Family Member Sectioned
Having a family member sectioned under the Mental Health Act can be a distressing and confusing experience for all involved. The emotional toll on families is immense, especially when facing the complexities of mental health care and legal processes. This guide aims to provide clarity and reassurance, explaining what it means for a family member to be sectioned, what happens next, and how we at our hospital support individuals and their loved ones through this challenging time.
At our facility, we specialise in providing compassionate and comprehensive care for individuals who have been sectioned, ensuring they receive the treatment and support necessary for their recovery. We also recognise the importance of family involvement in the process, offering guidance and resources to help families cope and stay informed.
What Does It Mean to Be Sectioned?
Being sectioned refers to the process of detaining someone under the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended in 2007) in the UK. This legal framework allows individuals to be admitted to hospital for assessment or treatment if they are deemed to be a risk to themselves or others due to mental health issues. Sectioning is not a decision taken lightly; it occurs when all other options for voluntary admission have been exhausted or when a person's condition requires urgent intervention.
The purpose of sectioning is to ensure that individuals receive the appropriate care in a safe and secure environment, where they can be stabilised, assessed, and treated. Sectioning is used in situations where mental health professionals believe that a person's mental illness is so severe that it impairs their ability to make decisions about their treatment, or when their behaviour poses a significant risk.
Sections of the Mental Health Act
There are different sections of the Mental Health Act under which a person can be detained. Each section serves a specific purpose and comes with its own set of rights and responsibilities. Understanding these sections can help you navigate the process when a loved one is sectioned.
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This section allows for someone to be detained for assessment for up to 28 days. During this period, a full evaluation of the individual's mental health is conducted to determine if further treatment is needed. This section is often used when there is uncertainty about the specific diagnosis or treatment plan.
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If it is clear that an individual needs longer-term treatment, they may be detained under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act. This section allows for up to six months of treatment, with the possibility of renewal. Section 3 is used when the person’s mental health condition is more established, and there is a clear need for continued care.
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Section 4 is an emergency provision that allows for someone to be detained for up to 72 hours if there is an urgent need for immediate assessment or treatment. It is typically used when waiting for a full assessment under Section 2 is not feasible due to the urgency of the situation.
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This section allows doctors to detain someone already in hospital for up to 72 hours if they believe the person needs further assessment and cannot leave the hospital due to concerns for their safety or the safety of others.
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This section allows the police to take someone to a place of safety (usually a hospital) if they believe the person is in immediate need of care due to their mental health and is in a public place. The individual can be held for up to 24 hours, during which time they will be assessed by a mental health professional.
The Process of Being Sectioned
The process of being sectioned typically begins with concerns about a person’s mental health, either raised by family members, healthcare professionals, or the individual themselves. In many cases, the person may have been receiving mental health support in the community before their condition worsens, and they require hospitalisation.
When someone is sectioned, two doctors and an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) must agree that the individual meets the criteria for detention under the Mental Health Act. The AMHP plays a crucial role in coordinating the assessment and ensuring that the person's rights are upheld throughout the process. Family members are often involved at this stage, providing valuable information about the individual's condition and their home environment.
Once a person is sectioned, they are transported to a hospital, where they will receive the necessary care. Depending on the section under which they have been detained, they may be assessed for a short period or receive longer-term treatment.
How We Support Families
We understand how difficult it can be for families when a loved one is sectioned. The process can feel overwhelming, and it’s natural to have questions and concerns about what comes next. Our hospital is committed to providing not only excellent care for the individual but also support for their family members throughout the process.
1. Open Communication
Clear communication is essential in helping families understand what is happening with their loved one’s care. We ensure that families are kept informed about the treatment plan, progress, and any decisions that need to be made. Our staff are available to answer questions and provide updates on a regular basis, so you’re never left in the dark.
We recognise that each family has different preferences regarding how involved they wish to be in the care process. Some may want regular updates and meetings with the care team, while others may prefer less frequent communication. We respect these preferences and tailor our communication approach to meet your needs.
2. Involving Families in the Treatment Process
While the person who has been sectioned is the primary focus of treatment, we believe that families play a vital role in the recovery journey. Whenever appropriate, we involve family members in discussions about treatment plans, discharge planning, and aftercare. Your insights and understanding of your loved one can be invaluable in shaping a treatment plan that works best for them.
At times, family therapy or joint meetings may be beneficial to address any underlying issues or concerns that may be affecting the person’s mental health. We offer support in facilitating these discussions in a safe and therapeutic environment.
3. Emotional Support for Families
Watching a family member struggle with severe mental health issues can take a toll on your own mental and emotional wellbeing. We offer emotional support services for families, recognising that you need space to process your feelings, ask questions, and seek advice. Our team of mental health professionals is here to listen and provide guidance, whether you’re looking for practical advice or simply a place to express your concerns.
