Discussion Telling doctor about suicidal thoughts

[HereWeGo!]

Hi!

I wonder what happened to you when you told your doctor about having suicidal thoughts? Were you locked in at psych ward? I've been asked several times by doctors if I'm suicidal but I don't dare to tell them because of the risk of consequences.

 

[Dot]

Suicdl thghts r qute commn -- thy r genrlly mre intrstd if u r plannng an attmpt

 

[HereWeGo!]

Ok. So what if I'm telling them about actually planning it - will I be locked in for sure?

 

[Forever Sleep]

I think it depends on your location and history too. There've been members in the UK literally begging to be admitted and being refused. Whereas, I get the impression in the US, they are more likely to act. (Maybe.)

Also, like Dot said, there's probably a big difference in their heads at least between passive ideation- 'I think I'd be better off dead' and active ideation- 'My SN is in a box under my bed.'

 

[enditplz]

I did once, but only because I wanted anti-depressants. I didn't tell them I was actively planning on anything, just that life didn't feel worth living. Anti-depressants did nothing for me, so now I just lie when my doctor asks me. I'm sure some will lock you up in the psych ward for being honest.

 

[bbeb0bc7b]

This can vary depending on where you live, but generally, locking someone in a psych ward against their will is reserved for cases, where the doctor can argue that the patient is a threat to themselves and/or others while not being capable of "expressing" their will.
This usually refers to people having episodes or mania, and depending on your local law can even require court approval.

That being said, I never made actual experiences with this system; what I've said is just a general understanding I gathered over time researching the topic.

If you are still paranoid, I'd suggest making a thread (in the recovery section for example) asking other people from your country what their experiences were with the health care system after revealing their suicidal thoughts.

 

[SVEN]

In the UK, where I am, it seems to vary greatly from local authority or Health Board to the adjoining ones. In general terms, getting seen by a GP is challenging in itself, far less obtaining a face to face 8 minute interview rather than a 'phone consult. Waiting times at A & E in Hospitals in the cities range, usually, from 4-8 hours to be seen (though an 89 year old friend recently waited over 19 hours). So even getting a referral to psychiatric services can take months. Although if you are committed, even voluntarily, it may sometimes be extremely challenging to achieve release.
So I'd guess that unless you're really kicking off most GPs in the UK will try to keep you out of a collapsing Hospital system.

 

[Namelesa]

For me telling a doctor isn't going to get me locked up in a psyche ward, its that if you say you have a plan or say that you really really want to kill yourself. I haven't been locked up in psyche ward as I never mention about any plan I have with anyone.

 

[depthss]

it doesnt mean that they will automatically lock you up. i dont know where you live, and what the law is like there, but more than likely, they will do an assessment, to see how urgently/likely you are to do it.

 

[Mortiaris]

I depend, im from poland i talk to psychiatrist and to my psychologist, even when i have spots with stuff to end my life, and that somehow it give me some control over my life, plus that i need some courage to end it, all of them dont care, too.much paper work, and too expensive procedures.

 

[areyousafe??]

It depends on where you are from. My first psychiatrist hospitalised me but at that time he believed I had a plan and intent. My current psychiatrist won't hospitalise for plan with no intent, but might hospitalise if there is a plan + intent + imminent danger.

 

[3/4Dead]

US here; i've told many a doctor I'm suicidal, and many a doctor that I plan to do it soon. It depends, but typically if you say youre open to treatment theyll be chill. worst thing they can do is ask you to go on a brief psych hold.

 

[vitbar]

I have been totally open with medical people so far. Told them about the daily thoughts of killing myself, it being for the best, etc. Told them I had looked into it and made plans, but no specific date set. Didn't get locked up. Did start getting therapy and medication. I think two things stopped them putting me on a section: no immediate danger to myself, and here in the UK there are almost no free beds in hospital (last government actively ruined social healthcare).

 

[Trismegistus_13]

In the US, if you tell a doctor or nurse you are suicidal, they'll inquire further to assess the severity (they may use something like the SAFE-T suicide assessment to gauge severity). They're very unlikely to 301 you unless you are actively suicidal, have a plan, have the means immediately available to you and say you're going to do it. I've been on both sides of the conversation, and my PCP was extremely kind and understanding of how bad I was feeling. She definitely did not want to send me to a psych hospital, but ofc it's different for every provider. The purpose of psych hospitals is mainly to stabilize patients, not treat them so docs know they can't just send every suicidal person there to get better.

The bottom line is, please be honest with your care provider and they will do their best to help you.

 

[lifeisbutadream]

In the US, if you tell a doctor or nurse you are suicidal, they'll inquire further to assess the severity (they may use something like the SAFE-T suicide assessment to gauge severity). They're very unlikely to 301 you unless you are actively suicidal, have a plan, have the means immediately available to you and say you're going to do it. I've been on both sides of the conversation, and my PCP was extremely kind and understanding of how bad I was feeling. She definitely did not want to send me to a psych hospital, but ofc it's different for every provider. The purpose of psych hospitals is mainly to stabilize patients, not treat them so docs know they can't just send every suicidal person there to get better.

The bottom line is, please be honest with your care provider and they will do their best to help you.

Doctors are not your friend.

 

[scottchy]

I've had the same family doctor for many years and feel I've developed a pretty good relationship over time where I can tell her anything.
I told her I have suicidal thoughts and that my therapist had me create a safety plan and that I've had previous attempts.
She's advised me to go to my nearest crisis center as that will be the best and fastest way for me to see a psychiatrist.
But ultimately she knows I'm not leaving the office to harm myself so she hopes I take her advice (and the drugs) and seek the help I need myself.

 

[Dot]

'

I've had the same family doctor for many years and feel I've developed a pretty good relationship over time where I can tell her anything.
I told her I have suicidal thoughts and that my therapist had me create a safety plan and that I've had previous attempts.
She's advised me to go to my nearest crisis center as that will be the best and fastest way for me to see a psychiatrist.
But ultimately she knows I'm not leaving the office to harm myself so she hopes I take her advice (and the drugs) and seek the help I need myself.

Speakng of whch thre = Crisis Plan linkd on ste if = wld hlp n.e1

If u tll ur doctr tht u hve suicdl thghts bt tht u hve filld in a crsis pln thn tht wll defntly wrk in ur favr