Suicide

[kate_uk34]

Hi, i was just wondering, if somebody attempted suicide, but failed, how lng wold they have to be in a psychiatric hospital for?

thanks

[OBonio]

Depends entirely on the psychiatric evaluation.  They won't be let out until they are deemed to be able to look after themselves (though this raises another discussion of whether someone of sound mind can decide to take their own life).  On the other hand, the attempted suicide could leave them incapable of attempting it again, so could be released into the care of family quite soon after.

[tigga]

Yes it really is a case of - how long is a piece of string !.

[Kay]

If "someone" felt suicidal they should see their doctor rightaway!

[New Forester]

FINA is quite right.  Any GP would be very happy to help -- that's what they're there for.

 

My own GP told me that there is a well-known sequence, from being curious about suicide, to imagining how it might be done, on through various other stages to attempts then suicide itself.

 

Fortunately for me (and my family) I only got about two stages in, and then had excellent counselling which allowed me the space to get my life straight.

 

About 15 years ago a good friend of mine killed herself and I've never forgiven her -- nor myself for not helping her more.  I think of her often -- suicide lasts a lifetime.

[tigga]

Fina & new forester- i hadnt looked at it like that : 'somebody' !.

Kate_34uk, so why do you ask ?  

[smeagol]

Before being released from hospital you have to have a consultation with a psychiatrist. In my experience the NHS has let me and people i know down and they have been left to their own devices, sometimes for the worst. If you or anyone you know is contemplating this i would tell them to  seek support from everyone they can. People should never be afraid to lean on their friends for advice and solace at a time when their self esteem is ebbing away from them. As for time in a psychiatric ward, people are sectioned upon there own personal evaluation and situation and the time would depend on the situation and the real threat they would pose to themselves.

[kags]

If you want to talk about suicide, if you have any thoughts or feelings about suicide which worry or concern you in any way, you can ring, email or visit Samaritans. They will discuss those thoughts and feelings with you honestly and openly, without judging you or telling you what to do (or not to do). New Forester - your friend made her decision, I can understand your feelings but you have nothing to forgive yourself for. From many years experience as a Samaritan I can tell you that nobody can talk anybody out of suicide if it is what they have decided on. Suicide leaves a terrible legacy but we must not forget that it is a right we all have ultimately.

[undercovers]

two friends have seriously attempted suicide and been saved (but only just for one of them) - they both were hospitalised for approx 8 days after stiched and detoxified... not very easy for those around them but absolute hell for themselves.

 

I have constant thoughts of suicide and obsessive urges to kill myself that in themselves can be quite debilitating and dangerous, in that I have over whelming desire to say crash my car off the road (which i have) or fetch a knife to cut myself (which i haven't) - but the love of my family and partner is the only thing that holds be together from day to day, so I think that yes you can stop someone from comitting suicide, not though direct action but through your love for them

[purplerockie]

If "somone" was thinking about suicide they could check out a BBC page on the subject which contains some excellent advice on handling the feelings: www.bbc.co.uk/health/mental/emotional_suicide.shtml#considering

If "someone" lived in or near London there is a place called Maytree, which is a safe place to go, free of charge I believe, to come to terms with the feelings they are having.  Their website is at:  www.maytree.org.uk/

Take care. X

 

 

[Ray the DJ]

Feeling suicidal or attemting it, doesn't mean you are insane.
Nor does loving life, mean your sane.
It depends on a thousand factors.