there are many situations where i believe involuntary hospitalization is necessary. however, i disagree that by law my psychiatrist/psychologist can have me sent to the hospital if they think i'm a suicide risk.

i have thought about suicide on/off for 23 years, starting at about 16. i have been afraid to talk with my doctors about it because of this law. last year i finally told my psychiatrist. she gave me the option of immediately checking myself in or she would have me involuntarily hospitalized. while i understand she was concerned because i was at the bottom emotionally, it wasn't like these thoughts were new.

just a few weeks ago i finally opened up to my psychologist about my suicidal idealogy and fears about talking to her in detail. we both now have a better understanding of our relationship. i feel more relieved knowing i can talk with her about this, instead of it being this big secret i hid from her.

i feel that if this law were not in place, i would have opened up a while ago about this and could have been dealing with it better. i think there are many people that do not talk about it for fear of being sent to the hospital. while i do not disagree with people being hospitalized, there are many people who can get the same depth of treatment without going to the hospital.