What happens if i call 101 on myself?
Posted by SilentlessNix@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 34 comments
I know this is probably a very strange question but I'm currently in a psychiatric hospital which i genuinely can't cope with being at, I've been arrested once while here and I felt safer and more stable being in a cell at the police station, I feel like I'm in crisis and it's not being taken seriously, I don't want to commit a crime again or make anyone feel like they're in danger, but I felt safer at the police station, I genuinely feel like I can't be here and it's making me worse
PabloMarmite@reddit
If you’re under section then the police won’t get involved as the hospital have a legal framework to detain you. You definitely should talk to an advocate at first instance, there should be a poster up somewhere detailing the advocacy services on the ward.
SilentlessNix@reddit (OP)
I worried as much, the only reason they got involved last time was due to extreme circumstances, I just don't want to take it that far, I just need to go somewhere else. I'm waiting on my turn in ward rounds today, I just hope they'll take me seriously for once.
PabloMarmite@reddit
Being in a PICU isn’t a decision that’s taken lightly. Could you elaborate on what you’re struggling with?
SilentlessNix@reddit (OP)
I got addicted to DPH/Benadryl/Nytol and was using other substances, I was ending up in hospital frequently for overdoses and eventually got sectioned, I had to come off all the drugs cold turkey which led to some irrational behaviour/thought processes leading to me getting transferred to different hospitals
PabloMarmite@reddit
Yeah sorry I mean what you’re struggling with about the PICU
SilentlessNix@reddit (OP)
The lack of staff response when patients are in distress or causing trouble, they let it drag out causing further distress to the patient and other patients, the fact that there isn't communication between night staff and day staff, having to stand around for over an hour to request medication, sometimes having to ask multiple times, the amount of personal property that goes missing or parcels that have been confirmed delivered yet somehow just aren't there
PabloMarmite@reddit
Yeah they are all understandable and things that ideally shouldn’t happen. I’m sensing that you find it difficult when things don’t work like they should. Is there a psychologist or someone you can speak to about coping mechanisms? Definitely write all this down and talk to an advocate about it who might be able to help in making changes in the longer run. I know that doesn’t help you short-term but try and engage with your ward rounds, and try to keep your head down as much as you can when other patients are having incidents.
secretlondon@reddit
PICU is risk based - violence normally. If you want to be stepped down to a normal ward it’s about your behaviour.
SnooMacarons1887@reddit
I hope someone takes you seriously- sending good vibes
Boring_Catlover@reddit
Yeah one of the things they make you sign says you agree not to call emergency services from the ward.
is_this_livejournal@reddit
Try to contact an independent mental health advocate. There might be a poster or flyer with information to be found somewhere on the ward. They can help you challenge the section (if you’re being held), go with you to tribunal, advocate with clinical staff etc.
SilentlessNix@reddit (OP)
I have been speaking to the advocate and having them come into my ward rounds with me, I asked for a tribunal but never got anything out of it, I will be trying again during ward rounds today though because I don't know how much longer I can cope with this place for.
Jonny_Sidepin@reddit
You’re in a mental health unit for a reason, I’m assuming you’ve been sectioned as it sounds as though you’re not free to go, so based on that assumption, you’re in there for a very good reason, as in you’re a risk to yourself or others and you need treatment.
Try to think logically, you get arrested and put in a cell and then what? Who is going to observe, assess and treat your mental health problem?
Lots in inpatients don’t believe/feel that they should be in the situation that they’re in, but we don’t just section folk for a laugh, you’re taking up a bed and they’re like gold dust, they will discharge you the minute they believe it’s safe to do so.
is_this_livejournal@reddit
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/advocacy/imhas/
SilentlessNix@reddit (OP)
!answer
Flaramon@reddit
I've been in your situation multiple times, so I hope I don't come off as sounding cruel or nasty about your position.
If you're stuck at the hospital, you're probably sectioned. If your sectioned, the hospital becomes responsible for your wellbeing during emergencies. A police cell might seem "safe", but it's not. The police have to treat mental health in a certain manner, and that can be traumatic. Imagine sitting naked, in a padded suit for 24 hours, because they think you're a danger, or don't have the staff to babysit you. It's not a path to recovery, and the police only do this because they have no other choice.
