Navigating Forced Treatment for Mental Health: A Mother's Dilemma

Q: Navigating Forced Treatment for Mental Health: A Mother's Dilemma

Hello, netizen： Thank you for your hard work. <br>I suggest you first contact the local community mental health center or health station for assistance. <br>Call and inform the mental health caseworker about your son's situation; a public health nurse will come to assess him. <br

Involuntary treatment in psychiatry?

Hello, doctor.
I am a single mother, and my son has developed a habit of taking sleeping pills.
I was not aware of this until recently; he has been taking 10 mg of Zolpidem.
About three to four months ago, he lost his job, and I later found out that the company said he was forced to leave due to mental health issues.
He has been staying at home for the past few months, and his medication dosage has been increasing.
I researched this medication and found that the daily limit should not exceed 10 mg, but there are times when he takes 2-3 pills a day.
Additionally, he has a habit of drinking alcohol.
Recently, his behavior has become severely erratic; he experiences auditory and visual hallucinations, has difficulty controlling his emotions, often talks to himself, shouts, and sometimes breaks things.
There are even instances of sleepwalking, occurring both day and night.

I still need to work, and this situation has made it difficult for me to rest properly.
I have tried to approach him gently to communicate and understand what he is going through, but he refuses to share anything with me.
I want him to stop taking the medication, but he cannot accept my advice.
I am worried that if this continues, it could lead to a tragic outcome and ruin his life.
He is unable to accept my concern and has even stopped talking to me.
I am considering forcibly taking him to a hospital in hopes of helping him detox from the medication, but I am really struggling with this decision.

So, I would like to ask the doctor if this approach is correct.
If I need to apply for involuntary hospitalization, what steps should I take? Please help me.
Thank you.
🙏🏻

Wo xiang jiu jiu wo erzi, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/16

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry

Hello, netizen: Thank you for your hard work.
I suggest you first contact the local community mental health center or health station for assistance.
Call and inform the mental health caseworker about your son's situation; a public health nurse will come to assess him.
In some counties and cities, public health nurses can also request a psychiatrist to conduct a home evaluation to determine if he is indeed suffering from a severe mental illness.
If he poses a risk of self-harm or harm to others, you can request emergency services to transport him for treatment.
If there is no risk of self-harm or harm to others but he exhibits clear psychiatric symptoms, there are other government programs that can intervene.
In any case, do not bear this burden alone; seek help.
Dr.
Wu Enliang

Reply Date: 2021/03/16

More Info

Navigating the complexities of mental health treatment, especially when it involves a loved one, can be incredibly challenging and emotionally taxing. In your situation as a single mother dealing with your son’s escalating mental health issues and substance use, it’s understandable that you feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the best course of action.

From what you've described, your son is experiencing significant mental health challenges, including potential substance abuse and severe behavioral issues. His use of sleep medication, particularly in increasing doses, combined with alcohol consumption, raises serious concerns about his safety and well-being. The symptoms you mention, such as hallucinations, emotional dysregulation, and aggressive behavior, suggest that he may be in a state of crisis that requires immediate intervention.

Understanding the Need for Treatment
1. Mental Health Crisis: Your son’s behavior indicates that he may be experiencing a mental health crisis. This can manifest as severe mood swings, hallucinations, and impulsive actions, which can pose risks not only to himself but also to those around him. It’s crucial to recognize that these symptoms are often signs of underlying mental health disorders that require professional assessment and treatment.

2. Substance Abuse: The combination of prescription medication and alcohol can exacerbate mental health symptoms and lead to dangerous situations. It’s important to address both the substance use and the mental health issues simultaneously, as they can influence each other.

Steps to Take
1. Seek Professional Help: The first step is to consult with a mental health professional who can evaluate your son’s condition. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, or a licensed clinical social worker. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include therapy, medication management, or a combination of both.

2. Consider Involuntary Treatment: If your son poses a danger to himself or others, you may need to consider involuntary treatment options. Each state has different laws regarding involuntary commitment, often requiring proof that the individual is a danger to themselves or others due to mental illness. You would typically need to contact local mental health services or emergency services to initiate this process. They can guide you through the necessary steps, which may include:
- Emergency Evaluation: If your son is in immediate danger or experiencing a severe crisis, calling emergency services (911 in the U.S.) may be necessary. They can transport him to a hospital for an evaluation.

- Involuntary Commitment: If he is evaluated and deemed a danger to himself or others, the hospital may initiate an involuntary commitment process, which usually involves a court hearing.

3. Support for Yourself: Caring for someone with mental health issues can take a toll on your own mental health. It’s important to seek support for yourself as well. Consider joining support groups for families of individuals with mental health issues, or seek counseling for yourself to help process your feelings and develop coping strategies.

4. Open Communication: While it may be difficult, try to maintain open lines of communication with your son. Express your concerns without judgment and emphasize your desire to help him. Sometimes, individuals in crisis may resist help, but knowing that someone cares can make a difference.

5. Educate Yourself: Understanding mental health and substance use disorders can empower you to make informed decisions. There are many resources available, including books, websites, and local organizations that focus on mental health education.

Conclusion
In summary, your concerns about your son’s mental health and substance use are valid and require immediate attention. Seeking professional help is crucial, and if necessary, pursuing involuntary treatment may be a necessary step to ensure his safety and well-being. Remember to take care of yourself throughout this process, as your well-being is also important in supporting your son. You are not alone in this, and there are resources and professionals available to help guide you through these challenging times.

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