Unjustified psychiatric commitment is the process of involuntarily admitting someone to a mental health facility against their will. It happens when a person seems like a danger to themselves and others as well. When people get unjustified treatment, it can be traumatic for the person. Also, it can have serious consequences on their mental health too.
What Can Be The Consequences Of Unjustified Commitment?
Loss of Autonomy
If we talk about the most literal consequence of unjustified commitment, it is surely the loss of autonomy. When someone comes under the effect of involuntary commitment, they can no longer control their destiny. Their choices and decisions are made for them by the mental health professionals. This experience can be traumatic and make an individual feel helpless.
Stigma and Discrimination
The stigma that comes with it can be very distressing for the person affected. Unjustified psychiatric commitment can further exacerbate these negative perceptions and can lead to unfair judgment or different treatment than others. The person no longer wants to talk to others leading to social isolation.
Loss of Rights
Under involuntary commitment, people automatically lose certain rights. It includes all the rights regarding leaving the facility, or to make decisions for yourself. Also, you can’t refuse the treatment. This is a very discouraging experience that leaves people feeling helpless.
Psychological Trauma
The psychological trauma associated with an unjustified psychiatric commitment can be long-lasting and far-reaching. A profound sense of betrayal, along with rage and hatred, may be experienced by those impacted. This could make you feel untrusting and make you reluctant to ask for assistance in the future.
Understanding the Causes of Unjustified Psychiatric Commitment
It is the legal process of forcing an individual to receive psychiatric treatment in a mental health facility – whether they want it or not. In the state of Florida, involuntary commitment is in control of the Baker Act, which is to help protect an individual from serious harm.
It safeguard other individuals from harm and make sure that the person gets the treatment they need. However, it is considered an unjustified psychiatric commitment in Florida when you admit someone against their will.
The Baker Act
The Baker Act allows involuntary admission to a mental health facility. But it happens only if they become a danger to themselves or others. There’s a certain criteria when someone gets involuntary treatment. It includes the person is mentally ill or has become a risk to others. If someone meets the criteria, the mental health professionals can admit him/her involuntarily in the facility for 72 hours.
Potential Causes of Unjustified Psychiatric Commitment
There are several potential causes of unjustified psychiatric commitment in Florida. These include:
1. Miscommunication
Miscommunication between professionals and patients can lead to involuntary admission into a mental health facility.
2. Overzealousness
Even when there is no proof that the person fits the requirements for forcible commitment – mental health practitioners could be unduly ready to commit them whether they want to or don’t.
3. Lack of Education
Mental health professionals may be unfamiliar with the criteria for involuntary commitment. Therefore they may commit an individual when they do not meet the criteria.
4. Discrimination
When it comes to discrimination, a person can be admitted based on their race, gender, sexuality.
The Impact of Unjustified Psychiatric Commitment on Mental Health
It is important that a person is mentally stable to be considered completely healthy. If someone faces mental health issues, they need a professional to tackle their symptoms, living a healthy life. Unfortunately, in some cases, this help can come in the form of involuntary psychiatric commitment. While this type of treatment can be beneficial for some individuals, unjustified psychiatric commitment can harm mental health
Effects on Mental Health
Unjustified psychiatric commitment can have a devastating impact on a person’s mental health. It can cause a person to feel anger, confusion, and fear. Furthermore, unjustified psychiatric commitment can lead to a sense of stigma, as it can make a person feel labeled and judged. It can affect a person’s self-esteem pretty badly, limiting their ability to deal with mental health issues.
Long-Term Effects
The long-term effects of unjustified psychiatric commitment can be even more damaging. It might make someone more likely to experience mental health problems in the future, such as sadness, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Additionally, inappropriate psychiatric commitment can result in a loss of faith in mental health providers, making it challenging for people to get the assistance they require.
When can you make someone involuntarily committed?
If you only law enforcement, physicians and mental health professionals and judges want to admit someone involuntarily, they must meet certain criteria.
- They must suffer from a mental illness that is seriously impairing their capacity to carry out daily tasks.
- They must have a mental illness that, if left untreated, has the potential to seriously harm either them or others.
- They must be incapable of making an intelligent choice regarding treatment and/or incapable of giving informed permission for that treatment.
Contact Talmadge Law Firm For Getting Out Of Involuntary Commitment
If you ever feel like your or your loved ones’ rights are being taken away, you can contact us! Our professionals and experienced lawyers can guide you in every step.