My advice is to accept your position and get comfortable. Every person on every mental health ward ever, has believed they don't deserve to be there. Similarly, every patient ever believes their position is unfair, invalid, or wrong. It sounds harsh, but that's what it is. You're stuck with a bunch of people you don't like, in a space that's not home, controlled by people who get to tell you what to do, and when. If you are sectioned, you cannot do anything to change this.
If the patients are abusing you, go to the staff. If the staff are abusing you, do go over their heads or to an advocacy service. If you find yourself in actual danger, and you don't have a staff member to lean on, then absolutely yes: call emergency.
SilentlessNix@reddit (OP)
I didn't have that experience when the police arrested me, they had me under constant supervision but I got to keep my clothes and was given books, food and drink to pass the time until an appropriate adult and solicitor showed up for the interview and then spent some more time waiting for the bail paperwork before being taken back to hospital
letmeexistt@reddit
Hi, firstly I'm sorry you're having a shitty month.
Secondly how old are you and did you admit yourself to the hospital? What is the timeframe you are currently looking at? Do you have family you can talk to?
SilentlessNix@reddit (OP)
I'm 19, i was originally admitted on a section 2 which was extended to a section 3. I've been in hospital for almost 2 months now but I've been moved through 3 different hospitals in that time frame, ever since I've been at this hospital I have been begging to be moved to a different hospital and trying to tell them that they are worsening my mental health but I just keep getting told to wait, ward round is today so I'm going to try again but I don't have much hope for a different outcome. I can talk to my stepdad over the phone but I haven't had any family visit due to the fact that I've been moved approximately 3-4 hours drive away from any family.
letmeexistt@reddit
Man this is pretty rough, hopefully this is the bottom and things start to get better. Hopefully someone appears with more tailored advice I got the AI gods to help so don't take any of this as legal advice, it may just offer you an option.
The last bit is a guide for a statement you can give to the staff if you don't think you are being listened too.
Again I'm sorry this is happening to you, personally one jail experience shouldn't encourage the next. Different guards different prisoners different everything. It could be worse and you wouldn't know. Deep breaths
🔴 If He’s in Crisis or Feels Unsafe:
Tell Staff Clearly: “I do not feel safe here. I feel worse than when I arrived. I need an urgent review.”
If he feels truly unsafe, say: “I am at risk and I need to speak to the duty doctor or crisis team now.”
If that’s ignored, he has the right to ask for an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) (more on that below).
✅ Legal Rights Under Section 3 (Mental Health Act):
He has a right to an IMHA – an Independent Mental Health Advocate, by law. 👉 These advocates are there to help him understand his rights and help challenge decisions being made about his care or hospital placement.
Ask: “I want to speak to an IMHA. Please help me contact one.”
If they refuse or delay, he (or someone supporting him) can call a service directly:
📞 POhWER (a national IMHA service): 0300 456 2370
Or visit: https://www.pohwer.net/mental-health-advocacy
🧑⚖️ Tribunal and Discharge Rights:
Under Section 3, he has the right to appeal to a Mental Health Tribunal — a legal hearing that can discharge him from hospital.
He should be given a leaflet or explanation when sectioned. If he hasn’t:
Ask: “I want to appeal my section under the Mental Health Act.”
He may also need legal help for this — he’s entitled to free legal aid.
👉 Contact Mental Health Lawyers like:
Scott-Moncrieff & Associates: 020 3972 9010
Mind Legal Info Line: 0300 466 6463
🧠 Hospital Conditions / Relocation Issues:
The fact that he's been moved far from family is a violation of NHS guidance on least restrictive care. NHS England states patients should, where possible, remain close to home.
He or his family can raise a formal complaint:
First through the hospital’s PALS team (Patient Advice and Liaison Service). Ask the ward staff for PALS contact.
If no improvement, contact:
🆘 Care Quality Commission (CQC): 03000 616161 – they regulate mental health hospitals and investigate abuse or bad care.
