I need some advice and I need the truth?

Question

I need to know what will happen if I tell the doctor I am having suicidal thoughts? Can confidentiality be breached? I need to know exactly what will happen because I need some help and I know that, doctor already took me off Prozac and referred me to a counsellor but there is a wait for that, I need help now. I need to tell her but I need to know the consequences as I am worried about what will happen. I know the consequence if I don't tell her. I want to tell her but like I said i'm afraid.

Answer 1

It looks as though you have gotten a lot of good answers already. I just wanted to tell you that I am in the medical profession and I can tell you for a fact that anything you tell your doctor is confidential. However, if the psychiatrist, doctor, psychologist, etc. feels that you pose a risk to yourself or to someone else, they will report you.

What happens is that you'll be placed on what they call a 51/50 hold, where you will be admitted to a psychiatric facility and then interviewed and assessed by an appropriate staff memeber (doctor, psychiatrist, etc). If they agree with your doctor's assessment, then you will be held for a few days until you have been placed on medication and stabilized on those meds.

I know this sounds scary, but this is actually a good thing, because it gives you a safe place to stay where you'll get the help you need, and you will most likely be placed back on antidepressants.

I'm not sure why your doctor took you off Prozac, but doctors and psychiatrists are the only people who can put you on medications, so a counselor will not place you back on any antidepressant.

One other thing to note is that if you are having suicidal thoughts, but aren't actively planning to commit suicide, then your doctor may not place you on a 51/50. It all depends on the doctor's assessment. I would advise you to be as truthful as possible with your doctor, because that is the only way he or she can help you.

I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 2

I have been struggling with clinical depression since I was a teen. I am now 32. The subject of confidentiality will depend on your age. If you are a minor it may be required for your doctor to inform your parents. Even so, It is not something I would worry about. Most parents will be understanding and want to get you the help you need.

Your doctor/therapist may reccomend a change in medication or therapy. If you are severely depressed he may reccomend hospitilization. Most insurance plans will only pay for 72 hours of hospitilazation for mental ilness, unless it is an extreme case. I have been hospitalized twice, both times for a week. There may me a negatve stigma attached to mental hospitilization, but that is usually because people who haven't experienced mental illness do not understand.

I reccomend telling your doc/therapist so that you can get the help you need. If you are having thoughts of suicide, you definitely need some help and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Ask your doc/therapist if they would tell your parents. Telling anyone else, unless you say it is ok, would be a breach of confidentiality and a violations of HIPPA regulations - punishable by law.

Remember that you are never alone, and although it may sound trite right now. suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

God bless and be well.

Answer 3

I've been there. Just tell the doctor -- they've heard it all. She may decide to put you on an alternate medication until you can get in to see a counselor. If not, I suggest you try to find a new doctor. I don't understand why you would be taken off a medication without some kind of safety net in place. I had those thoughts myself...I used to see myself slicing open my wrists/arms, holding them up to watch the blood fall. I told my doctor, and she explained that that isn't a literal wish to die, only a need to share the pain with someone. Talking things out really helped. Hang in there, things DO get better, but you have to do your part and take control of the situation. Tell your doctor about these thoughts, since stopping the Prozac, and let her know you need help until you can get to a counselor. Good luck.

Answer 4

The point of the question is not what is going to happen. The point is that you need to tell her, and let whatever consequences come, as you obviously think the other thing is not good. If whatever she determines needs to be done helps you, then it is good. If it isn't, then you have learned and can try something else.

She cant commit you as long as you have not actively tried it. She can only recommend that you commit yourself... which might not be a bad idea. Gives you time away from life and time to think on what is going wrong around professionals that can help you if things get bad. And, when things get better you can voluntarily leave.

She may put you on another drug other than prozac.

She could do quite a few things. Sounds like someone needs to do something, if you are skittish about even telling her, much less doing anything on your own.

