A man in his thirties testifies that he self-harmed at the Gävle psychiatric ward to secure his discharge. The account forms part of SVT’s investigation that has prompted strong reactions.
”Jakob”, whose real name is different, has been in contact with psychiatry services in Gävleborg for ten years and is diagnosed with a personality disorder. After a suicide attempt he was placed under compulsory psychiatric care. A doctor reportedly told him that self-harm on the ward would lead to discharge.
Jakob then carried out an attempt and was released a few hours later. A nurse contacted a relative who took care of him. He stresses that most nursing staff perform vital work.
Suicide Zero views the approach seriously and stresses the need for individual assessments after a suicide attempt. Region Gävleborg states that decisions involve case-by-case evaluations where continued care can sometimes increase risk.
