[Anonymous]

I've been an inpatient for over 9 months and am now looking at being discharged. My psych wants me to see my GP weekly, have bloods and ECG weekly, see a psychologist weekly and work with a recovery/rehab team. What happens if I refuse or don't go to some or all of these appts? I was on a section 3, but I'm not anymore. Thanks.

[Sabertooth]

It's probably a good idea to do it. You were on section 3 for a reason, I doubt being in hospital has changed all that much for you (although congrats on getting discharged ), it's probably a good idea to go along with this and try to get as better as you can.

[Noodlzzz]

Well firstly why don't you want to attend? Do you not feel they will benefit you? Or has time as an inpatient dirtied your view of mental health services?

Secondly, they'll either to nothing - you are not legally obliged to attend services, or they have evidence to believe that you are at risk to yourself/others without regular contact with such services and your refusal to comply could result in a section again.

Your best bet is to talk to it of with your doctors. Find out a) if they will make you attend and b) to clear up issues as to why you don't want to attend. You may have some misconceptions or worries that they can clear up for you. I would strongly suggest engaging fully with any service offered to you as they can really help

[Anonymous]

I was discharged this morning and psych really stressed how important it is for me to attend all the appts. He said they need to know what's going on or they'll be more likely to use a Mental Health Act assessment again. This seems so unfair as I just want to be left alone!

If you're not on section no one can physically make you go to community appts right? And is not knowing how my weight, bloods and ECG are really enough to call an assessment?

[Kabloomybuzz]

They can't MAKE you do anything, no, but if you want to get better, then its probably in your best interests to attend. The Drs you are seeing will be stressing this because they want to avoid you being sectioned again, which may well happen if you don't get the help you need and deteriorate further.

Whats the worst thats going to happen if you DO attend all of the appointments? The idea will be you attend all of these and gradually cut down on the help you are getting until eventually (hopefully) you don't need them.

Sometimes its best to go ahead and do stuff that you don't want to because it will do you more good in the long time. You will be left alone when you are well enough to be.

[Anonymous]

bump

[~ Purple Rose ~]

To be honest, I would be more inclined to think about whether you need the appointments, and by the sounds of the nature of them, they are for a reason regarding the blood tests and ECG. Also, you have been an inpatient a long time, and it will take a while to adjust to being back at home, so I would suggest you take all the support they are offering, because it won't be there forever, and if you do go downhill they will be more likely to consider another Section if you haven't been seen to comply with your treatment.

[MillyPixie]

Yes you should go. These appointments have been arranged for a reason and may be crucial to your overall recovery. I know they seem daunting now but when they are over and the staff are happy to release you, it will be well worth it. Also - if you don't turn up, it may negatively impact the way doctors view your progress.