I am ashamed to admit it, but I have been inpatient 4 times. Three of those times were in my 20's (I am currently 37) when I was super unstable, mainly because I was going out to the bar most days of the week and was doing drugs as well. I OD'd twice (so that accounts for two stays), the very first time I was just being a brat and wouldn't sign a contract for safety with my T. The last time was three years ago, and it was a more conscious, rational decision: I knew the depression was out of control, I was suicidal and had a very good plan, and I didn't trust myself to be out of the hospital.

Every time a T/Pdoc has suggested inpatient, I've had the same argument as you. And it's valid. The only thing I can say for going inpatient (and this is, of course, where I have been--it may be different elsewhere) is that a) it's a time to look into and possibly straighten out your meds, and this can be a good thing b) it is kind of a decompression from life. Not a vacation, mind you...a decompression. Last time I was in, I'd been working third shift for 5 years which I've since found is a huge trigger for my depression to be out of control. After a few days, I was on a normal sleep 8-9 hour/night sleep schedule, my moods had improved incredibly (imagine that, I was sleeping like a normal person!), and my anxiety was gone c) my hospital had classes you had to attend during the day where you learned coping skills, relaxation stuff, etc. Some people loved them. I hated them, but I do think I learned from them.

I've also done partial hospitalization (the intensive outpatient thing--you go classes or whatever all day but go home at night). Since I hated classes, I didn't care for it and I was far too anxious to feel good having to sit still that long. But I can see where it would help people, and it felt good getting to go home at night.

I hope that helps some.