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Extended Leave

SnuchuSenior Contributor23 June 2016, 10:45 am AEST

Extended Leave

Argh! I'm so pissed!

I found out today that I wasn't discharged from the hospital, simply released to the community but still under the mental health act... Yeah, I'm still committed. If I refuse my meds, I'm gonna be taken to the hospital again. The reason I'm saying all this is because I don't want to take my injection anymore. My doctor said too bad when I told him this. My nurse was more understanding but she stands by that decision.

The fact I'm under the mental health act is horrible because that means I don't have a lot of rights, and cops can take me to the hospital any time they want, and my doctor can order anything and if I refuse I get taken to the hospital.

I'm going to call Legal Aid tomorrow and request for a lawyer to battle this decision. I'm so upset.

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In response to: Extended Leave

SnuchuSenior Contributor24 June 2016, 2:45 am AEST

Re: Extended Leave

@Kurra, it is a involuntary treatment order, just that I'm in the community now. It's within my legal rights to fight this, and if I'm taking meds voluntarily I don't need to be on this. In Canada you can get a lawyer free by calling Legal Aid. 🙂

@GonePirate, I agree wholeheartedly. I absolutely hate the fact.

In response to: Extended Leave

utopiaSenior Contributor24 June 2016, 8:23 pm AEST

Re: Extended Leave

@Snuchu I'm sorry the hospital didn't explain all of this to you on discharge. No wonder you're pissed. I would be too.
This may not help this time, but if you have case manager from your local mental health team- tell them that you would like to write your Mental Health Plan. This plan is written by people with an MI. You and your Case Manager write down what you would like to happen - should you get sick again. This document is part of your rights under the Mental Health Act. It is not 100% guaranteed that a hospital will honour your plan, but they are more likely to, than if yiu just tell them verbally.
Your Mental Health Plan needs to be written when you are well. It is signed by you and your Case Manager. Yiu can have a copy. You can give a copy to someone you trust to act on your behalf. This way, should you get sick in the future, your wishes are more likely to be upheld. All the best

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