This post will not draw much attention. It is one that has been touched on before in relation to the implications of genetic testing and other physical health conditions. My question is: should there be a simple caution (i.e MIRANDA) given to those that before disclosing any mental health issues/symptoms as a form of protection for those that may not otherwise comprehend the devastating effects such disclosures may have? (Terrible sentence - apologies for the grammar/length). Medical records are supposed to be almost sacrosanct. Simply put, they are not. People who are innocent of any crime are deprived of their liberty, freedom to vote or be part of a jury (to name but a few of the restrictions) - and the MH services pay lip service and fill in forms that they know in the vast majority of situations will never be challenged. I believe that every individual should, before any assessment, be advised of the implications and consequences of disclosure of mental health symptoms/issues/problems. There is much concern already at the misapplication of CCTO requirements by the major MH charities in the UK. Medical records are forever - and those that wield the pen are not always acting in the interests of the individual but working within a fractured system. Why should there not be simple, impartial information given before any situation where someone’s liberty may be at stake? To put forward a crude comparison - an alleged criminal is given more protection under the law than a person who is seeking help for a medical condition.
By no means do l mean that anyone should not seek medical advice should they decide it is necessary, but that said individual should be be given all of the facts - such as the possibility of detention against their will - before one single question is asked. While there may be compassion, empathy or understanding these are not easily monitored nor measured, whilst the absolute devastation that can and has been imposed (l use that word deliberately) on a person can easily be seen.
Anyway, internment is still a real thing in the UK.