My cousin attempted suicide last week... would the school be notified?!


Question: He OD'd on Tylenol and Aspirin, but came home from the hospital the morning after. It'll be on his medical record, I know that, and they're trying to make him see a counselor. But will it be on some sort of record for school that'll follow him throughout college, or will the doctors be the only one who know about it?


Answers: He OD'd on Tylenol and Aspirin, but came home from the hospital the morning after. It'll be on his medical record, I know that, and they're trying to make him see a counselor. But will it be on some sort of record for school that'll follow him throughout college, or will the doctors be the only one who know about it?

Yes. In the UK a copy of your visit to A&E are sent to your GP and your school nurse unless you stated before you left hospital that you wanted this information kept confidential

Only the doctors will know about his attempted suicide. No-one else will know about his medical history unless he or a family member chooses to tell them so. So don't worry, it won't affect any future college, or job applications.

Depends on his family. They might want to tell the school so that they can keep watch of him.

The only way a school would know about it, is if a family member called to let them know. Otherwise, a doctor can not call without permission

I think it is up to the parents or guardians to notify the school. Unless he is a danger to others I think that would fall under patient/doctor confidentiality.

only the doctors will know. If not ask where patient confidentiality comes in and sue them for breach of it!

All medical records are confidential and should not be passed on to the school . The only rider I would put on that is that if he has already attempted suicide he may be considered at risk so perhaps he might be put on some sort of watch ??
He must take the counselling on offer and get the help he obviously needs . I hope it works out ok for him and your family

only the doctors... it is a violation of privacy otherwise.

It all depends upon the State you live in and the situation surrounding the attempt whether or not the school will be notified and how. Generally speaking, doctor-patient confidentiality will take precedence in the situation if it occurred off school grounds. In other words, it will be up to your cousin and his parents. If the suicide revolves around events that have occurred at school, the school will more than likely be notified via his counselor. If treating the depression requires medication, the school will have to be notified so that he can take his medication when he needs to (this very important). It should not be on his record and follow him if his act and subsequent recovery does not affect his fellow classmates, the school or the public at large.

Suicide attempts are extremely serious as is the depression that causes them and SHOULD NOT be ignored. Counselling is always advisable along with appropriate medical care to prevent future attempts. Learning how to cope with problems, bullies, and so on in an acceptable and safe manner is extremely important. Finding outlets that channel the negative feelings and energy into creative and safe areas (such as art, writing, or music) is highly desirable.

Counselling is also tremendously valuable to the family so that they can learn how to properly support your cousin and his specific needs.

I've suffered from depression since I was 16, although I wasn't diagnosed until I was 43. All those years that I should have had help, needed support and just suffered along - WOW! It was horrible. Your cousin lives in a much better era where depression is much better understood and SUCCESSFULLY TREATABLE. Encourage him to get help. Understand that it is a matter of a chemical imbalance in the brain generally caused by stress. He is NOT crazy, this is a biological problem.

Your cousin deserves to feel good about himself, other people, life and the future. Treatment in all its forms is so much better than the pain and isolation of depression. Most importantly, your support for your cousin, especially if you are close, is one of the best treatments.

Take care of yourself and good luck to your cousin in his recovery. :D

P.S. You may also want to read, "Dealing with Depression Naturally" by Baumel which covers all the issues and treatments quite nicely.

No not at all but it would not affect him with school anyways.

I talk to quite a few teenagers at school that have problems with self harm or suicide attempts. All of their schools know, this is uk. The school knew with my sister.

The reasons why it is good for the school to know is that they can offer more support, pastoral care, know about the frequent time they take off form school for apppointments, and about any medecation he takes. Depending on where you are they may tell your cousins head of year, and it normally goes no futher than that (other than a school nurse etc). The best person to ask may be the family doctor.





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories