worse than that could get sectioned.

I’m petrified of how it’s going to go, if he can’t take his Xbox he’ll kick off, will he be allowed his phone, will he be allowed to speak to his friends? I can’t see it going down well & don’t want to make things worse for him.

What are his problems if you don't mind me asking

I'm a Mental Health Nurse but left the NHS some years ago. I used to work in an acute inpatient unit. Firstly it's pretty unusual for anyone to be happy or cooperative about being admitted to hospital for the first or even subsequent admissions especially if they have a psychotic illness. It's often the case that people lack insight into their condition and their needs. The staff will be used to this scenario. Secondly in my opinion you are probably better off being on a section rather than an informal patient,especially if you are not keen on being admitted. Although clearly that is simplifying the impact it can have. There are lots of reviews and processes for section patients that protect their rights. As an informal patient you always have the threat of being sectioned. I hope you get a good outcome from his meeting with the Psychiatrist. I really feel for you and it sounds like you have struggled to get appropriate help x

@Raisinsandweetabix It’s quite complicated but basically it started off with what I thought was depression but has recently escalated to panic attacks & hallucinations.

I'm so sorry. My daughter is going through similar. Sending hope & strength