Help Institutionalisation Threat

[HappyEnder]

So, I've made what I'm reluctant call a mistake: I opened up to a select number of friends. I made them aware that I was contemplating suicide but also made sure to not convey any urgency. This provided some relief, just talking to people, but it came at a price. Today a family member (who I haven't spoken to about anything) confronted me threatening to try to have me institutionalized. From everything I've read in the past, I just need to put on a facade and try to play it off as morbid curiosity rather than actual suicidal thoughts, and, more than anything, I shouldn't even hint to the fact that I have a plan (which I do; as of right now I have SN, Metoclopranide, and Omeprazole hidden away in a random box in my attic).

Does anybody have any advice? It's possible that nothing will result from my relative learning I want to not exist, but, if I am committed or something else happens, other than just downplaying this whole thing, what is there to do? If I am committed will this hurt any future career plans (assuming I don't commit in the near future that is).

I'm thinking of taking what I have tonight, but that would suck because I haven't been on the anti-emetic regimen and I haven't fasted at all. I really wanted to try to get benzos or pain meds too, but I dealt with migraines for a long time so I figure I'll be relatively okay without.

 

[TiredHorse]

A therapist actually handed me a "get out of jail free card" once. The critical componant is:

"It isn't that I want to die, because I don't --I just don't want to exist."

That opens the door for them to offer you suggestions for how to want to exist, while reassuring them you aren't actually suicidal. They get to feel both useful and confident you aren't about to ctb.

It isn't a sure thing, of course, but it is close enough to what you're actually feeling to explain why everyone's so concerned, and yet different enough that they don't feel obliged to institutionalize you before you step off the bridge.

 

[worldexploder]

So much for the freedom of speech! Freedom is only for the "optimists". This pisses me off so much! How dare people want to send in the white coats to basically kidnap and indotronate you because you don't like life! Isn't like you fucking asked to be born!

 

[JustLosingMyself]

Getting someone sectioned isn't quite that straightforward no matter what one says. As long as suicide perceived to be an idea and not a detailed plan; and there are no (obvious) signs of distress or mental illness they're unlikely to succeed in the process.

 

[Letmego. Please]

Hi Happy, nice to meet you, sorry it is here.
I would ask what part of the world you are in as the provision of 'Acute care' for the suicidal is not a priority in my part of the planet & the idea that a relative could get you sectioned for such things stopped over 20yrs ago here.

But please try not to worry & rush things that are not yet ready as that risks more pain for you.

 

[Wannadie]

Oke this is what I know about how you do get a section:

- Tell them you have a plan (a lethal one preferably), a date and the means to kill yourself (as of now you only did the last one which doesn't have to be a big deal. Suicidal ideation is pretty common in people with (mental) illnesses, but most of them don't actually want to kill themselves)
- Have them know that you have no support sytem, nothing you're responsible for (like a pet, child, family member, friend), have no meaningful activities (like a job, volunteering, school) or that you're sure you're going to lose those activities
- Talk about things like grieve, shame and remorse. Intense self-hatred is useful too. Have absolutely no hope for the future, things will never get better and there's nothing that brings you joy.
- Refuse any help they offer you in an outpatient setting and don't take your meds

So basically do the opposite of that. Tell them that you're having a hard time lately, but that you don't want to leave your friends/family behind. That you know that they would be heartbroken and you don't want to be so selfish to put them through that or anything like that. I agree with TiredHorse that it's a good thing to tell them that it's not necessarily that you want to die, you just don't want to live anymore, not like this. If they ask you anything about how you wish your life would like without your illness(es) tell them a nice story about being married with kids and a great job or something adventurous like wanting to travel the world and meet all sorts of people and maybe fall in love somewhere and then go and live there with your new so and start a volunteering organization to help the poor. I don't even know really, but it's honestly not that hard to bullshit your way out of it.

Good luck!

 

[Ampsvx123]

Lies lies and more lies, it doesn't really matter what you've said to your friends, what matter is what you say to your psychiatrist or therapist, do not give them any information's to use against you. Without information's, they cannot keep you lock for more than a few days, or worse, force you to take medications past your stay. Keep your suicide tendencies to yourself, its illegal to be suicide, don't be surprise if your close ones sell you out.

Hide that box really well, if authorities were to get a hand on it, they could get you lock in a psychward for a very long time.

 

[HappyEnder]

Thank you all for your advice. More family was involved and it turned into more of an intervention type thing. Still not great, but it was a lot less worrying!

 

[HappyEnder]

A therapist actually handed me a "get out of jail free card" once. The critical componant is:

"It isn't that I want to die, because I don't --I just don't want to exist."

That opens the door for them to offer you suggestions for how to want to exist, while reassuring them you aren't actually suicidal. They get to feel both useful and confident you aren't about to ctb.

It isn't a sure thing, of course, but it is close enough to what you're actually feeling to explain why everyone's so concerned, and yet different enough that they don't feel obliged to institutionalize you before you step off the bridge.

I ended up being questioned by a police officer and used this general statement! I've not heard anything again, so I'm inclined to believe it worked. Thank you for your advice, it was well received. :)

 

[TiredHorse]

I ended up being questioned by a police officer and used this general statement! I've not heard anything again, so I'm inclined to believe it worked. Thank you for your advice, it was well received. :)

Hot damn! Well done, HappyEnder!

Very glad I could help.

 

[TAW122]

I ended up being questioned by a police officer and used this general statement! I've not heard anything again, so I'm inclined to believe it worked. Thank you for your advice, it was well received. :)

Excellent and I hope they continue to stay out of your business.

 

[Eden2k]

I was in a similar situation yesterday when I had an emergency doctors appointment. My doc asked me if I had made any plans to end my life. I said no, but the voices in my head were screaming, "lies". Doc then asked if I
could keep myself safe. I said yes "lies". I know my doc didn't believe me, but wasn't much she could do.