I happened to come across this. I don't doubt that in some cases, it is necessary to be questioning a person's mental capacity and to be providing them with more support and protection. In this tragic case, a young autistic man was murdered after police officers seemingly failed to secure the property for days after a welfair check.
I wonder what it might mean for suicidal people though. Especially those with documented mental illness. Do you suppose it will lead to an increase in sectioning following interupted attempts or general welfair checks? But then, I doubt the UK has the resources to support that.
I just wonder if this will give them even greater powers to limit autonomy. Not that this review was promted by a suicide but, you could see how it could be applied. As in: equating a suicide attempt with reduced mental capacity and vulnerability so therefore- the person needs protecting from hurting themselves.
In another report about the poor guy here who was murdered, assessments suggested that he was struggling to maintain reasonable living standards because of his mental health. I'm ashamed to admit it but I suspect a review of my living circumstances would conclude the same.
I'm not convinced that's due to reduced mental capacity or illness though- although I suppose it could be. It's more that I'm so very lazy now. I hate most aspects of life. I enjoy resting over cleaning. So, I resentfully do the bare minimum now to avoid getting ill pretty much. I'd be so angry though, if my capacity was challenged to the extent of losing freedoms.
I wonder if it will go that way. I suspect it might if parents make the same complaints over young suicides. It always seems to be: 'The state/ government needs to do more to protect my child'. That in itself I find a bit weird to be honest. Like- you can't really expect society to be more invested in your child than you should be! Where does the responsibility lie?
I think this case was very sad because it sounded like social services etc. were pressuring the Mum to let this young man have his independence. I guess good parents want to do what's best for their children- even if that means stepping back from them. Still- families surely are the ones to best assess just how vulnerable and metally sound their relatives are. Any thoughts?
