Difference between revisions of "Get Someone Committed to a Mental Hospital"
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Someone you know has possibly become a threat to themself or others. This is the threshold of behavior that once crossed, instigates the need for action. You care about this friend or loved one and your involvement has become an obligation that is racked with complexity. Most people are not well-versed on what to do if someone needs to be admitted to a mental hospital. Whether an intervention or involuntary judicial or emergency commitment is required, learning what to do in each instance will prepare you for the road ahead. | Someone you know has possibly become a threat to themself or others. This is the threshold of behavior that once crossed, instigates the need for action. You care about this friend or loved one and your involvement has become an obligation that is racked with complexity. Most people are not well-versed on what to do if someone needs to be admitted to a mental hospital. Whether an intervention or involuntary judicial or emergency commitment is required, learning what to do in each instance will prepare you for the road ahead. | ||
| − | [[Category:Mental Disorders]] | + | [[Category: Mental Disorders]] |
| − | [[Category:Health Care and Medical Information]] | + | [[Category: Health Care and Medical Information]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Conducting an Intervention=== | ===Conducting an Intervention=== | ||
| − | #Determine if an intervention is appropriate.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/intervention/art-20047451</ref> An intervention occurs when friends and family who are concerned about someone join together (sometimes with a doctor, counselor, or intervention specialist) to try to help the person understand the consequences of addiction or behavior. The intervention group often asks the person to accept treatment or offers to help find a solution to the problem. Examples of addictions that may warrant an intervention include<ref | + | #Determine if an intervention is appropriate.<ref name="rf1">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/intervention/art-20047451</ref> An intervention occurs when friends and family who are concerned about someone join together (sometimes with a doctor, counselor, or intervention specialist) to try to help the person understand the consequences of addiction or behavior. The intervention group often asks the person to accept treatment or offers to help find a solution to the problem. Examples of addictions that may warrant an intervention include<ref name="rf1" />: |
#*Alcoholism | #*Alcoholism | ||
#*Prescription drug abuse | #*Prescription drug abuse | ||
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#Clarify if the person wants help. Basic human rights allow a person to ask for and accept help. Those same rights allow a person to reject the help they might need. The person may not think they have a problem, but their demonstrated behaviors tell you otherwise. Part of your role will be to help convince them that they need the help and need to accept it. | #Clarify if the person wants help. Basic human rights allow a person to ask for and accept help. Those same rights allow a person to reject the help they might need. The person may not think they have a problem, but their demonstrated behaviors tell you otherwise. Part of your role will be to help convince them that they need the help and need to accept it. | ||
#Develop a plan of action. Prior to the intervention, develop at least one [[Write a Mental Health Treatment Plan|treatment plan]] to offer to the person. Make arrangements ahead of time if the person is going to be escorted to the mental health facility directly from the intervention. The intervention will mean little if they do not know how to get help and does not have the support of loved ones. | #Develop a plan of action. Prior to the intervention, develop at least one [[Write a Mental Health Treatment Plan|treatment plan]] to offer to the person. Make arrangements ahead of time if the person is going to be escorted to the mental health facility directly from the intervention. The intervention will mean little if they do not know how to get help and does not have the support of loved ones. | ||
| − | #Stage the intervention. Help comes in many forms, and must be forced sometimes. It is a hard decision to make, but one that is necessary if the person’s mental condition has spiraled out of control and the person’s life is in danger.<ref | + | #Stage the intervention. Help comes in many forms, and must be forced sometimes. It is a hard decision to make, but one that is necessary if the person’s mental condition has spiraled out of control and the person’s life is in danger.<ref name="rf1" /> While an intervention will likely be overwhelming to the person, the intent is not to put the person on the defensive. |
#*Those who will participate in the intervention should be carefully chosen. The person’s loved ones can describe how the situation is affecting them. | #*Those who will participate in the intervention should be carefully chosen. The person’s loved ones can describe how the situation is affecting them. | ||
#*You will likely have to ask the person to attend the meeting at the location where the intervention is supposed to take place without revealing the reason. | #*You will likely have to ask the person to attend the meeting at the location where the intervention is supposed to take place without revealing the reason. | ||
