"My daughter in a mental healthcare facility"

My daughter was initially detained by the police for 72 hours, then under a Section 2 for up to 28 days and then a Section 3 for up to 6 months.

She entered with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder with psychotic tendencies. Anyone who knows anything about this illness will know that suspicion and manipulation abound amongst other traits.

I feel the staff I have met, from the doctors down, are driving a huge big wedge between anyone - including me - who supports and cares for her. I feel they are trying to take over our roles based on the proviso that she does not want it.

The illness means that what she wants now will be very different in a few minutes time. I do not seem to get them to understand that by excluding everyone external they are playing right into her hands and not helping us to help her.

What happened to good old common sense? Rules are guidelines, and so called professional people must be able to make a judgement call looking at the bigger picture.

To me this is a crazy situation - and could be that I should be in the institution for thinking that my concerns should be considered. Surely in this instance we should all be acting in concert, not against one another.

It actually terrifies me that someone related to you can be locked up and no one on the outside is to have any information at all. Yes, you can visit but be sure all will be well on the visit. What about the other 23 hours?