The average length of stay is 5-7 days, but varies greatly. Since this is usually the outcome for an actively suicidal person, I will explain more about this treatment below.
In fact, in many cases today, patients are discharged before they feel they are ready to go home, while they are still feeling somewhat overwhelmed and suicidal. If you enter the hospital on a voluntary basis, you are typically free to leave the hospital once your level of suicidality has decreased.
When risk appears severe and imminent, a medical emergency requires immediate containment and intensive medical treatment, usually in a psychiatric hospital setting with close observation. Take direct, appropriate action by calling 911 or local crisis response team for emergency services.
After you text BRAVE to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, a trained crisis counselor will receive it and respond within minutes. Then, the crisis counselor will help you de-escalate your situation and connect you to help locally.
It can last up to 28 days. It is the most common way for people to be detained, Under a section 2 (S2), you are detained in hospital for assessment of your mental health and to get any treatment you might need.
Health professionals can't threaten to section you to make you agree to treatment or to stay on the ward if you don't want to.
Middle-aged people, especially men, have the highest rate of suicide compared to other groups. Eighty percent of all deaths by suicide in the U.S. are among men and women age 45-54. Men ages 85 and older have the highest rate of any group in the country.
Simple phrases such as “that must have been difficult” and “sounds like you've been having a tough time” validate what the patient is feeling and give you something helpful to say if you're feeling awkward or uncomfortable.
In crisis and need to talk to someone? We're here for you. Text HOME to 741741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor.
By texting CONNECT to 686868, you can chat confidentially with a trained, volunteer crisis responder for support with any issue. Our texting service is available 24/7/365. You don't need a data plan, Internet connection or an app to use it.
Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.