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#Visit the person when appropriate. If the person is admitted to an in-patient treatment program, there will be rules for visitation that will need to be clarified. Understand that you need to allow the person to participate on her own without influence from anyone on the outside. The staff will inform you when to visit and the visit will likely be deeply appreciated. | #Visit the person when appropriate. If the person is admitted to an in-patient treatment program, there will be rules for visitation that will need to be clarified. Understand that you need to allow the person to participate on her own without influence from anyone on the outside. The staff will inform you when to visit and the visit will likely be deeply appreciated. | ||
===Guiding a Judicial Commitment=== | ===Guiding a Judicial Commitment=== | ||
| − | #Clarify the law.<ref>http://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/get-help/know-the-laws-in-your-state</ref> Involuntary commitment implies you are taking a person’s freedom away. This serious procedure varies from state to state, but in general, involuntary commitments are either judicial or emergency and require input from a doctor, therapist, and/or the court.<ref> http://mentalillnesspolicy.org/ivc/involuntary-commitment-concepts.html</ref> Often, after a suicide attempt, temporary commitment is mandatory. | + | #Clarify the law.<ref name="rf2">http://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/get-help/know-the-laws-in-your-state</ref> Involuntary commitment implies you are taking a person’s freedom away. This serious procedure varies from state to state, but in general, involuntary commitments are either judicial or emergency and require input from a doctor, therapist, and/or the court.<ref name="rf3"> http://mentalillnesspolicy.org/ivc/involuntary-commitment-concepts.html</ref> Often, after a suicide attempt, temporary commitment is mandatory. |
#*Every person has the right to the least restrictive treatment, which isn’t always the most beneficial treatment. | #*Every person has the right to the least restrictive treatment, which isn’t always the most beneficial treatment. | ||
#*Here is a link you can use to look up specifics and what is required on civil/judicial commitment by state: http://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/get-help/know-the-laws-in-your-state. | #*Here is a link you can use to look up specifics and what is required on civil/judicial commitment by state: http://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/get-help/know-the-laws-in-your-state. | ||
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#Assess the situation and call 911. Whether it is a first time occurrence, or there is a history of situations requiring the authorities, be confident in your assessment of the severity of the situation. Emergencies are not a time to feel embarrassed or coy when the situation involves a person with a mental illness. It may be a matter of life or death. | #Assess the situation and call 911. Whether it is a first time occurrence, or there is a history of situations requiring the authorities, be confident in your assessment of the severity of the situation. Emergencies are not a time to feel embarrassed or coy when the situation involves a person with a mental illness. It may be a matter of life or death. | ||
#* Describe the situation in a calm and detailed manner. Be very clear about the situation, and do not increase the likelihood any potential threat. Law enforcement personnel are trained to prevent injury or death to others; however, tragic consequences can occur at the expense of the person with a mental illness. | #* Describe the situation in a calm and detailed manner. Be very clear about the situation, and do not increase the likelihood any potential threat. Law enforcement personnel are trained to prevent injury or death to others; however, tragic consequences can occur at the expense of the person with a mental illness. | ||
| − | #Be an advocate for the person.<ref>http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2015/02/02/6-ways-to-be-your-own-health-advocate</ref> When speaking on the phone and when the emergency responders arrive, you need to explain that the person suffers from mental illness and that you are the person’s advocate. Make it clear that this person deserves compassion and respect to avoid potential harm. | + | #Be an advocate for the person.<ref name="rf4">http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2015/02/02/6-ways-to-be-your-own-health-advocate</ref> When speaking on the phone and when the emergency responders arrive, you need to explain that the person suffers from mental illness and that you are the person’s advocate. Make it clear that this person deserves compassion and respect to avoid potential harm. |
#*It will be up to you to ensure that all parties are aware that the person suffers from mental illness. This will help avoid potential unfair treatment and harm to the person. | #*It will be up to you to ensure that all parties are aware that the person suffers from mental illness. This will help avoid potential unfair treatment and harm to the person. | ||
| − | #Facilitate teamwork for a positive outcome. Be helpful to those trying to provide assistance. The person is likely to be agitated, upset and afraid of being taken away. Who wouldn’t be? The consensus is that you are all working as a team to help this person get the help she needs.<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1955345/</ref> | + | #Facilitate teamwork for a positive outcome. Be helpful to those trying to provide assistance. The person is likely to be agitated, upset and afraid of being taken away. Who wouldn’t be? The consensus is that you are all working as a team to help this person get the help she needs.<ref name="rf5">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1955345/</ref> |
