Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, yet it remains shrouded in misconceptions and stigma. One term that often generates confusion and concern is “sectioned.” To be “sectioned” is a colloquial way of referring to the process of being involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric hospital under mental health laws. This article aims to demystify the concept of being sectioned, exploring its legal framework, the process, implications for individuals, and broader societal impacts. By unpacking this complex topic, we can foster a more informed and compassionate dialogue about mental health care.
Legal Framework: Mental Health Acts
To understand what it means to be sectioned, it’s essential to first grasp the legal framework that governs this process. In many countries, mental health legislation outlines the conditions under which an individual can be detained for psychiatric treatment without their consent. The terminology and specifics vary by jurisdiction, but the principles are broadly similar.
The Mental Health Act in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the primary legislation is the Mental Health Act 1983, amended by the Mental Health Act 2007. The Act sets out the circumstances and procedures for detaining someone in a psychiatric hospital. Key sections include:
Section 2: Allows for detention for assessment, and possibly treatment, for up to 28 days.
Section 3: Permits detention for treatment for up to six months, with the possibility of renewal.
Section 4: Provides for emergency detention for up to 72 hours.
Section 136: Allows police to detain someone they believe to be mentally disordered in a public place and bring them to a place of safety for assessment.
Involuntary Commitment in the US
In the United States, the legal framework varies by state but generally follows similar principles. States have civil commitment laws that allow for involuntary hospitalization of individuals deemed to pose a danger to themselves or others due to mental illness. Common features include:
Emergency Detention: Short-term detention (usually 72 hours) for evaluation and crisis stabilization.
Court-Ordered Commitment: Longer-term commitment following a judicial hearing.
The Process of Being Sectioned
Being sectioned involves a series of steps designed to balance the individual’s rights with the need to protect their health and safety and that of others. The process typically includes assessment by mental health professionals, legal authorization, and provision of care.
Initial Assessment
The process often begins when someone exhibits signs of severe mental illness, such as acute psychosis, severe depression, or suicidal behavior. Concerns may be raised by family members, friends, or authorities. In many cases, a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, social worker, or crisis intervention team, conducts an initial assessment.
Authorization
In most jurisdictions, a formal legal process must be followed to authorize involuntary detention. This usually involves:
Certification by Mental Health Professionals: One or more mental health professionals must certify that the individual meets the criteria for detention under the relevant mental health law.
Legal Review: In some cases, a judicial review or hearing is required to ensure that the individual’s rights are protected. This might involve a judge, magistrate, or mental health tribunal.
Detention and Treatment
Once authorized, the individual is taken to a psychiatric hospital or a designated facility. Here, they undergo further assessment and receive treatment. The treatment plan may include medication, therapy, and other interventions aimed at stabilizing their condition.
Rights and Safeguards
Throughout the process, several safeguards are in place to protect the individual’s rights:
Right to Appeal: Individuals have the right to appeal their detention through legal channels.
Regular Reviews: Detentions are subject to regular review to assess whether continued detention is necessary.
Access to Advocacy: In many places, individuals have the right to access an independent advocate to support them through the process.
See Also: Informal Patient Mental Health
Implications for Individuals
Being sectioned is a profound and often distressing experience. It can have significant implications for the individual’s mental health, legal status, and personal life.
Psychological Impact
The experience of being sectioned can be traumatic. The loss of autonomy, coupled with the stress of hospitalization, can exacerbate existing mental health issues. However, for many individuals, it also marks the beginning of a path to recovery. Access to intensive treatment and support can lead to significant improvements in their condition.
Social and Legal Consequences
Being sectioned can also have social and legal consequences. It may affect an individual’s employment, relationships, and socialstanding. In some jurisdictions, a history of being sectioned might impact legal rights, such as the ability to hold certain professional licenses or possess firearms.
Path to Recovery
Despite the challenges, being sectioned can also be a turning point. For many, it provides access to the care and support needed to manage their mental health effectively. Post-discharge, individuals often continue to receive outpatient treatment and support to aid their recovery.
