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Answering common questions related to being sectioned.
25 Disadvantages of Being Sectioned
Hey there, have you ever been curious about what it’s like to be sectioned? Well, let me tell you, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, there are quite a few disadvantages that come along with it. Here are 25 of them:
1. Loss of freedom – when you’re sectioned, your movements are restricted and you can’t leave the premises without permission.
2. Stigma – being labelled as “mentally ill” can lead to discrimination and judgement from others.
3. Isolation – depending on the facility, you may not have access to visitors or phone calls.
4. Lack of privacy – everything you do is monitored and recorded by staff members.
5. Boredom – without much to do or any freedom to leave, boredom can become a real problem.
6. Medication side effects – many psychiatric medications come with unpleasant side effects such as weight gain or drowsiness.
7. Involuntary treatment – sometimes treatments are given against your will which can make you feel violated and powerless.
8. Financial burden – staying in a hospital for an extended period of time can be extremely expensive even with insurance coverage.
9. Career setbacks – missing work due to hospitalization can lead to negative impacts on your career advancement opportunities.
10. Difficulty sleeping – strange surroundings and loud noises can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
11. Feeling trapped – being confined in one place for weeks or months on end can take a toll on your mental health
12. Poor food quality- Hospital food isn’t known for being delicious
13.Lack of exercise facilities- Exercise is important for both physical and mental health
14.Invasion of personal space- Staff members may need to search through your belongings
15.Restricted access to technology- No cell phones, computers, or internet
16.Distractions from recovery- The hospital environment can be noisy and distracting, making it difficult to focus on healing.
17. Uncomfortable beds – hospital beds are notoriously uncomfortable and can leave you with aches and pains.
18. Limited visiting hours – your loved ones may only be able to visit for a short amount of time each day.
19. Lack of control – being sectioned means that many aspects of your life are out of your hands
20. Negative impact on relationships – being away from family and friends for extended periods of time can put a strain on relationships.
21. Stopping normal life activities- You’re required to stop all daily activities such as work or school while you’re hospitalized which can greatly affect your routine
22. Weight gain due to medication- Many psychiatric medications increase appetite leading to weight gain
23.Loneliness due to isolation- Being in the hospital without any visitors can lead to feelings of loneliness
24.Taking care of yourself is hard- Due to restrictions, it may be hard to take care of oneself
25.Fear of relapse after discharge- After being discharged from the hospital, there’s always a fear or possibility of relapse which makes one anxious
Studies have shown that being sectioned can have long term negative effects on mental health such as worsening symptoms over time.
FAQs
Q: What does it mean to be sectioned?
A: Being sectioned refers to the legal process by which someone is admitted into a psychiatric hospital against their wishes.
Q: How long can someone be sectioned for?
A: The length of time someone can be sectioned varies depending on the country and individual case but typically ranges from a few weeks up to several months.
Q: Can someone refuse treatment while being sectioned?
A: It depends on the country and local laws but often times involuntary treatment can still occur even if someone refuses.
Q: Can a sectioned person leave the hospital if they change their mind?
A: Generally, no. Discharge from a psychiatric hospital usually requires the approval of medical professionals and can only be done when deemed safe for the individual to leave.