#*You will need to reassure the person by saying, “These people are here to help you and they want the best for you. I want the best for you too. I know this might seem scary, but this will all work out.” | #*You will need to reassure the person by saying, “These people are here to help you and they want the best for you. I want the best for you too. I know this might seem scary, but this will all work out.” | ||
#*If a crime has been committed the person will likely be taken in and processed. | #*If a crime has been committed the person will likely be taken in and processed. | ||
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#*This might be very difficult, but you must find the courage to help this person. | #*This might be very difficult, but you must find the courage to help this person. | ||
#*Keep in mind that you would appreciate the same accommodation should something like this happen to you. | #*Keep in mind that you would appreciate the same accommodation should something like this happen to you. | ||
| − | #Let the process happen. The moment is difficult when you realize that the only way the person can be helped is if they admit her for further evaluation. An emergency hospitalization for mental illness in a treatment facility will be temporary in nature. There are many things to be considered. Depending on the circumstance, a person can be held involuntarily for 72 hours or longer.<ref>http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/pubs/502401.pdf</ref> | + | #Let the process happen. The moment is difficult when you realize that the only way the person can be helped is if they admit her for further evaluation. An emergency hospitalization for mental illness in a treatment facility will be temporary in nature. There are many things to be considered. Depending on the circumstance, a person can be held involuntarily for 72 hours or longer.<ref name="rf6">http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/pubs/502401.pdf</ref> |
#Mobilize all resources for future events. Once the person is committed, you will have limited time to organize and put a plan into action. Where will the person stay when they are released? Are children involved, and if so who will they stay with? What out-patient treatment will the person need? Are there any support groups or organizations that can provide guidance? | #Mobilize all resources for future events. Once the person is committed, you will have limited time to organize and put a plan into action. Where will the person stay when they are released? Are children involved, and if so who will they stay with? What out-patient treatment will the person need? Are there any support groups or organizations that can provide guidance? | ||
#*Although the person might be held for a 72 hours period, they may be released early and without your knowledge. Anticipate this and ask the doctor or nurses, “If she is released prior to the end of the 72 hour hold I need you to contact me as soon as possible.” | #*Although the person might be held for a 72 hours period, they may be released early and without your knowledge. Anticipate this and ask the doctor or nurses, “If she is released prior to the end of the 72 hour hold I need you to contact me as soon as possible.” | ||
| − | #*They may not share this information if you are not family or authorized to hear private medical information per HIPAA regulations.<ref>http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/srsummary.html</ref> | + | #*They may not share this information if you are not family or authorized to hear private medical information per HIPAA regulations.<ref name="rf7">http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/srsummary.html</ref> |
===Following Up=== | ===Following Up=== | ||
#Remain strong and focus on healing. The person may be very close to you: a parent, spouse, or child, perhaps. If she has a mental illness, you're not hurting her by having her committed—you are giving her an opportunity to heal, or at least get the treatment she needs. You are also doing this in a way that will prevent her from causing physical or emotional injury to others. | #Remain strong and focus on healing. The person may be very close to you: a parent, spouse, or child, perhaps. If she has a mental illness, you're not hurting her by having her committed—you are giving her an opportunity to heal, or at least get the treatment she needs. You are also doing this in a way that will prevent her from causing physical or emotional injury to others. | ||
| − | #Seek professional help for yourself. If you are struggling to manage the stress and anxiety related to helping a friend or loved one with a mental illness, find someone to talk to who can help. Psychologists and Psychiatrists are available in your local area and can be located through the American Psychological Association <ref>http://locator.apa.org/</ref> and the American Psychiatric Association. | + | #Seek professional help for yourself. If you are struggling to manage the stress and anxiety related to helping a friend or loved one with a mental illness, find someone to talk to who can help. Psychologists and Psychiatrists are available in your local area and can be located through the American Psychological Association <ref name="rf8">http://locator.apa.org/</ref> and the American Psychiatric Association. |
