Safe To Talk To T About Recent Failed Attempt?

[Deleted member 38383]

My suicide attempt went wrong and I'm still alive. Now I've a therapy appointment and I don't know if I should tell my therapist. In the light of day I think I want to live and don't want to get that close to the edge again--but, even more, I don't want to be hospitalized or have my doctor or other people know. If I tell her all that, how likely is she going to be willing to keep it confidential? She seems cool but I'm new at this.

 

[Friday]

I don't want to be hospitalized or have my doctor or other people know.

Why not?

 

[Missycat]

Talk to your therapist. You say you dont want to get that close to the edge again so why not tell her and get the help you may need and want.

 

[Justmehere]

You could ask her when would she break confidentiality and not - and then you can have some reassurance from her directly.

If you can commit to what is called a safety contract, basically a promise you won't try to end your life without asking someone for help, then she is extremely unlikely to try to hospitalize you.

The only time one she can share info with your doctor without your signed written consent in the US is if your life is in imminent danger of ending, (or if someone is imminetly homicidial or a minor is being actively abused.) Outside of that, she legally can't tell your doc anything unless and until you are ready.

If you have signed a release form for her to communicate with your doctor, then you can cancel it.

That all being said, if/when you are ready, it might help for her and your doctor to communicate so they can best help you get through this and find the safe relief from the pain you are in. But it's not required.

My therapist and I discussed my attempt in detail, and it was hard, but she was quite unphased about it. It really helped.

In a nutshell, it is safe.

 

[BuckarooBanzai]

Becky, I'm glad you're considering discussing your attempt with your therapist.

My therapist and I discussed my attempt in detail, and it was hard, but she was quite unphased about it. It really helped.

I'm with JustMeHere 100%.

 

[lymphomamama]

Definitely talk to your therapist. Dont take too much advice from well meaning (maybe) ppl who dont have firstbhand knowledge and experience with You. Good luck, Goddess bless.

 

[whiteraven]

I understand your concern about hospitalization. But logically, this is after the fact and you are regretful. You now feel, as you say, "I think I want to live and don't want to get that close to the edge again," so she would have no legal reason to put you in the hospital against your will.

This is a really important thing that you all should talk about.

 

[Deleted member 38383]

I talked to her about --and still walk freely :)
It was good to tell someone and my subsequent conversation with my therapist was helpful.
Thank you all very much for the knowledge and courage you gave to make it happen.

 

[BuckarooBanzai]

Kudos!