Yeah, you have to be a significant danger to yourself or others. As far as SI-- if they have reason to believe you have intent to kill yourself (which is normally not the case with SI or else it wouldn't really be SI, it would be a suicide attempt), then they could put you there against your will. When I was hospitalized (voluntarily) it was mostly due to my SI'ing getting out of control. It was strongly suggested by my then pdoc and then T-- basically so that I could keep myself safe for a few days and get some more intensive help because the SI had gotten crazy. I ended up signing myself out against medical advice because the place scared the %#@&#! out of me and I didn't think it would be beneficial.

I wasn't in a padded room, I wasn't in confinement. However, I would have much preferred solitary confinement in a padded room to the individuals I had to share my room with, but we won't get into that. I've sort of always wanted to be in a padded room for a minute, just to bounce off the walls to see if it hurts. ANYWAY, it was a locked ward and all, but I had the freedom to walk around the halls, to the TV room, the group therapy area (where I refused to participate, lol), to my bedroom. You don't get a padded room or confinement unless you are completely out of control and possibly violent towards yourself or others.

I strongly suggesting finding yourself a T. How must you disclose to that person is something you can control. Even if you go, and only say one thing the whole time, it's better than not going at all. You are probably less likely to need hospitalization if at least you're getting some outside treatment.