Many families find it helpful to speak with others who have been through similar experiences. We can connect you with support groups and other resources where you can meet families who have faced the challenges of having a loved one sectioned and learn from their experiences.
4. Preparing for Discharge
One of the most important aspects of the treatment process is preparing for discharge. When your loved one is ready to leave the hospital, we work closely with you to ensure that the transition back into the community is as smooth as possible. This may involve setting up aftercare services, coordinating with community mental health teams, and providing you with the tools and resources you need to support your loved one at home.
Discharge planning is a collaborative process, involving input from the individual, their care team, and their family. We’ll discuss any ongoing treatment needs, medications, and how to manage potential triggers or warning signs of relapse. Our goal is to empower both the individual and their family to feel confident in managing their mental health post-discharge.
Understanding the Rights of the Individual and Family
When someone is sectioned under the Mental Health Act, they retain certain rights that are designed to protect their welfare and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect. As a family member, it’s important to understand both your loved one’s rights and your own during this process.
Rights of the Individual
Right to Appeal: A person who has been sectioned has the right to appeal their detention. They can apply to a Mental Health Tribunal, which is an independent body that reviews the decision to detain them. The individual can also apply for a hospital manager’s hearing to challenge their detention.
Right to Be Involved in Their Care: Even when someone is sectioned, they have the right to be involved in decisions about their care and treatment, where possible. Their views, preferences, and concerns should be considered by the care team.
Right to Advocacy: Individuals who have been sectioned have the right to access an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA). The IMHA can help them understand their rights, speak on their behalf, and support them in making decisions about their care.
Rights of Family Members
Right to Be Informed: As a family member, you have the right to be informed about your loved one’s condition and treatment plan, provided your loved one consents to this. We will keep you updated about their progress and any significant changes in their care.
Right to Be Consulted: If your family member is detained under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act, you have the right to be consulted about their treatment and discharge planning. Your views are important in shaping the care they receive, and we welcome your input.
Right to Support: Just as the individual has the right to access advocacy services, you also have the right to seek support as a family member. This may include emotional support, practical advice, or signposting to external services that can assist you during this time.
Navigating the Emotional Impact on Families
The experience of having a family member sectioned can bring about a range of emotions, from fear and sadness to relief and frustration. It’s important to acknowledge and process these feelings, and to recognise that you are not alone in this journey.
Common Emotional Reactions
Fear and Worry: It’s natural to feel fearful when your loved one is experiencing severe mental health difficulties. You may worry about their safety, their future, and how they will cope with treatment. These feelings are valid, and it’s important to talk about them with supportive friends, family members, or professionals.
Guilt: Some family members feel guilty about their loved one being sectioned, wondering if they could have done more to prevent it. It’s important to remember that sectioning is often the safest and most appropriate course of action for someone who is in crisis. You did not cause their mental health issues, and getting them the help they need is a positive step towards recovery.
Relief: For some families, there may be a sense of relief when their loved one is sectioned, knowing that they are finally getting the help they need. This is a normal response, and it’s okay to feel relieved that your loved one is in a safe place where they can be properly cared for.
Frustration: Navigating the mental health system can sometimes be challenging, and it’s common for families to feel frustrated with the process or the limitations of the system. If you’re feeling this way, it’s important to express your concerns and seek support from professionals who can help guide you through the process.
Taking Care of Yourself
Supporting a loved one through a mental health crisis is emotionally taxing, and it’s essential that you take care of your own wellbeing. Make time for self-care, whether that means taking breaks when needed, seeking counselling or therapy, or simply spending time doing activities you enjoy.
If you’re struggling to cope, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Our hospital offers support for families, and there are also external resources, such as helplines and support groups, that can provide additional guidance and understanding.
Having a family member sectioned is a challenging experience, but it’s important to remember that they are receiving the care and support they need in a safe and structured environment. Throughout this process, we are committed to supporting both the individual and their family, ensuring that you have the information, guidance, and emotional support needed to navigate this difficult time.
Our goal is not only to provide the highest standard of care for your loved one but also to ensure that you feel supported and involved in their journey towards recovery. If you have any questions or concerns at any point, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to help every step of the way, working together to support your family through this challenging period and towards a brighter future.
Additional Resources for Families
For further reading and support, we recommend the following resources:
Mind: A UK-based mental health charity offering advice and support for individuals and families dealing with mental health issues. Visit www.mind.org.uk for more information.
Rethink Mental Illness: Provides practical support and information for people affected by mental illness. Visit www.rethink.org for additional resources.
SANE: A charity focused on improving the quality of life for those affected by mental illness. Visit www.sane.org.uk for more information.
We are here for you and your loved one during this difficult time.