Broader Societal Impacts
The practice of sectioning reflects broader societal attitudes towards mental health. It raises important questions about the balance between individual rights and public safety, the adequacy of mental health care, and the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Balancing Rights and Safety
One of the central tensions in the practice of sectioning is balancing the individual’s right to autonomy with the need to ensure their safety and that of others. Mental health laws are designed to protect individuals who are unable to make decisions about their care due to their mental state. However, this often involves difficult ethical considerations.
Adequacy of Mental Health Care
The necessity of sectioning individuals points to broader issues within mental health care systems. In many countries, there is a significant gap between the need for mental health services and the availability of such services. This gap can lead to crises that necessitate involuntary detention, highlighting the need for better early intervention and community-based support.
Stigma and Misunderstanding
The stigma surrounding mental illness is a significant barrier to seeking help. The process of being sectioned can reinforce negative stereotypes about mental illness, portraying it as something that requires coercive control. Educating the public about mental health and the realities of psychiatric treatment is crucial in combating this stigma.
Ethical Considerations
The practice of sectioning raises several ethical issues, particularly regarding consent, autonomy, and the use of coercion in mental health care.
Consent and Autonomy
Central to the ethical debate is the issue of consent. Involuntary detention inherently involves overriding an individual’s autonomy. Mental health laws typically require that detention is only used when absolutely necessary, but determining necessity can be complex and subjective.
Use of Coercion
The use of coercion in mental health care is controversial. Critics argue that it can be dehumanizing and counterproductive, while proponents believe it is sometimes essential to ensure safety and provide treatment. The challenge lies in minimizing coercion while ensuring effective care.
Human Rights
International human rights frameworks, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), emphasize the need for mental health care practices to respect individuals’ rights and dignity. These frameworks advocate for a shift towards voluntary, community-based mental health care and away from coercive practices.
Improving the System: Future Directions
Reforming mental health care to better serve individuals while respecting their rights involves several key strategies.
Enhancing Community-Based Care
Expanding access to community-based mental health services can reduce the need for sectioning by providing support before crises occur. This includes increasing the availability of outpatient services, crisis intervention teams, and supportive housing.
Promoting Early Intervention
Early intervention in mental health issues can prevent conditions from escalating to the point where involuntary detention is necessary. This involves identifying and treating mental health conditions early through primary care, schools, and community programs.
Reducing Stigma
Public education campaigns and efforts to normalize discussions about mental health can reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help earlier. Reducing stigma also involves addressing misconceptions about psychiatric hospitals and the sectioning process.
Legal and Policy Reforms
Reforming mental health laws to ensure they are in line with human rights principles is crucial. This includes ensuring robust safeguards against unnecessary detention, promoting voluntary care wherever possible, and providing legal avenues for challenging detention.
Personal Stories: Humanizing the Experience
Understanding the impact of being sectioned on a personal level requires listening to those who have experienced it. Personal stories highlight the diversity of experiences and the human side of mental health care.
Case Study: Emma’s Story
Emma, a 28-year-old woman with bipolar disorder, shares her experience of being sectioned under Section 2 of the UK’s Mental Health Act. During a manic episode, Emma’s behavior became erratic and risky. Her family, unable to manage her condition, sought help, leading to her being sectioned.
Initially, Emma felt frightened and powerless. However, the intensive treatment she received helped stabilize her condition. Over time, she began to engage in therapy and medication management. Reflecting on her experience, Emma acknowledges the trauma of being sectioned but also recognizes it as a turning point in her recovery journey.
Case Study: John’s Story
John, a 45-year-old man with schizophrenia, describes his repeated experiences of being sectioned. For John, the process was often distressing, involving police intervention and hospitalization. Despite these challenges, the support he received during these times was crucial in managing his condition.
John emphasizes the importance of ongoing outpatient care and the role of community mental health services in his recovery. His story underscores the need for a compassionate and supportive approach to mental health care that extends beyond hospitalization.
Conclusion
Being sectioned is a complex and often misunderstood aspect of mental health care. It involves navigating legal, ethical, and personal challenges to provide necessary treatment while respecting individual rights. By understanding what it means to be sectioned, we can better support those experiencing mental health crises and advocate for a more compassionate and effective mental health care system.
Education, reform, and a commitment to human rights are essential in improving the experience and outcomes for individuals who are sectioned. As a society, fostering empathy and understanding towards mental health issues will help reduce stigma and ensure that everyone receives the care and support they need.
