What if someone sees?

[pony No.2]

Okay, I'm not really sure how this involuntary psych hold works for adults, I have been on one before but that was because I actually sought help and went somewhere for it, and they contacted an ambulance after asking me some questions, that was when I was a minor. This time I'm not asking for help and I'm an adult so I wonder how different it'll be.

If I were to relapse and cut myself on my arms and wrap them up in bandages (the long gauze kind), if someone were to them covered up and asks what happened and I might simply say, "None of your business." or "I'm not answering that."

As for the question, what exactly happens if you're an adult? If I, an 18 year old who's still in high school, gets approached by a school counselor who's concerned about my self harm is she going to call an ambulance or something? Can't I just say no to any and all help?

Sorry for the long post, last thought. I just hate the whole, "You're not in your right mind to make decisions for yourself." bullshit. Like no, I'm not a baby, I knew what I was doing and what I wanted when I took a bunch of pills to overdose. Okay final thought I promise, I can't seem to ever understand why it's anyone's business if an adult wants to harm themselves without committing a crime in the process of doing so, tattoos and piercings are also a form of self harm but are more acceptable aren't they?

Okay rant over.

 

[martyrdom]

It depends a lot on where you are. Non-suicidal self-harm won't usually get you committed. If you express serious and imminent suicidal intent, or you make a suicide attempt, you may be placed in an involuntary 72 hour hold at a normal hospital, on suicide watch. A psychiatrist will evaluate you and asses the risk. If they decide to commit you, you can go willingly. If you refuse and don't go willingly, they need a court order to commit you in most places, which doesn't take too long. It's generally less hassle to go willingly in that case.

 

[Forever Sleep]

I agree with the above poster although- I don't know for sure. But, it probably does depend where you are and- your history. I've never heard of people reporting being sent to a psyche ward for self harming.

In the UK at least, I suspect even mention of suicide may not get you committed- seeing as the NHS is struggling to cope anyway. Some people here can't seem to even be voluntarily admitted! There again- I think it does depend on just how volatile/ at risk a person appears.

I imagine it would certainly cause immense concern if someone noticed though and- may lead to more probing questions that could be more problematic. But then- would they necessarily see them- if you wore long sleeves etc?

Not that I'm encouraging self harm. I don't really know how I feel about it- if I'm honest. I suppose I see it like other addictive coping mechanisms- drugs, alcohol etc. They may make things even worse in the long run but then, I also understand why people do them.