[HALLIEBETH87]

Anyones T ever had you write and sign a no-suicide contract? What were the terms and what happens if you still take suicidal actions?

[splitimage]

My T has never made me sign a no-suicide contract, she doesn't believe in contracts like that as they are essentially useless and just create more guilt in the client for having those feelings. I do have a verbal agreement with her, that if I ever think I'm close to carrying out my su plans that I will get myself to an ER.

--splitimage

[chalmette70043]

Yes, hallie. My counseler had me do that on my first or second visit. Cant remember. I signed a paper saying i would seek help before i tried to hurt myself, etc. I just did it cause i had the feeling if i didnt sign it, something was gonna happen. I was very suicidal then.

[Merlin]

i don't think i could sign one. i have no intent at the moment and the idea of it scares me (cause i know from experience i go all the way) but i could never give up the "right" to do it.

I don't have to sign a contract.

But, I had to agree that if I was suicidal, I would take myself to the ER. If I did not agree to this, I don't think T would have worked with me.

She was very concerned about this. We have discussed it on numerous occasions.

(Like maybe she has lost a client and is really scared to again type of thing)

[Perna]

Interesting report: http://www.suicideinfo.ca/csp/assets/alert49.pdf

[ziggy1]

NO but when they release me from the Psych ward after taking 200

Valium and a pint of Canadian club whiskey, I had to sign one!

Just to get out of there. I have flash-backs now because may will

be soon upon us!!! But on the day I attempted to do away with

myself...I plan to be around lots of people where-ever I can go,

It's even causing me anxiety as I respond to this Post.....

Hope I hsven't upset anyone here...! Thanks for listen-

listening. I just saw the doctor from the E.R. he says I'm a

walking miracle. Nobody usually ever survives that type of over-

dose according to him. I guess I was the lucky one!!!!!

Thanks for listening all....You are all wonderful people!!!!

Ziggy

[lauren_helene]

I did have one woman have me sign one on my first visit. Never went back after that.

[tsha]

I have signed them a number of times when I have been suicidal. She asks me to go to the ER and I always refuse.
For me its more of something to consider when I get to that state .
I work with contracts as a part of my job and understand that legally these contracts don't have much to them for so many reasons.

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tsha said:

I work with contracts as a part of my job and understand that legally these contracts don't have much to them for so many reasons.

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This it probably true, but I think for T, the contracts give them a feeling of safety and "relief" if something did happen. For example, if a client committed suicide, the T might be able to think "I did my best and tried and even thought I had a contract with the client."

Studies have shown that they are ineffective, but I think they are effective for the T's sanity.

[Kiya]

i don't even know how a person could get a hold of 200 valium - these day's they'll only perscribe like 15-30 with no refill...

btw my destructives logged that info away for future use. (if i admit that, they'll know i was listening so i can put a stop to it before they try that one... last night the subject matter was advil and how many....)

and here comes the dizzy spells again that go with it.

[Monty_girl]

I have been on a suicide contract for over 2 years now and I have kept to the contract. I become very suicidal at times and the contract helps me to stop what I am doing to get help.

My contract and T are kind of different then most. I have my T's home # and been asked to call when ever I need him. Is weird, never had anyone do that for me. But when I have used my contract, my T will call me every hour to check on me to see if I'm OK or not. ( He only has a very few clients, maybe 5 at the most?)

But my contract really works for me. It lets me know that someone cares and is just a phone call away. It's just something I need.

[Defective]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
HALLIEBETH87 said:
Anyones T ever had you write and sign a no-suicide contract? What were the terms and what happens if you still take suicidal actions?

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

I signed one before and it wasnt a big deal. It was just a list of things id promise to do if i felt suicidal. I attempted after signing it and it wasnt too big a deal although i was pretty stressed with my first appointment upon getting released from the psych ward. It wasnt very intense, the t knows youre fragile so they arent going to freak out on you or anything.

[its_me]

I also have signed a few in the past. My T now just has me verbally agree to contact her or someone else when and if I have any thoughts of hurting myself and of course I agree, because I can see the fear / concern in her eyes. I know I would never voluntarily go to the ER if I was just having thoughts - I believe they would have to take me kicking & screaming. Most times I have been talked out of the immediate need to take my life - but there have been times where no matter what was said - I was determined to take matters in my own hands. I can be stubborn...

I just know I would hate to be the T and have someone who I was trying to help - take their life and as a T, I would probably try all that I could to find ways to protect myself and the client... Just a thought...

[HALLIEBETH87]

i wont voluntarily go to ER.....

[greenpepper]

mmm my therapist had me agree to a verbal suicide contract...I thought it was pretty stupid cuZ I felt like who cares about keeping a contract if I'm gonna be dead. my therapist dumped me yesterday out of the blue and now gotta say, I realize that a contract, even a`dumb verbal one`helped keep me safe cuz I felt like someone cared about me even if it was silly. be glad u got someone in your corner who cares whether u live or die.

mmmm wonder if I can collect cuz therapist broke contract with me???????

[bchlyn]

that must have been hard to have your t drop you... do you have a plan to stay safe? did s/he refer you to another?... just so you know ... there are lots of people here who care...lyn