"What do you want them to do?"

So I've had a rough few days with a deep depression that won't lift no matter what I do. I've been staying on my meds and sleeping well, I've been way more active than usual, eating food I usually enjoy and even doing some retail therapy and going to the movies.

Not a single thing has helped and I've been having some pretty scary thoughts. I don't really have anyone to talk to because they just ignore me when I'm depressed, honestly. I confided in my mother that I wanted to go to the psych ward and all she said was "what do you want them to do?".

My pDoc asks it a lot, too. "What do you want me/them to do?"

That's like asking me how to treat my own broken bone. Does anyone else get this question? How do you answer it? I'm honestly stuck, I need help but I'm expected to tell them exactly how to help me when I can barely keep it together?

My mom says this to me too..

If I knew how to help myself, I'd just do it. That's the reason I'm seeing a therapist..

Hi there,

I recently got out of the psych hospital, where I voluntarily went because I wanted the help. My answer to that question was that I wanted a safe space where I couldn't harm myself, while trying a new medication. Is a safe place perhaps something you're looking for as well?

I get that question a lot.
Sometimes I just say I want a magic wand but I know they don't exist.

Hang on in there and I hope you find it helpful to talk here.

Hey there! I voluntarily went to the psych ward about 2 weeks ago. I didn't stay overnight because I wasn't a danger to myself and they let me go, but they were confused as to why I was there. When I went to therapy, my therapist asked the same thing: "What did you want them to do?" That question made me angry. I wanted help, as I feel like I'm not getting it from my psychiatrist. I can't elaborate on my answer but I really just wanted help. It's a very difficult question to answer, so I understand how you feel. Good luck!!

"I want them to do their job and help me"

"Figure out if my meds are working or if they need to be altered. Teach me new life skills/coping skills. Adjust my meds if necessary. Keep me safe while I am finding a new way to be stable."

I can imagine your mother not understanding this but I don't know why your pdoc would ask unless he is taking it personally. It doesn't mean the pdoc can't help you but you may benefit from something more intensive than he/she can provide right now. And there is benefit from having help around the clock if you are in crisis and in danger while they get you stable again.