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How to appeal a Section?

Dawn
5 months ago

I was sectioned a couple of years ago and every time I appeal to go back home it's always overruled. The reason is because it's thought I can't keep myself safe and require constant support and care. I think it's because I used to get dehydrated a lot and had malnutrition but that was purely a lack of remembering to eat and drink. As a person I've always been safe to myself and others, I used to do a lot of imaginary play, I still do sometimes that's never changed. But it was never dangerous or anything like that. 

I hate being in hospital. It's not home and the noise can be really distressing at times. I've been here for a long time but I'm still not used to anything here. I miss my home and I miss the familiarness of smells and possessions. My family still visit which is something but not as often, it's like they have all moved on and I'm just being forgotten. They do at least stick up to me when I appeal to go home again but I wonder if I didn't appeal would they instead for me? I worry they wouldn't. 

I always was a bit stressful for them and like a burden.

I'm not sure what to do now. I've used an advocate, tried Citizens Advice and my GP. But it's led nowhere. The nurses say to keep appealing and when I'm ready I'll be ok to go home but it's been almost 4 years and it feels like it's never going to happen.

Parents
  • 5 months ago

    Hey, Dawn. I'm sorry you're in hospital, that must be tough for you to be going through. I was in a similar boat a while back. 

    If you are under section 2, you can:

    • ask the Hospital Managers to discharge you,
    • apply to a tribunal to appeal your section,
    • get free representation from a mental health solicitor at a tribunal, and
    • get help from an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA).

    I was under section 2, I couldn't keep myself safe either, I had anorexia amongst other things and it was a hell of a battle to get home again.

    There is a really great overview and fact sheet here...

    https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/rights-restrictions/mental-health-laws/discharge-from-the-mental-health-act/

    You might find this useful.

    But at the moment there's got to be other stuff making them think you're not safe to be outside the hospital environment. I was fine in myself but I had anorexia and I didn't realise the dangers at the time. They won't let you home again until they're convinced you are safe both physically and mentally.

    Hope this helps you. Keep your chin up, it will get better and you will get home again. It can be a long process.

Reply
  • 5 months ago

    Hey, Dawn. I'm sorry you're in hospital, that must be tough for you to be going through. I was in a similar boat a while back. 

    If you are under section 2, you can:

    • ask the Hospital Managers to discharge you,
    • apply to a tribunal to appeal your section,
    • get free representation from a mental health solicitor at a tribunal, and
    • get help from an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA).

    I was under section 2, I couldn't keep myself safe either, I had anorexia amongst other things and it was a hell of a battle to get home again.

    There is a really great overview and fact sheet here...

    https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/rights-restrictions/mental-health-laws/discharge-from-the-mental-health-act/

    You might find this useful.

    But at the moment there's got to be other stuff making them think you're not safe to be outside the hospital environment. I was fine in myself but I had anorexia and I didn't realise the dangers at the time. They won't let you home again until they're convinced you are safe both physically and mentally.

    Hope this helps you. Keep your chin up, it will get better and you will get home again. It can be a long process.

Children
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