I’ve had a problem for a while with my mental health. Randomly getting really depressed (generally in the evening and I’m sure its not random, but I’ve no idea why), dealing with stress in pretty bad ways (cutting myself and isolating myself from others generally), and suicidal thoughts occasionally.

I want to go to therapy, but I’m really worried about it. My family can’t know about any of it (I’m 18+ so hopefully that’s not as issue anyway), and I’m really worried about being put in a psyche ward because of the self harm and suicidal thoughts. I really really don’t want that to happen. What should I do?

Edit: Should’ve mentioned, I’m in the UK, probably moving to Ireland in August though.

  • hoodlem@hoodlem.me
    2·
    1 year ago

    Not in the UK, but in the US you would likely not be put in a psych ward for cutting and suicidal thoughts. On the other hand if you say you are going to commit suicide and have a detailed plan for exactly how you are going to do it, and you have the necessary things at home (like gun, pills, etc) then yes there is a good chance you would be recommended to go to a psych ward. If you are in a hospital and say these things, you absolutely will be taken to a psych ward, strapped to a stretcher and put in an ambulance if necessary.

    A psych ward sucks, but they will figure out your meds and get you to a better place mentally before releasing you.

    But based on your post it doesn’t sound like you are at that point. Therapy and medication can be a huge help. At least in the US doctors cannot disclose information related to your care unless you give signed consent. Might want to check UK laws on that. But being totally honest with a therapist and a medication prescriber can change your life.

    FYI My experience comes from being put in a psych ward myself for suicidal thoughts/plans, and from being very close to someone who used to cut and have suicidal thoughts, and medication and therapy helped that person a ton (and they were not put in a psych ward).