If I was having severe mania or a psychotic episode, the legal frameworks we have in place would allow me to be sectioned to prevent me causing harm to myself and others.
to an extent yes. I think there is some value in having a "cool-off period". many problems in life do not seem so bad a year, a month, or even a week later. but there are also people who are physically well but live their entire lives in misery. I don't think our current system treats them humanely.
a related question: do we really seek to protect others from harming themselves, or merely to protect ourselves from having to watch?