Living Through The Act
As the new Mental Health Act comes into place, this DVD gives us the opportunity to reflect on people's experiences of being detained.
The material in this video reflects the perception of people drawn from the voluntary, statutory and forensic services who have been detained and treated under the Mental Health Act.
An edit from the full video can be viewed below. This section is deliberately jarring and jumbled, to reflect the fact that service users often experience the process of being sectioned as very confusing, disjointed, even frightening – especially if it’s their first time.
Discussion Starters
What does it mean to be sectioned? – Let me detain you.
This section is deliberately jarring and jumbled, to reflect the fact that service users often experience the process of being sectioned as very confusing, disjointed, even frightening – especially if it’s their first time.
What could those carrying out a MHAA do in order to help service users better understand what is happening?
Sectioning the beginning
Doctor’s don’t wear white coats!! No, but the white coat is used to represent the power of the medical profession.
Where do you feel the power lies in the sectioning process?
Living through the Act
There is a common misconception amongst service users and others that individuals can only be detained if they are a danger to themselves or others. Detention can also happen when there is a risk of deterioration in someone’s mental health.
How could those working under the Mental Health Act use this information to help service users plan for future crises?
Feeling blue
What can be drawn from the final comments “It doesn’t begin when you’re admitted and end when you’re released”?
Work in progress
How might you ensure everybody is afforded their individuality and not stereotyped?