[ForeverAloneGuy]

I'm currently seeing a counsellor, and they say at the start that everything remains confidential but they have a responsability to tell your GP if you are considering suicide.

If I said that it had crossed my mind on occation for breif moments, but I'm pritty sure I'm not at risk because I always decide I couldn't posibly go through with it, and I know I tend to pick up out of my depression eventually. I mean I'm pritty sure I'm not at risk and this isn't a suicidal post. But if they told my GP, what would happen to me? Would they want to investigate further? Would they stop my counciling? Would they want to hospitalise me or drug me? Would my friends and family find out?

I'm in the UK if it makes a difference.

[turquoisesea]

hey, first off I'm not sure of your age. If you are not a legal adult there may be other rules (ie tell parents). If you are legally an adult that doesn't apply.

I'm from the US and I'm not a therapist. From my experience, it depends on the therapist. If you mention a thought with clear action and intent well... they want to save you for killing youself. So actions they might take are ordering you to check in to a psych ward of some kind, somewhere that you HAVE to be there so you can't kill yourself and can get 24 hour care. If it's less urgent/you're not planning to leave therapy and just go kill yourself sometimes a therapist will see you more often, and suggest daily partial programs (not inpatient, but being an outpatient and getting further care). I've even heard of therapist who have you sign a promise saying you won't do anything. It really depends on the GP/therapist.

From what you're describing, you have ideas but 0 actual intent to commit suicides. That's suicidal ideation/suicidal thoughts, which is something that is common to work with in therapy (I think). So are you seeing a therapist? Your GP might send you to a counselor etc to try to help you, might suggest medication.

As long as you're in no danger to yourself, generally it's not a problem.

Also, I'm not sure if a GP has confidentiality, but for sure therapists do. They can't tell your friends and family if you have suicidal ideation - if you are actively suicidal (which I don't think you are) they would probably find out becuase you'd be in a hospital...

hope this helps some. hopefully someone from UK can give some more specific UK answers for you

[Miss Laura]

Hey ForeverAloneGuy,

I am unsure about it via your Counsellor. But if you go to your GP and say you have been feeling suicidal they make sure your around people ie if you live alone you stay with people, if you think you will harm yourself you lock away all the sharps etc. I know this as I have been there but only through my GP not through a Counsellor telling your GP.

I stayed with my parents for a few days and got a bit better. I was also given The Samaritians number, Breathing Space number etc

Look for local numbers you can call if you are feeling suicidal. You can also Email The Samaritians but it takes 6+ hours for them to get back to you.

Maybe you can enquire when you next see your Counsellor just so you know the score for the future. Hope this helps