Hi Esthersvirtue,

I'm sure sorry to hear that things are so difficult right now. I'm sorry things are so hard that you are wondering if hospitalization might be necessary. I'm also sorry to hear that things are not working out with your current T, and I bet that's a hard thing, too. My thoughts are with you.

I think hospitalization can have its plusses and minuses, and hospitals can vary a lot. I've been in the hospital twice this year - two different hospitals, and they were different. One was more helpful than the other, but in both cases, I'd say that the main things the two local hospitals offered were 1) starting and adjusting meds; and 2) just keeping people supervised/safer if they were actively suicidal. I don't think either place required me to call a person, but gave me the option of calling a friend. I don't really have family but wasn't required to call anybody. I think, as others have said, the fact that you are over 21 gives you freedom to do as you choose in that regard. When patients are discharged, however, they typically want you to have some plans in place for contact with a psychiatrist, counselor/T, and possibly others (friends or family) for support to help things be safe after you leave.

Hope this helps -

Take care,
ErinBear