Does hospitalization help?

I was wondering does hospitalization work (for depression/suicidal feelings)? Has anyone done it? What was your experience? What is the minimum stay? Do they force you to notify a family member?

Tell us what is going on Esther......

Hospitalization can be a fine thing.. if you need it. Insurance often runs the length of stay sometimes to the degree of suicidal ideations.
There are many different hospitals...some are more useful than others. Some have groups and regular therapy and some are a holding place.

Why do you ask?

just b/c im thinking about checking myself in if the circumstances are ok.

What would you like to get from a hospitalization? Are you safe?

Are you on meds and do you think they are appropriate for you? Would you wish to go to a place your T has connections with? What would you tell your family? You need to keep yourself safe. The hospital environment can help you fell safe but dependent. Keep talking Ester.

i'd just like to get to a point where I'm not planning or thinking about suic. I dont want my family to know. i'm not on meds but probably should be though.

Sorry but I am new.... I think you are over 21 and all that jazz. Sometimes hospitalization is used to get a person started on meds to level them out. Does your T believe in meds? Do you have anyone that you can talk to in real life? I am sorry that you are feeling so bad. Would you be able to talk to your doc/T about what is going on with you? No matter what your relationship is right now ... you should be able to call him/her.

Thanks Secret. Yeah I'm an adult. I have an apt in about 4 days so I'll try to bring it up then. Its just I'd like to know it would be beneficial b4 bringing it up. I dunno.
ev

Are you safe and o.k. until you have that appointment?

I think that it is imperative that you talk to him/her about how you are feeling and what you have asked here.

I would also discuss meds... and see if your T might think they might help you.

EV, do you think it might be helpful to talk about what's going on for you right now that is fueling your suic. thoughts? I have found that talking about my pain and disappointments and frustrations helps.
If you seriously believe you are capable of hurting yourself, and you want to be in a safe place, can you talk to your t about admitting you? If you need urgent care, then yes, I think a hospital will 'hold' you until you feel safe enough.
I am truly sorry you are hurting so.
Take gentle care,

don't usually come to this forum..... my own inner triggers..

anyway, I noticed your post EV... so sorry you are having a hard time.... can you hold on until you see your T.? This is just me-- but I'd use hospital as the VERY last resort....(struggle with trust issues though, so it may be just me...??) maybe you could call your T. in the morning?? Just to let her know how you're feeling?

Thinking of you--- EV--

mandy

I just noticed your questions in your original post. You ask if there's a minimum stay. I suppose minimum stay is as long as you feel suicidal. And whether they 'force' you to notify a family member; I can't imagine them 'forcing' you to do so.... I know when I was hospitalized for a medical procedure, the nurse did not let me go home alone. She said I need to call someone to pick me up. I got on the phone and called a car service....The nurse took me downstairs, in a wheelchair, and when she saw the car she asked, 'Is that your brother?' I just said, 'he's taking me home' So if they 'force' you to notify a family member just dial you own home phone and leave yourself a message....

I agree that venting helps. You can do that here and I think you have started to in an earlier post. You should also be able to call your T for emergencies if you are feeling vulnerable at this time. You can also talk to friends or try to keep yourself busy until your next visit. Your call. If you have a plan I would be more concerned.

That is why I ask if you are safe. I would avoid a hospitalization if possible but if you do not feel safe and your T is unable to assist you you may wish to consider it.

Yeah. I think i am. Thanks! secret!

Okey dokey....I am heading to bed.... Take care of you and know that things do change... One of my favorite phrases... This too shall pass.

Nite.

Would you consider calling your pdoc today so they konw what is going on? They can help you brainstorm what type of action would be best for you. This is all part of thier service and they expect calls every now and then. I hope you will at least consider this option. Take care.

BB

thanks withit.. I guess i don't feel any hope of feeling good again. I just sent an email to my old p-doc asking to schedule an appointment though. I know I have really bad depression right now. Its just difficult b/c I also alsked to terminate therapy so me and my T are in a wierd place. I don't want to bring this up b/c I don't want her to avoid terminating me because shes afriad im suicidal.

Thanks for the feedback mandyfins... I will avoid hospitalization if I can. Its just I have no friends here and I've been doing allot of planning that I'm not comfortable with, which is why im considering it.

Thanks Bipolar bear... If i start to feel like I cant wait until my appt, I'll call. I think i can though..

Call your pdoc. Is part of your concern your relationship with your current T? Is it the work you are doing there or the T? Perhaps you would feel better talking to the pdoc for a bit or another T?

When you start planning...that is a worry. Keep yourself safe.

I haven't seen my p-doc in maybe a year and a half when i just went off meds, but she will likely be able to see me this week. She usually doesnt have a back up in the past.

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esthersvirtue said:
I haven't seen my p-doc in maybe a year and a half when i just went off meds, but she will likely be able to see me this week. She usually doesnt have a back up in the past.

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I am glad you will be seen this week. Does that make you feel better and give you a bit of hope? I hope so!! Good for you for taking the initiative....

Hi Esther,

I was hospitalized a couple of years ago and found it to be quite helpful. The downfall was that I felt too safe there. I didn't want to leave and after I left I wanted to go back. So I agree that it should be a last resort but if you need it you need it.

You said that you don't have friends here but it appears that you do don't you think?

Amie2

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