How do you know when the time has come to go to the hospital?

If I am unable to trust myself with my own safety, I go to the hospital where I know my safety is assured and where my pdoc can more aggressively adjust my mess.

[doggiedo]

I'm not sure, but I think if you are questioning it, maybe it might be time for you? Why do you ask? Do you mind telling us a little bit more about what is going on for you? Do you have a doc or counselor you can talk to? Are you safe?

[Tinkerbell08]

I usually know when I should go - but I never go. Fighting alone with it.

Originally Posted by doggiedo

I'm not sure, but I think if you are questioning it, maybe it might be time for you? Why do you ask? Do you mind telling us a little bit more about what is going on for you? Do you have a doc or counselor you can talk to? Are you safe?

I have them all. My pdoc has been mentioning this since things seem to be getting worse again. Sometimes i'm ok, sometimes i'm not!

Originally Posted by Tinkerbell08

I usually know when I should go - but I never go. Fighting alone with it.

I've never been and i think that i'm getting to a point where i'm really thinking about it. I'm just really scared and like you, trying to do it on my own.

[Callmebj]

RiverJ and Tinkerbell, No need to go it alone if this seems serious to you; it likely is.

hugs, bj

Originally Posted by Callmebj

RiverJ and Tinkerbell, No need to go it alone if this seems serious to you; it likely is.

hugs, bj

I know it is. This is why I'm terrified! Part of me thinks that it would be good for me but I'm terrified of the actually going. My pdoc and t don't seem to be answering my questions fully and when ect was mentioned, I couldn't stop crying

[ImMentallyILL]

Only reason you should go if you're a danger to yourself or others.

Originally Posted by ImMentallyILL

Only reason you should go if you're a danger to yourself or others.

After seeing my t today I know there isn't any hope for me. I would never hurt anyone else I wish I could just fade away and disappear. I hate my life I don't have anything to look forward to. I'm so pathetic

[ImMentallyILL]

Originally Posted by RiverJ

After seeing my t today I know there isn't any hope for me. I would never hurt anyone else I wish I could just fade away and disappear. I hate my life I don't have anything to look forward to. I'm so pathetic

Hey I feel the same way....

Only reason you should go if you're a danger to yourself or others.

so in this forum i'm mentallyill, it's ok to hand out advice about keeping others alive.? why can't this apply to you? it would seem that last night what you posted put you in the category of those placing oneself in danger to yourself. so in this case you should go...

you see the value in someone else's life & predicament but not your own? really..why can not that advice apply to you?

i see you as a caring intelligent individual who has a medical condition..not a medical condition who has a person.

call someone. reach out in real life...being dead isn't going to solve things..well it ake that back. yes it will...but you are dead. not like you get to come back & relive things..no second chances. that's it. period. the reality of it sucks. sure the suffering is over but so is everything else..the joy, the sunlight, the chocolate, pizza, kids playing, puppies, what ever else brings you a shred of happiness. gone. poof.

you don't get to hover over your funeral & watch people mourn you & weep for months...you are gone. they will mourn & then move on & you won't, because you can't. you are dead.

i say this because i have been in that place...the gun misfired...there wasn't enough pills...yup..been there bought the t shirt. glad they didn't have it. i would have missed so much. depression sucks..yup. but life is better...my life ain't great but it is life...i love chocolate, pizza, beer, etc i would miss that..& my friends, dogs, being outside in the woods in the fall, smiling, laughing at stupid crap...alllt he stuff that makes me..me. dead i am just that...dead. my friends would (might) still talk about me..maybe..but they would have moved on..i would be but a memory...

so there is no hope for either of you? really...you are both young...i don't believe it. fight...fight back. find a dr that works with you..find the meds that work...giving up so young...thats a crime.

& really if that's what your choice is then follow your own words...Only reason you should go if you're a danger to yourself or others.

[ImMentallyILL]

Thanks stumpy, I see what your saying I view my life as not really worth it but when I see others like me I have hope for them and I know they could beat their depression. I have no hope for myself and that's ok with me.

But RiverJ I was forced into hospitalization and the experience changed my life. I was in heaven, I was surrounded by so many nice doctors and nurses. It was the first time in my life where I felt I belonged, because in the real world everybody is normal but when you're in there you are normal. If feel like you're alone trust me going to the hospital would really fix you. Your having a bad time in your life they just want to help you become happy again.

Your experience may not be as good mine because I was at a really good hospital in New York. It doesn't hurt to try, you don't have to be suicidal or violent towards others. Try it !

You might think you don't need it but in the end it's worth it.

