Shock horror… but there’s absolutely no evidence that admitting people to hospital prevents suicide (they’re more likely to do it after they leave) and the reluctance to admit patients for suicide is based on the fact that it doesn’t save lives and we aren’t providing any treatment (that you couldn’t get in the community - and some community treatment, like therapy, you don’t get in hospital).
Suicidality is usually about personality factors and life stressors and less commonly depression… hospital is something that patients want, but the reality is the most that’s usually offered is a 48hr crisis admission, to give you some time out to settle down the acute stress and emotion, to help you feel better and manage your distress, but the reality is it doesn’t “prevent” suicide. And given the state of the NSW health system atm, you’re unlikely to get an admission that is just to help you feel better but doesn’t do anything that couldn’t be done in the community - when there’s psychotic patients who need to be in hospital also out there.
Alt2Su groups are my recommendation. I think we’ve done the community a disservice by telling people if you’re suicidal go to ED and giving the impression that hospital is the answer. Some communities have alternative to ED programs - they’re really for people who don’t need to be in ED - like most suicidal people. There’s one in my city, but I’m not in NSW.
Feeling at the end of your tether is a desperate place to be, but 98-99% of people who feel suicidal don’t die that way, so really, there’s a lot of hope! I’m not denying the reality of suicide - my best friend died by suicide. But unless you have private health insurance and a private psychiatrist, you’re unlikely to get much of an admission. Suicidality is often a longer term problem and requires longer term support, in the community. I agree, that support isn’t there, but hospital isn’t the place to go looking for it. (I’m assuming you’ve been there done that with a mental health care plan?)
This too, shall pass.