🧑⚕️ Mind’s Legal Helpline: 0300 466 6463 – They can talk through relocation rights and how to push for a move.
🧑🤝🧑 Family Involvement Help:
If he consents, a family member (like his stepdad) can also:
Contact PALS on his behalf.
Call the ward manager directly and ask about the care plan.
Ask to join ward rounds remotely (many units allow this by phone or Zoom).
💬 Suggested Words for the Next Ward Round:
He might want to say something like:
🔗 Useful Resources:
Mind UK – Rights in Hospital https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights/
Rethink Mental Illness – Being in Hospital https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/living-with-mental-illness/mental-health-treatment/
📄 Statement for Ward Round:
I’ve been moved between several hospitals, and this current placement is making my mental health worse. I feel more distressed and unsafe here than I did even before coming into hospital. I’ve been asking to be moved for a long time, but nothing has changed, and it feels like I’m not being taken seriously.
I haven’t had any visits from my family because I’ve been placed too far away from them. This isolation is damaging my recovery. Being closer to home and to a hospital that can meet my needs is essential to my mental health. I want this noted in my care plan and acted on.
I am also asking to speak to an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) as soon as possible. I know I have the legal right to one under the Mental Health Act, and I’d like help understanding my options, including the right to appeal my section.
Please help me work on a plan that will actually help me feel safe, heard, and supported. I’m not trying to be difficult — I just want the chance to recover in the right environment.
Let me know if you'd like me to tailor it even more (e.g. with more emotion, more urgency, or more legal language), or if his stepdad wants a version he can send to the hospital staff or PALS.
SilentlessNix@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the help, I'll try and take as much of this into consideration for my ward round, if they still dont take me seriously I'll try the other resources listed
letmeexistt@reddit
Sorry it wasn't personal I am a social worker but I've lived in Australia for ever and couldn't have found those resources that quickly.
Best advice is try to stay as calm as possible. You are going to face very stressful situations and the better you can handle yourself during those situations the better the outcomes will be.
SilentlessNix@reddit (OP)
I appreciate that you even took the time to respond and find resources despite living in a different country even if you did use AI to get it
letmeexistt@reddit
All good.
SnooMacarons1887@reddit
Idk but seems they would put u right back where u are. Can u call NHS 111 or Samaritans 116 123?
SilentlessNix@reddit (OP)
I have thought about trying to call one of those services I've just hesitated because I haven't been sure if they would take me seriously or tell me to just talk to staff
SnooMacarons1887@reddit
Text SHOUT to 85258 -I believe it's 24 seven crisis hotline at least you can ask them the question about 101- I mean everyone has a right to feel safe, good luck ❤️
SilentlessNix@reddit (OP)
Thanks, I'll try that, I appreciate the advice and the support, makes it a little easier to not feel so alone
SnooMacarons1887@reddit
Largely (I feel) depends on who you get. Sometimes you get a sympathetic or helpful ear. There is also a number to Text
SilentlessNix@reddit (OP)
Yeah it can be hit or miss with 111 option 2 I know as I used to use them before I was sectioned, some were really helpful and others just wanted to get the call over with
Electronic_Gur_3068@reddit
There should be someone to talk to.
Can you just take deep breaths, make yourself comfortable with just being still?
Sometimes it's darkest just before dawn. The way to get through this is to realise that you are your own worst enemy, and if you don't do anything extreme then time will pass and everything will revert back to the norm.
SilentlessNix@reddit (OP)
The last 2 hospitals I was at didn't cause me this much distress, there's a very common agreement between patients about how this hopsital isn't appropriate, multiple patients complain about being wrongly medicated, under medicated or over medicated, multiple patients want to complain to the CQC about the hospital, this isn't treatment, it's torture
Electronic_Gur_3068@reddit
Sometimes meds can have temporary effects that are quite unpleasant. I don't know if that's a helpful thing to understand, I can't suffer for you, but I have been through that myself. When a change in meds happens it can be very unpleasant for a few days or so. Whether or not the drugs are any good, you might find that things improve in terms of your struggle internally.
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