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Posted 5/20/2009 12:33 PM (GMT 0)
As you all know, the past few weeks have been really tough and I think I am on the verge of giving up on everything.

On Saturday 11 April 2009, I was sectioned under the Mental Health Act . Twelve days later I was taken off the section because after a period of assessment on a psychiatric ward, I showed no signs of depression, psychosis or mental illness. I was told 48 hours prior to being taken off my section that I could appeal against it so that it would be removed from my record but I was told on the day itself (23 April 2009) that my appeal was null and void. The fact that I had been admitted for assessment under Section 136 as well as the fact that I was placed on a Section 2 would be on my files. From that point on, whenever I apply for jobs I can still tick 'no' next to the question 'Do you have any history of mental illness?' but have to put a tick next to the 'yes' box under the question 'Have you been sectioned under the Mental Health Act?'

It's permanently on my record in both life and death I have been told and I cannot appeal against it or have it overturned. This has affected me greatly as this will now prejudice me greatly in society and therefore affect my human rights. Twelve months ago I was working for the NHS but I can never return to that line of work because of the section. I also cannot obtain employment in any other area of work, in particular journalism - my specialist field - because of this. I really don't know what to do. There's no point in trying to make a go of my life because I will never be allowed to reach my true potential as I will have to declare it at every job interview, on every health questionnaire, everything. Even if I don't declare it I will still have it found out. Lying gets you nowhere and I'm not exactly the best liar. I'm really on the brink now and I don't know what to do.

I don't know why I posted this. I guess I'm just at a loose end.

Thanks for listening
Posted 5/20/2009 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rich,

I’m really sorry for the repercussions you’re going through. It’s tragic, I think, that after getting help for yourself you are being stigmatized by others for your illness.

I did some looking online, and I’m not sure what country you’re in, but I’m guessing the UK (??). There is an organization there called MIND, which offers information and support, including legal advice, with respect to mental health issues.

The address of the website is:


http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Legal/OGMHA.htm#Additional_information_about_patients__rights


Sorry…I don’t know how to post a link. They also have a postal address listed for their legal services, which is:

Mind Legal Advice Service
PO Box 277, Manchester M60 3XN
tel. 0845 225 9393 (Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
email: [email protected]

I hope this will be of some help to you. Please don’t give up on yourself, Rich. You have worked hard at dealing with your issues, and I really believe that you will find a way to move forward in this. I wonder if there is a way to use your writing/journalism skills to assist you in your situation, and/or assist others…..perhaps writing for an organization that helps people to overcome prejudice in the workplace, as this has now become an issue for you. Please take some time and consider what you *can* do, Rich, because that is all any of us can do. Also, I hope you are still getting some counseling or other assistance, as we all need some form of support during the very tough times. You have my compassion and my concern, and I hope you will keep posting about your story. ((hugs))

Edit: I linked your website :)  Kitt

Post Edited By Moderator (stkitt) : 5/20/2009 7:31:39 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/20/2009 1:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the link Raniah but I've already looked at Mind, Rethink and Sane and been told that there's nothing down for me. Game over.
Posted 5/20/2009 1:34 PM (GMT 0)

Dear Rich,

I am so sorry that this has happened to you and I think the site posted by Raniah looks very promising.  Please do take a look at it. 

Please don't give up, I know there are many things you can excel at so look for new opportunities.  We are here to support you.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

Posted 5/20/2009 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Guys, I don't have a leg to stand on in this situation. I am screwed for life cos I can never have this removed.
Posted 5/20/2009 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
http://www.hyperguide.co.uk/mha/mhrthear.htm#2

You can have section 2 removed, but you have to have applied within 14 days of being detained.

Have you tried the citizens advice bureau? They give advice across the UK, and can usually be quite good. Though be warned it tends to be a very long drawn out system, with them being free and all.

Also try get hold of your doctors records as proof as to why they let you out of detention etc which will also state why you no longer need detaining as you're not a risk.
Posted 5/20/2009 8:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rich,

I hope that the information that Gems is giving you is helpful. Please do not assume that you are marked for life. There might be something that you can do to remedy this. I wish you the best.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 5/20/2009 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there Rich,

I've been thinking. I wonder if you could use something like this under the Disability Discrimination Act.
At the end of the day-you having depression is not your fault and it shouldn't really be able to be held against you when applying for a job. Equal Opportunities and all that.

As long as you put on an application form that you do have a history of mental health problems. You should be covered against any forms of discrimination because of that. All you should have to do is disclose, that you've had a past history, but that it no longer effects you on a day to day basis or if it does effect you, how it effects you. Be an honest as you can.

I definately recommend again going to Citizens Advice, as they will be able to advise you better. Hopefully you won't be as cut off as what you're thinking. I'm sure as long as you aren't a convicted criminal or anything, then nothing should be able to stand in the way of you getting a job.

Gem

Posted 5/21/2009 11:56 AM (GMT 0)
and the mental health reveiw board, mental health legal centr, if there is one where you are, also the human rights discrimination act-this is for both mental and physical.  seek out all your rights, we have rights, even for sectioned clients. i would strongly recommend seeking legal help to ascertain if that this sectioning can be removed, and or if employers are able to get this info, as this would be a direct vialation to your civil rights, darn discrimination!! will be searching for more, dont give up!!! jamie
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