I would go to (or call) my pdoc if I think I may need to be in the hospital and/or am not functioning and make a decision based on his recommendations. I know my pdoc views hospitalization as a last resort, though has told me in the past to go if I am unable to keep myself safe (and am unable to reach him.) I find that the hospital is a place that will keep me from acting on a planned method and well help me get my sleep and eating caught up, but it does not help more than that. I know at one point they let me home even though I still had significant suicidal ideation because I didn't have a specific method and plan. It was what I wanted at the time and I am still alive, but I am not sure it was an appropriate discharge. I found intensive outpatient therapy to be more helpful when I was non-functional, but there have been times when being hospitalized possibly saved my life.