Trauma in Institutions Meant to Protect: A Crisis of Trust for Families
Fifteen months locked away from loved ones, the UK's children sectioned under the Mental Health Act face unimaginable trauma - a stark contrast to what they were meant to receive. For many families like Sarah and Jane, whose daughters were also sectioned at 14, the experience is one of unrelenting horror.
The harsh reality is that these institutions, designed to offer protection and care, become prisons for children struggling with mental health issues. Self-harm, suicide attempts, and escape attempts are commonplace in these settings, further exacerbating the trauma inflicted upon young lives. What's more disheartening is the lack of support for families, leaving them isolated and at a loss.
The system, touted to prioritize family involvement, turns out to be labyrinthine and unresponsive. Parents like Sarah and Jane were forced to navigate a complex web of letters, phone calls, and red tape just to access basic support - in this case, a six-week family therapy group outside their local health authority area. The absence of such services in their region became apparent only after persistence.
This devastating experience raises questions about the theory that families are at the heart of treatment. It is clear that, in practice, choice and control were taken away from these young individuals - and their families - far too quickly. The trauma inflicted by these institutions will take years to heal, as evidenced by the need for private therapy to address their experiences.
For many families, the guilt of allowing the sectioning process to unfold is palpable. Yet, it is crucial that we acknowledge this crisis and work towards creating a system that prioritizes trust, support, and healing - not confinement and trauma.
Fifteen months locked away from loved ones, the UK's children sectioned under the Mental Health Act face unimaginable trauma - a stark contrast to what they were meant to receive. For many families like Sarah and Jane, whose daughters were also sectioned at 14, the experience is one of unrelenting horror.
The harsh reality is that these institutions, designed to offer protection and care, become prisons for children struggling with mental health issues. Self-harm, suicide attempts, and escape attempts are commonplace in these settings, further exacerbating the trauma inflicted upon young lives. What's more disheartening is the lack of support for families, leaving them isolated and at a loss.
The system, touted to prioritize family involvement, turns out to be labyrinthine and unresponsive. Parents like Sarah and Jane were forced to navigate a complex web of letters, phone calls, and red tape just to access basic support - in this case, a six-week family therapy group outside their local health authority area. The absence of such services in their region became apparent only after persistence.
This devastating experience raises questions about the theory that families are at the heart of treatment. It is clear that, in practice, choice and control were taken away from these young individuals - and their families - far too quickly. The trauma inflicted by these institutions will take years to heal, as evidenced by the need for private therapy to address their experiences.
For many families, the guilt of allowing the sectioning process to unfold is palpable. Yet, it is crucial that we acknowledge this crisis and work towards creating a system that prioritizes trust, support, and healing - not confinement and trauma.
. I mean, these institutions are meant to be safe spaces for kids who need help, but instead they're causing so much more harm. It's like, what even is the point of having a system that says it's all about family involvement if you can't actually make that happen? 
The fact that families are left feeling isolated and at a loss just because they couldn't navigate the red tape is just... wow 
.
I mean, who wouldn't want to be locked in a "protected" facility for 15 months with no human interaction besides the occasional phone call or letter? 
Sounds like a dream come true... NOT! 
These institutions need to get their act together and prioritize actual care over just shuffling papers around. It's so sad that families are left feeling isolated and helpless, struggling to get any real support. The system is clearly broken and needs a major overhaul. 
Private therapy is no substitute for the trauma they've experienced - we need to make sure these kids (and their families) receive the help and healing they deserve! 
. I mean, you put these kids in institutions meant to help them, but they're basically stuck in a nightmare prison 
.
they're supposed 2 get help & care but rts like prisons instead... i dont think its fair that families rnt supported enuf either, it feels like u got lost in the system too 
before more kids suffer the same trauma as these poor girls.
but can't we just go back to having more community support and less institutional care? I know that sounds idealistic, but I truly believe it's the only way we'll ever make progress in helping our most vulnerable kids.
. THE FACT THAT THEIR FAMILIES CAN'T EVEN GET ACCESS TO BASIC SUPPORT IS JUST UNBELIEVABLE 
. IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE 