Originally Posted by ImMentallyILL

Thanks stumpy, I see what your saying I view my life as not really worth it but when I see others like me I have hope for them and I know they could beat their depression. I have no hope for myself and that's ok with me.

But RiverJ I was forced into hospitalization and the experience changed my life. I was in heaven, I was surrounded by so many nice doctors and nurses. It was the first time in my life where I felt I belonged, because in the real world everybody is normal but when you're in there you are normal. If feel like you're alone trust me going to the hospital would really fix you. Your having a bad time in your life they just want to help you become happy again.

Your experience may not be as good mine because I was at a really good hospital in New York. It doesn't hurt to try, you don't have to be suicidal or violent towards others. Try it !

You might think you don't need it but in the end it's worth it.

Ive been considering it w/ my t and pdoc. I really don't want to go I for sure don't have any intension on hurting anyone. I just sometimes try to hurt myself. What hospital wedding you go to? (if u don't mind me asking) this isn't easy and after seeing my t yesterday I feel terrible. Sometimes he makes me feel worse than I already do.

[WantingtoHeal]

RiverJ, are you still looking at hospitalization? You seem really despondent now after your appt. What happened?

I, too, am exploring this issue. My T has brought it up to me and I'm not sure whether or not to go or if they want me to go or not.

For those who have been, how long is the average stay to adjust meds? keep you safe?

Originally Posted by WantingtoHeal

RiverJ, are you still looking at hospitalization? You seem really despondent now after your appt. What happened?

I, too, am exploring this issue. My T has brought it up to me and I'm not sure whether or not to go or if they want me to go or not.

For those who have been, how long is the average stay to adjust meds? keep you safe?

My t says things that tend to make me feel really sad. I keep telling him that I'm trying my best, he says he knows but maybe he doesn't. My pdoc brought up the hospital awhile ago and it scared me so much that I was doing what I could so that I wouldn't have to. Now I Kurt don't know what to do! I'm so alone and don't really have anyone to talk to.

[ImMentallyILL]

Originally Posted by RiverJ

Ive been considering it w/ my t and pdoc. I really don't want to go I for sure don't have any intension on hurting anyone. I just sometimes try to hurt myself. What hospital wedding you go to? (if u don't mind me asking) this isn't easy and after seeing my t yesterday I feel terrible. Sometimes he makes me feel worse than I already do.

They keep you there for about 2 weeks it really depends on how your doing. Taking 2 weeks out your life won't kill you it's really going to help you. I know how you exactly how you feel when you say your t says things that hurt you. I would think I want die everytime my session end it with my t, but the reason you get upset it's because he reminds that you have depression. He reminds you how bad your life is at the moment. In the end he's just trying to help you find what made you depressed, with that he will work with you in figure out how to move pass this and make you become happy again just like my psychiatrist did. It can be overwhelming to keep repeating how misearble your life is and how hopeless you are.

When I was forced into hospitalization I couldn't stop laughing because I said to myself "watch out I'm officially crazy where's my straitjacket?" and I really though I was going to be put in a white room where they keep insane people in the movies. I was excepting to be handcuff to a chair and wear those mask they give you, I was wrong they put me into a place that was exactly like a penthouse. You have to laugh at yourself I would make pretend I was the craziest insane psycho on the planet just make myself laugh, have fun with this experience, don't take life too seriously your depression isn't permanent !

We had tv, internet access, iPods to listen and so many things I was a living the lifestyle of a millionaire in there I'm not even joking. Once again it depends what hospital they put you in I was in a place called 9 Garden North, hospital Columbia presbyterian. Do it !

Originally Posted by ImMentallyILL

They keep you there for about 2 weeks it really depends on how your doing. Taking 2 weeks out your life won't kill you it's really going to help you. I know how you exactly how you feel when you say your t says things that hurt you. I would think I want die everytime my session end it with my t, but the reason you get upset it's because he reminds that you have depression. He reminds you how bad your life is at the moment. In the end he's just trying to help you find what made you depressed, with that he will work with you in figure out how to move pass this and make you become happy again just like my psychiatrist did. It can be overwhelming to keep repeating how misearble your life is and how hopeless you are.

When I was forced into hospitalization I couldn't stop laughing because I said to myself "watch out I'm officially crazy where's my straitjacket?" and I really though I was going to be put in a white room where they keep insane people in the movies. I was excepting to be handcuff to a chair and wear those mask they give you, I was wrong they put me into a place that was exactly like a penthouse. You have to laugh at yourself I would make pretend I was the craziest insane psycho on the planet just make myself laugh, have fun with this experience, don't take life too seriously your depression isn't permanent !