Answer 5

The law with respect to confidentiality differs from country to country. In the UK:

If you are an adult then the doctor cannot tell anyone about your suicidal thoughts unless they believe them to be a direct result of a diagnosable mental illness (e.g. depression). If this is the case then they can apply for you to be held under the Mental Health act (1983) for assessment and/or treatment.

You need to ask yourself: am I really gonna do this?
If you find yourself writing suicide notes, hoarding pills or doing anything else that implies a real, serious intention to end your life then go to your GP. they definitely cannot tell your employer, your relatives (unless you are underage and even then they may not be able to) your university etc. without your permission.

Hope this helps. If you just need someone to chat to then try The Samaritans 08457 909090

Good luck. Alan x

Answer 6

I don't know the answer to your question.

I don't know why your doctor would take you off meds, and refer you to a counselor. The counselor is a good idea, but there is no reason not to take meds while being counseled.

My doctor has been switching my meds around because they haven't been working so well for me, but even then she only reduced my medication slightly for a week before adding in the new medication.

There are so many different antidepressant medications out there, that have minimal side effects, thre is no reason that you should be suffering through the horrors of depression without treatment.

There is one thing that I know about depression. I have suffered from depression since my childhood, and I am now 47. What I know is that your thoughts do not have to control your behavior. Suicidal thoughts can only hurt you if you let them. And also, your thoughts can change from moment to moment.

I have gone through times when life had no joy, and it seemed that I would never feel any pleasure again. But I have also come out of those times. And then just being able to taste food again or to feel the sun warm my skin makes the suffering I have gone through worth it.

Whether you decide to tell your doctor or not, there are many resources out there. Go to the library or the internet and read about depression. Try to exercise, and take pride in every small accomplishment you acheive, even if you only get out of bed and dressed.

I wish you luck and I hope that you take good care of yourself.

Answer 7

Sometimes life is very difficult and we struggle to survive. But suicide is not the answer, life is precious, so never give up nor abandon your dreams. To ask your question shows me that you are brave and intelligent, so use your energy in a positive way. You can confide in your doctor, or why not a teacher, in any case it is important to communicate the way you feel and think with someone. Find ways to channel you negative energy, listen to your favourite song, go for walks and discover nature, join a club and make exciting new friends, or often it helps just to have a notebook and write your inner thoughts. Be strong, it is ok and human to be afraid, life isn't perfect, but you can be happy by believing in yourself. I'm not an expert, I see that you are hurting and want to reassure you that you have the inner strength and force to conquer negative thoughts. Everyone has good and bad days, just don't think too much about the bad things, focus on the positive parts of your life. There are surely chat or support groups online that you can use and be anomonous. lol...

Answer 8

Look at all the responses you have here. Many people out there to listen and care. Life is precious and to take it away like that would be a waste. Now picture yourself with a long term illness that you would eventually die from with no choice of your own. Suicide is a choice you make. Prozac isn't the answer. You have a chemical imbalance and need to ask to be put on Zoloft to help. Find a good friend you can speak with, That seems to help sometimes. Good Luck!

Answer 9

Just tell her. I hope you understand that if your doctor feels your life is in danger they must tell the proper officials that will help you. If you need help now I suggest you find a counselor. If you go to church, then I'm 100% sure there is someone who works for your church that can help. There are suicide hot lines also. I don't know the numbers, but surf the net and you will find them. Medicine won't help you with this problem. This is a mental thing. Try writing down all your feelings everyday. Go for long walks at least twice a week by yourself to get in touch with your deep feelings. Also sign yourself up for different activities to get your mind on positive things. Check your local hospital for classes to take. All Church's have classes also. YMCA and etc. Some are free and some require fee's. I hope this helps.

Answer 10

The doctor is required by law to report anyone who is a threat to themselves or other people. The law is designed to protect people from harm, but what it does is prevent people who need help from seeking it.

With that said, it may be beneficial to call the doctor's office and explain there is a wait for the counseling and find out if they recommend someone else or have any other suggestions. You can also ask if they would prescribe another anti-depressant if you think it may be helpful. You didn't mention why you were taken off the Prozac, but another one may help just until you can get things sorted out.