anyone told a doctor, they were seriously suicidal? what was the doctors reaction?

Question

what happened?

Answer 1

i guess the doctor would prescribe very stong antidepressants.
tho the doctors here think antibiotics cure everything LOL.

Answer 2

It very much depends on the patient, their history and the doctors knowledge of the person and their diagnosis.

If the doctor truly believed the patient was suicidal he would be obliged to ensure they were removed to a place of safety, by force (section) if this was the only option.

On the other hand if the doctor knows the patient to be purely manipulative and is happy that the suicide threat has no real intent behind it, he may choose to disregard it. It is a matter of both knowledge, experience and experience of the patient and their diagnosis.

Answer 3

I hear that a couple of times a week.

I usually have a chat with the person who has told me this and try to understand them a little. There are different degrees of being suicidal, as I have answered in my previous questions.

I take them all seriously, however. If they want me to help them, they need to let me understand them.

In some cases, I can find good evidence to say that the patient is quite severely suicidal and should be put in hospital. I would often "detain" them - ie. invoke a law that compels the patient to stay in hospital for psychiatric review (called different things in different places eg. "sectioning" or "committing" a patient).

In some cases I think it's rubbish. I remember a patient telling me about the voices in his head telling him to harm himself or others. On clarification, he meant to tell me that he hears a voice that says "harm yourself or others" and he thinks that is a hallucination. It is so obviously a fabricated and weak effort to get into a psychiatric hospital because no true psychotic patient has an auditory hallucination that is so abstract. He didn't get detained, needless to say, and was eventually discharged.

Answer 4

The doctor will evaluate whether there is time so that you can be treated at home / you are so ill that you need to be in a place of safety (ie hospital). it really depends on a case by case basis.
It is worth seeing a doctor as there IS a lot that cna be done to help you. Try and see a doctor who you trust to listen well to you, who you would trust to deal with any other medical complaint you had, so that you respect their judgement

Answer 5

Last time I told a doctor I was seriously suicidal I was sectioned and kept in hospital for weeks on end against my will. I even attempted it whilst in hospital and got put on constant observations, I even had to have someone with me when I went to the loo or had a shower.

Answer 6

my adopted sister did they had to keep her for a couple of days to make sure she would not do anything drastic and for the meds to kick in, she is a very happy stay at home mom that has a very hard time living in a remote area of North Dakota and in the winter with the lack of sunlight and lack of people and family she has a hard time, last year she needed help and was glad to get it, these moments pass but sometimes you need help. Don't be afraid to see some one.

Answer 7

yes, she refered me to a phychiatric nurse in the local hosiptal and she wasn't helpful for me....my doctor isn't very good at all either but most of them are very helpful for this kinda of thing...and it's partly my fault as i should have kept pushing for help. They wont send you to a physchiatric ward or anything unless you at extreme danger to yourself or others...just simply stating ur suicidal is not usually enough..which is good for some people and pathetic for others....don't worry so many people go through depression/suicidal thoughts that they won't be surprised to hear it! I am currently seeing a counsellor at uni and it's helping me a lot! I hope you find help..you deserve it...it's an illness...you need help xx

Answer 8

I have never told my doctor this, but, I know what his response would be.

Any person believed to be a danger to himself or someone else can be committed to a mental institution without their consent for at least 72 hours.

It would be medical malpractice for him to ignore this statement.

I am fairly certain that this would be your doctor's reaction. If you are feeling this way, please seek his help. You are also allowed to sign yourself in voluntarily.

Whatever it is that is causing you this much pain, please know that time truly does help, and talking about it to a professional can give you enormous insights. Don't give up. Good luck to you.

Answer 9

Yes, I have. They have acted matter of factly and made a note of it. Sometimes you do wonder if they really know how desperate you're feeling.

I wonder if there are people who use this term too loosely, then the doc. thinks 'maybe you are, then maybe you're not.'

Some doctors are much more understanding than others.
If anyone out there IS feeling suicidal, please do go for help

Answer 10

It is my understanding that if a doctor feels a patient is a danger to himself, he is required to have the patient placed in a facility for evaluation. This is true in many states. If he does not feel the person is a danger to himself, he may presrcibe meds or refer the patient to a phychologist or psychiatrist for further counseling/treatment.

Answer 11

I told ma shrink and he put me on anti-depressants and i am going into a unit for a few weeks but i was refered coz i am a danger to other people to plus i am only 13 so.. it might be something to do wid that 2.. if you trust them then tell them. Good luck