Sectioning information
What happens if I'm sectioned?
Being sectioned means that you are kept in hospital so you can get treatment and support for your mental health. A law called The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 explains when and how this should happen.
Being sectioned is different to being a voluntary patient, which is when you agree to go into hospital. When you’re sectioned, you have to go into hospital even if you don’t want to, or you don’t agree to being there. This is sometimes called being detained.
Sectioning is used to keep you safe and get you the treatment and support you need. But it’s normal to feel scared, upset or angry if this happens to you. This rarely happens to young people!
Who decides if I’m sectioned?
Before you can be sectioned, a group of health professionals have to meet with you. And they must all agree that you need to go into hospital to get treatment and support for your mental health problem.
Different sections have different rules to keep you safe.
Have a look at the Mental Welfare Commission Scotland – Mental Health Act