Being sectioned under the Mental Health Act in the UK is an experience that few understand until they’ve lived through it. My personal journey through psychosis and subsequent psychiatric hospitalisation offers valuable insights for those seeking information about mental health treatment, the sectioning process, or supporting loved ones during a mental health crisis.
The psychiatric hospital environment is often misunderstood and shrouded in misconception, which is why I created this video.
In my video, I share my complete experience of being sectioned for psychosis in the UK.
Understanding Mental Health Sectioning
The process of being sectioned typically begins during a mental health crisis when professionals determine that someone poses a risk to themselves or others. In my case, psychosis had significantly impaired my ability to make rational decisions about my care, which led to the sectioning order.
Sectioning is not a decision taken lightly—it requires assessment by mental health professionals and is governed by specific sections of the Mental Health Act that determine the duration and conditions of involuntary hospitalisation.
Life Inside a Psychiatric Hospital
The day-to-day reality of psychiatric hospital life is structured around routine and treatment. Typical days include:
- Regular medication times
- Group therapy sessions
- One-to-one consultations with psychiatrists
- Scheduled meal times
- Limited recreational activities
Personal space is minimal, and privacy becomes a luxury rather than a right. Bathrooms are often designed to prevent self-harm, and constant observation is common for patients deemed high-risk.
Treatment Approaches for Psychosis
Treatment for psychosis typically involves a combination of antipsychotic medications and therapeutic interventions. The initial focus is on stabilisation—reducing hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised thinking that characterise psychotic episodes.
The adjustment to medication can be challenging, with side effects ranging from drowsiness to more severe physical symptoms. Finding the right medication and dosage often requires time and patience from both medical staff and patients.
The Human Element of Psychiatric Care
Perhaps the most significant aspect of hospital care is the interpersonal connections formed. Staff members range from compassionate and understanding to those who seem detached due to the demanding nature of their work.
Fellow patients become an unexpected source of support, creating a community based on shared experiences that outsiders may struggle to comprehend. These connections often provide comfort during what can be an isolating experience.
The Road to Recovery
Recovery does not follow a linear path. There are good days and challenging ones, with progress sometimes measured in small victories rather than grand transformations. The hospital environment aims to stabilise symptoms enough for patients to continue recovery in less restrictive settings.
Discharge planning begins early, with considerations for ongoing support, medication management, and community integration. The transition back to everyday life presents its own challenges, requiring continued support from mental health services.
Support Systems and Resources
Various support networks exist for those experiencing mental health crises and their loved ones. These include:
- NHS mental health crisis teams
- Charitable organisations specialising in mental health
- Peer support groups
- Family therapy and education programmes
Understanding available resources can make a significant difference in navigating the complex mental healthcare system.
Life After Being Sectioned
The experience of being sectioned leaves a lasting impact. For many, including myself, it becomes part of their life story rather than defining it entirely. The stigma surrounding mental illness and psychiatric hospitalisation remains a challenge, but sharing personal experiences can help break down these barriers.
Recovery continues long after discharge, with ongoing treatment, therapy, and self-care strategies playing crucial roles in maintaining mental wellbeing.
Breaking the Silence
By sharing my experience, I hope to contribute to more open conversations about mental health treatment and reduce the fear associated with psychiatric hospitals. Understanding these institutions as places of treatment rather than punishment or containment is essential for destigmatising mental health care.
The reality of psychiatric hospitalisation often differs from media portrayals, and personal accounts can provide a more nuanced understanding of both the challenges and support available within these settings.
