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Disclosing/limited disclosure to Psychiatrist suicidal intent

I am seeing my psychiatrist. can I tell them that I am suicidal and that I am unable to disclose with them details about it? What is their legal obligations if I refuse to provide more information about it? Will they have to act on it ie send me to hospital? I don’t want hospital of any kind. Or is it better to shut up and not mention it at all or just say “it’s fine” when it’s damn well not “fine” 

1 Reply 1

smallwolf
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hello and welcome.

 

The question you ask is difficult for me to answer. My psychiatrist is non-admitting.  I have had suicidal ideations and on medication. And here i don't know anything about your history (not really asking?). Also, sometimes you might not feel ready to talk about it.

 

There is also a set of questions you might be asked to work out your level of risk.

 

But also, should you (or someone) talk about this with a professional, then it also opens the possibility of working on things like safety plans etc. And perhaps a good place (page) to look at is:

 

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/suicide-prevention/suicide-safety-planning

 

From experience, it is hard to talk about, but once out in the open give you some options for managing. Now, this is only my story or part thereof.  What you do is really up to you. But I will add that you had courage to ask the question here and share a little of your experience - and that is a BIG step.

 

Listening ...