We had tv, internet access, iPods to listen and so many things I was a living the lifestyle of a millionaire in there I'm not even joking. Once again it depends what hospital they put you in I was in a place called 9 Garden North, hospital Columbia presbyterian. Do it !

I was already told that they weren't going to commit me. This something that my pdoc and t thought would be good but, I have to make the disicion. I'm scared of how it will effect my medical records, health insurance, and potential work opportunies. I'm not good with opeinning up to strangers and don't know why they want me to do group therapy. I have a hard enough time with my t and trying to talk to him! (he seems to love to hear himself...it's hard to say anything even if I wanted to!)
Right now things are hard but I've been making it through the day. I'm affraid this would just set me off and push me over the edge.

[lostnbroken]

Originally Posted by RiverJ

After seeing my t today I know there isn't any hope for me. I would never hurt anyone else I wish I could just fade away and disappear. I hate my life I don't have anything to look forward to. I'm so pathetic

I am feeling exactly the same way right now, and have considered going to the hospital. I've been there before, and its not really that bad. Big problem for me is that they dont allow smoking, so that really bites. But otherwise, it's a really good idea if you're feeling like you're losing control.

[dazeofdolphins]

I have my own personal take on the hospital. I'm not challenging anyone else's own experience. I am simply sharing my vantage point with you. So, there are many different types of psychiatric hospitalization with two main types that stand out: voluntary and involuntary. Having gone through both many times, I can say with confidence that voluntary is loads better. Involuntary is when you are 5150'd meaning you are either a danger to yourself or others. Now there is some wiggle room there. I have never been a danger to anyone else. There have been times when I have felt suicidal. Remember, though, that the "suicide window" is large to accommodate varying degrees of suicidality. You might feel suicidal but have some knowledge that you probably will not follow through or you might have a detailed plan worked out. Generally speaking, you will be asked if you have a plan. If you don't have a plan they may not 5150 you. If you want to go to the hospital you can be candid and say that you don't have a plan but worry you cannot keep yourself safe. That is enough info to be put on a hold (5150). Voluntary hospitalization means you agree to go to the hospital and follow their rules. You are not placed on a 5150 and held against your will. A 5150 is a 72 hour hold for evaluation but they can always decide to keep you longer or shorter, depending on their assessment. With voluntary, you can be there any number of days. In the states, most insurance companies only pay for a 3-5 day stay. With regard to hospitals, some only take involuntary and some only take voluntary. It is my experience that voluntary hospitals are nicer and more humane. You also have more rights in a voluntary hospital. For instance, some allow you to keep many of your personal effects like your phone, books, journals, art supplies, etc. In an involuntary hospital, you are stripped of most of your belongings, including bra, shoe laces, pen or pencil, etc. - anything that you can hurt yourself with. A lot of people avoid the hospital because it scares them and they are made to feel inhuman and even criminal-like. It really boils down to the hospital you go to since some are awful and others are like Club Med for the Head - nice and posh. Personally, I don't like it when I feel out of control, when others are making decisions for me, when I lack certain rights. Those hospitalizations make things worse for me. I prefer a voluntary hospital with privileges. If you are thinking you are unsafe or if you have a plan, then certainly consider hospitalization, BUT, my suggestion is, if you can, take the reigns in your hands. By this I mean do your homework and investigate the hospital options you have. You can even call different places to find out what your stay may be like. Find put ahead of time if your insurance covers both types of hospitalizations or if they only do involuntary. Then, take more control of your situation by letting the professionals you already trust know what it is you want and what you hope to gain from the hospital. I now have my therapist and pdoc trained. They pretty much let me call the shots regarding what I need. However, you may not be in the same space and I respect that. Just know that it is possible to tailor your experience a bit so that it is not so scary and out of control. Take charge if you wish and don't be afraid to tell the professionals what you want/ need. Sometimes the more control you have, the better your experience and outcome. Lastly, some insurance companies offer residential treatment like a 5 day stay in an actual house. This is less restrictive than hospitalization and may not be right for you now. Something to think about: a less restrictive setting means more rights and freedom. Another thing to consider is doing what I sometimes do, which is using the hospital as a time-out from your life. Hospitalization is NOT the end of the road, only a mere stop along the way. You are not pathetic for using services to help you feel better. It may actually open up new doors to a healthy life.
My bests!
Daze

Originally Posted by lostnbroken

I am feeling exactly the same way right now, and have considered going to the hospital. I've been there before, and its not really that bad. Big problem for me is that they dont allow smoking, so that really bites. But otherwise, it's a really good idea if you're feeling like you're losing control.

