Discussion Can you refuse medical treatment after a suicide?

[gorexzxz]

Just asking the question above

 

[Ash]

Well, if it's your actual suicide then there wouldn't be much point asking...

But if you mean attempt, of course you can refuse. What happens next is all about context. I've had an attempt written off as "normal behaviour". Most of it will depend on your history, state of mind at the time, diagnosis (if applicable), the legislation and health policies where you live, bed availability and so on.

 

[Praestat_Mori]

I think this depends on where you live and on law there. It will mainly depend on whether you are considered to be "clear of mind" to make own decisions or not. There's also a difference in voluntary / involuntary admission to a ward.

 

[IsThisEverything]

You can try to refuse treatment after an attempt, but they may decide to treat you anyway if they judge you don't have capacity to make decisions about your care. It depends on where you live though. I'm in the UK and after a paracetamol overdose, I was told that if I refused treatment (acetylcysteine) they would do it anyway under the Mental Capacity Act.

 

[dggtscccvfd]

You can try to refuse treatment after an attempt, but they may decide to treat you anyway if they judge you don't have capacity to make decisions about your care. It depends on where you live though. I'm in the UK and after a paracetamol overdose, I was told that if I refused treatment (acetylcysteine) they would do it anyway under the Mental Capacity Act.

It's totally ridiculous that they would force you to take the paracetamol antidote!

 

[ringo99]

Don't take my word for it but I think it might depend on the country you're in? Mine goes a step further by still keeping suicide as a criminal offence

 

[willitpass]

In the US if they know it was a suicide attempt you will be getting treated whether you like it or not. Because obviously there is never a logical reason to attempt suicide and so anyone who tries must not be in their right mind to make any decisions for themselves. If you attempt in a way that they don't know it's an attempt somehow then yes you can refuse.

 

[Mi Mi]

Just asking the question above

You have to check your state laws
I see someone said in the US they will.
But depending on your state...if you are clear and calm in expressing your intent and not wanting treatment and they go against it...you could have a case
So research Your state
Google
And look into legal aid which usually is free

 

[willitpass]

You have to check your state laws
I see someone said in the US they will.
But depending on your state...if you are clear and calm in expressing your intent and not wanting treatment and they go against it...you could have a case
So research Your state
Google
And look into legal aid which usually is free

Unfortunately in the US you will never have a case for being treated against your will in the case of suicide. You are deemed a threat to yourself, and that is grounds for healthcare workers to treat you regardless of your wishes. You could be as calm as can be, but if they know you hurt yourself intentionally your wishes are not going to be taken into account.

 

[Peerless_Cucumber]

In the US if they know it was a suicide attempt you will be getting treated whether you like it or not. Because obviously there is never a logical reason to attempt suicide and so anyone who tries must not be in their right mind to make any decisions for themselves. If you attempt in a way that they don't know it's an attempt somehow then yes you can refuse.

It's so ridiculous. I'd argue that 99 percent of people who commit suicide do so because they have a logical reason for it. Why else would you do it?