| − | #Accept the person back into your life. Once released, a person who must manage mental illness will need structure in her life. You can be a big part of making that happen. A welcoming attitude might be exactly what the person needs. Every person has a need to feel a sense of belonging, and you can foster that for the person.<ref>http://jwalkonline.org/docs/Grad%20Classes/Fall%2007/Org%20Psy/Cases/motivation%20articles/need%20to%20belong.pdf</ref> | + | #Accept the person back into your life. Once released, a person who must manage mental illness will need structure in her life. You can be a big part of making that happen. A welcoming attitude might be exactly what the person needs. Every person has a need to feel a sense of belonging, and you can foster that for the person.<ref name="rf9">http://jwalkonline.org/docs/Grad%20Classes/Fall%2007/Org%20Psy/Cases/motivation%20articles/need%20to%20belong.pdf</ref> |
| − | #Ask the person about her progress.<ref>http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/pro/44/4/231/</ref> Make it clear that you are genuinely concerned for the person and want her to be successful. It is important that she takes her medication, and attends therapy or support group meetings. These are likely to be a requirement of any treatment program. | + | #Ask the person about her progress.<ref name="rf10">http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/pro/44/4/231/</ref> Make it clear that you are genuinely concerned for the person and want her to be successful. It is important that she takes her medication, and attends therapy or support group meetings. These are likely to be a requirement of any treatment program. |
#*Help the person be accountable to her program. Ask her if there is anything you can do to help her stay committed to attending. Be kind, but don't let her slack off. | #*Help the person be accountable to her program. Ask her if there is anything you can do to help her stay committed to attending. Be kind, but don't let her slack off. | ||
| − | #Recognize the resources you have gained. Be resourceful if the person needs your help in the future.<ref>http://mmr.sagepub.com/content/2/4/317.short</ref> Mental illness is a disease therefore it can be managed, but not cured. Relapses will most likely happen, and everyone involved should not consider a relapse a failure. However, treatment will be needed following each relapse. | + | #Recognize the resources you have gained. Be resourceful if the person needs your help in the future.<ref name="rf11">http://mmr.sagepub.com/content/2/4/317.short</ref> Mental illness is a disease therefore it can be managed, but not cured. Relapses will most likely happen, and everyone involved should not consider a relapse a failure. However, treatment will be needed following each relapse. |
#*Once you go through the process of helping a person with a mental illness, you will have the know-how, confidence and information necessary to help others. | #*Once you go through the process of helping a person with a mental illness, you will have the know-how, confidence and information necessary to help others. | ||
| − | #Realize you are not alone.<ref>http://psp.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/02/07/0146167213476895</ref> There is a tendency to think you are the only one who experiences the thoughts and feelings you are having. You must understand that many others have felt exactly what you are feeling and have struggled with getting a person with a mental illness the help they need. Fight the urge to push yourself to the outside where you might isolate yourself and not get the help that you need. | + | #Realize you are not alone.<ref name="rf12">http://psp.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/02/07/0146167213476895</ref> There is a tendency to think you are the only one who experiences the thoughts and feelings you are having. You must understand that many others have felt exactly what you are feeling and have struggled with getting a person with a mental illness the help they need. Fight the urge to push yourself to the outside where you might isolate yourself and not get the help that you need. |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
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* Realize that committing someone is for a limited time-frame, it could last hours, a few days, probably no more than a few weeks. Once the person is out of crisis, they will be released. | * Realize that committing someone is for a limited time-frame, it could last hours, a few days, probably no more than a few weeks. Once the person is out of crisis, they will be released. | ||
* Are you suffering from caregiver burn out, or fearful of your loved one becoming a burden to your resources? Are you blowing things out of proportion? Could this problem be resolved by setting stronger personal boundaries? Get the help you need. | * Are you suffering from caregiver burn out, or fearful of your loved one becoming a burden to your resources? Are you blowing things out of proportion? Could this problem be resolved by setting stronger personal boundaries? Get the help you need. | ||
| − | * Prepare yourself for a possible loss. Suicide is caused by mental illness and is the 10th leading cause of death in America.<ref>http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282929.php</ref> Understand the stress may be hard on your friend or relative and try to be understanding. | + | * Prepare yourself for a possible loss. Suicide is caused by mental illness and is the 10th leading cause of death in America.<ref name="rf13">http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282929.php</ref> Understand the stress may be hard on your friend or relative and try to be understanding. |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
