Can you be committed to apsychiatric wardat a medical hospital or amental hospitalagainst your will?
What if you arefeeling suicidal?
The criteria for civil commitments vary but often include presenting an imminent danger to yourself or others.
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General, Short-Term Commitment
The process for commitment varies from state to state.
There are also time limits on how long you’re able to be held against your will.
Can You Commit Someone If They Are Suicidal?
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Thedefinition of mental illnessalso varies from state to state.
Reasons for Short-Term Commitment or Involuntary Hospitalization
Who Can Make the Request?
Some states have longer detention periods that can range from four to 10 days.
Can Someone Who Has Been Committed Refuse Treatment?
Commitment is often seen as a way to get someone mental help when they refuse.
This does not include medications to specifically treat mental illness, such asadministering antidepressants.
Start small by offering to help them research treatment options and drive them to appointments.
Can You Commit Someone for Long-Term Treatment?
Commitments for longer periods of time generally have more stringent requirements than emergency detention.
But, again, there are time limits that cannot be extended without the proper procedures being followed.
Hospitalization for Depression
When talking about “commitment,” it might sound like a prison sentence.
Severe depressionis, unfortunately, far too common.
If you are dealing with a mentally unstable family member, take steps to learn more about mental illness.
Communicate with your loved one about your concerns and encourage them to seek treatment.
Finding support for yourself and other family members is also essential.
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Mortality risk and protecting health, safety, and quality of life.Psychiatr Serv.
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