Would you have your child sectioned due to mental health that hasn't yet been diagnosed?

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nee

I have a 17 year old son and I swear blind he has bipolar disorder. He's mood is on & off like a light switch. When he is in a bad mood, he slams doors, breaks things, punches holes in the doors, damages walls.. The list goes on. He has threatened many times to take he's own life, were I have had to remove all sharp objects from the house. I am very concerned for he's safety & other peoples when he's in a bad mood. 

He had a recent episode on Friday doing all the above.. I recently decorated He's room, got new doors put on and he has damaged everything . I was in 2 minds to call the mental health team because I have heard so many negative stories about them when its time to section someone. If they would have seen my son on Friday they would have definitely had to sedate him, he was out of control..

I left him to damage he's room because if I would've tried to stop him he would have tried to fight me in that moment, & there is no way I would have been allowing that so I left him to it! I am in a very difficult situation & would like some opinions if possible to what you would do in a situation like this. 

Thank you for taking the time out to read this, I really appreciate it.

Adrian_Scope

It sounds like you're facing a tough situation @nee and I can only imagine how worried you must be. I certainly understand your hesitation considering all the negative stories you've heard, but seeking professional help could be important in making sure of your son's safety and well-being. I'd encourage you to seek some mental health support for him, perhaps by speaking to your GP or self-referring directly through your local authority's CAMHS service.

Young Minds' Parents' Guide to CAMHS says:

The team will consider your child’s symptoms as well as the wider picture within the family and at school. You, your child and the CAMHS team will then discuss whether treatment is needed and, if so, what this should be. There are usually waiting lists for both initial assessment and then treatment.

In the meantime, if your son is struggling with thought so suicide or self-harm, he can always reach out directly to Samaritans on 116 123 or by texting SHOUT to 85258. I know you're concerned about going down that road, but it's important if you ever feel like he might be in immediate danger that you don't hesitate to call 999.