I went voluntarily inpatient this past summer for 7 weeks. I was in a major depressive episode and feeling suiciadal. I had what was called a planned admission, in that I didn't come in through the ER but it was all prearranged about a week in advance through my psychiatrist who worked on the unit I was admitted to. It was overal a positive experience. Lots of group therapy, saw my psychiatrist almost daily, got my meds adjusted, and because I was in as a voluntary patient I could leave the unit whenever I wanted, within certiain hours, so I could go out for walks or for coffee. There was a fair bit of free time though so it could get boring. I coped by making friendship bracelets and learning to knit.

If you feel a hospital stay will do you some good then definitely go for it.

--splitimage