It's a very hard decisiOn to make!!!

Originally Posted by dazeofdolphins

I have my own personal take on the hospital. I'm not challenging anyone else's own experience. I am simply sharing my vantage point with you. So, there are many different types of psychiatric hospitalization with two main types that stand out: voluntary and involuntary. Having gone through both many times, I can say with confidence that voluntary is loads better. Involuntary is when you are 5150'd meaning you are either a danger to yourself or others. Now there is some wiggle room there. I have never been a danger to anyone else. There have been times when I have felt suicidal. Remember, though, that the "suicide window" is large to accommodate varying degrees of suicidality. You might feel suicidal but have some knowledge that you probably will not follow through or you might have a detailed plan worked out. Generally speaking, you will be asked if you have a plan. If you don't have a plan they may not 5150 you. If you want to go to the hospital you can be candid and say that you don't have a plan but worry you cannot keep yourself safe. That is enough info to be put on a hold (5150). Voluntary hospitalization means you agree to go to the hospital and follow their rules. You are not placed on a 5150 and held against your will. A 5150 is a 72 hour hold for evaluation but they can always decide to keep you longer or shorter, depending on their assessment. With voluntary, you can be there any number of days. In the states, most insurance companies only pay for a 3-5 day stay. With regard to hospitals, some only take involuntary and some only take voluntary. It is my experience that voluntary hospitals are nicer and more humane. You also have more rights in a voluntary hospital. For instance, some allow you to keep many of your personal effects like your phone, books, journals, art supplies, etc. In an involuntary hospital, you are stripped of most of your belongings, including bra, shoe laces, pen or pencil, etc. - anything that you can hurt yourself with. A lot of people avoid the hospital because it scares them and they are made to feel inhuman and even criminal-like. It really boils down to the hospital you go to since some are awful and others are like Club Med for the Head - nice and posh. Personally, I don't like it when I feel out of control, when others are making decisions for me, when I lack certain rights. Those hospitalizations make things worse for me. I prefer a voluntary hospital with privileges. If you are thinking you are unsafe or if you have a plan, then certainly consider hospitalization, BUT, my suggestion is, if you can, take the reigns in your hands. By this I mean do your homework and investigate the hospital options you have. You can even call different places to find out what your stay may be like. Find put ahead of time if your insurance covers both types of hospitalizations or if they only do involuntary. Then, take more control of your situation by letting the professionals you already trust know what it is you want and what you hope to gain from the hospital. I now have my therapist and pdoc trained. They pretty much let me call the shots regarding what I need. However, you may not be in the same space and I respect that. Just know that it is possible to tailor your experience a bit so that it is not so scary and out of control. Take charge if you wish and don't be afraid to tell the professionals what you want/ need. Sometimes the more control you have, the better your experience and outcome. Lastly, some insurance companies offer residential treatment like a 5 day stay in an actual house. This is less restrictive than hospitalization and may not be right for you now. Something to think about: a less restrictive setting means more rights and freedom. Another thing to consider is doing what I sometimes do, which is using the hospital as a time-out from your life. Hospitalization is NOT the end of the road, only a mere stop along the way. You are not pathetic for using services to help you feel better. It may actually open up new doors to a healthy life.
My bests!
Daze

I don't think I can thank you enough for your response!!!
I thank you with all my heart for sharing and of course all the others who shared their experiances. I'm sure that it couldn't have been easy. I'm texting my T to tell him that I'm going to consider the hospital. Of course I need him to check out my options and the program, but I guess I'm becoming more open to it. I will consider this option with open eyes and open mind. I still don't know what will happen, but I feel a little more at ease with this option. It would be nice to go away and not have to make any sessions and take a break.

[dazeofdolphins]

Dear RiverJ,
You are most welcome and I admire your courage. Please continue to keep us posted on your status when it makes sense to do so. You are in my thoughts -
Daze

Originally Posted by dazeofdolphins

Dear RiverJ,
You are most welcome and I admire your courage. Please continue to keep us posted on your status when it makes sense to do so. You are in my thoughts -
Daze

Thank you for your support!!!!
I texted my t telling him that I am considering hospitalization, along with a list of some questions. I'll let you know what I decided...just don't know how long it will take.

[beautifullybroken1]

Hospitalization is NOT just for those who are a danger to self or others. It is where you get intensive treatment. Outpatient/partial hospitalization is something to consider. If possible, get a recommendation for a hospital program in your area. It can be a bit scarey, but a good hospital program is comforting and life-changing. Doing it alone isn't ideal.