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Comment by petulanta | Hacker News Reader

I should hope this comes as no surprise to anyone. Every single psychiatrist I've ever visited had the same policy, only their lock was medicine rather than a door (outpatient vs inpatient). I feel bad for the lady because she didn't know any better and joked about suicide, but shouldn't it be common sense you don't tell anyone about that--you don't even joke about it--especially to a doctor with the power to commit you? I'm pretty sure you can't have decent therapy if you're not truthful with your therapist, but that's the catch-22 of needing mental help in America. Fucked if you don't seek it out and really fucked if you do.

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> but shouldn't it be common sense you don't tell anyone about that--you don't even joke about it--especially to a doctor with the power to commit you?

It shouldn't be, because doctors should have the sense and motivation to differentiate a joke from a true statement.

It's just a really sad statement that our society has traps like this (that people really need to be aware of), which can really screw you over.

The problem is that one person that tells you they're just joking and actually goes out and commits suicide. Then it's on you, the healthcare professional. Lawyers would ruin you in court.

I've been in and out of various psychiatric facilities, including that very same facility in Arlington, and it seems like a lot of the policies & procedures are to cover themselves legally.

Oh, I've been there as a Paramedic, not as a patient. Almost forgot that bit. We typically bring people in the front door. Even voluntary admissions. The one thing that struck me as odd is that Millwood always has someone (a LCSW or something) come out and talk to patients there in the lobby some before having them sign any of the admission paperwork. They don't lock you in a room and then have you sign.

> Every single psychiatrist I've ever visited had the same policy, only their lock was medicine rather than a door (outpatient vs inpatient).

I'm confused, are you complaining about psychiatrists forcing medication on people? I thought the entire point of seeing a psychiatrist was to get on medication...

People also go to psychiatrists to be screened for whether they need medication, likely at the recommendation of a therapist.

It's entirely possible to discuss suicidal ideation with a competent therapist/psychiatrist without being committed.

Sometimes you need to make a cry for help and the only lever you have is saying this.

It doesn't mean that what was said was the actual reason, which happens to often. Not enough follow-up happens, and the original trigger for the call-for-help goes unaddressed.

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