[Brownmike]

Hi, I’m really struggling with anxiety and depression. I was going to a therapist but it didn’t work out. I started going 5 months ago and I went for a month or two but my therapist canceled then they called to say that I would be getting a new therapist. I never saw an actual doctor.

I have insurance, it’s Indiana state insurance and I made an appointment to see a doctor but it the soonest they had was 5 weeks from last week so I have another month to wait and I need help now.

I’m not suicidal or going to hurt myself at this point or anything but honestly if I don’t get some kind of relief soon I just can’t see feeling like this much longer.

Sorry for rambling but my question is if I go to the ER will they lock me up? I just want to see a doctor and be prescribed some kind of medication. Can urgent care do that?

[Minnow]

Brownmike
You're doing the right thing. By going to the ER you will be evaluated and referred to a Psychiatrist and seen within couple days. I've done this and was able to see a Pdoc quickly.
Good job taking care of yourself and good luck.

[Brownmike]

Originally Posted by Minnow

Brownmike
You're doing the right thing. By going to the ER you will be evaluated and referred to a Psychiatrist and seen within couple days. I've done this and was able to see a Pdoc quickly.
Good job taking care of yourself and good luck.

Thanks, but did they lock you up? I mean they didn’t try to keep you in the hospital did they?

[Wild Coyote]

Generally speaking, they do not "lock you up" against your wishes unless:

You are a harm to yourself.
A harm to others,
Unable to care for yourself.

Community mental health systems vary from one location to another, so it's difficult to guess as to just what they will do for you re: hooking you up with a sooner appointment, etc. I am guessing they will help you as much as possible.

have you called the pdoc you will be seeing to let him/her know you need to see her/him sooner? You can also ask to be put on a cancellation list.

Please do go to the ER if you need immediate help.
Take good care of yourself.


WC

[Brownmike]

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

Generally speaking, they do not "lock you up" against your wishes unless:

You are a harm to yourself.
A harm to others,
Unable to care for yourself.

Community mental health systems vary from one location to another, so it's difficult to guess as to just what they will do for you re: hooking you up with a sooner appointment, etc. I am guessing they will help you as much as possible.

have you called the pdoc you will be seeing to let him/her know you need to see her/him sooner? You can also ask to be put on a cancellation list.

Please do go to the ER if you need immediate help.
Take good care of yourself.


WC

Thank you for all the help. It means a lot.

[Shazerac]

Your chances of getting locked up against your will are slim to none. Especially if you are not a danger to yourself or others. There just aren’t enough psych beds anymore.

[Loose Screw x 2]

One went to the ER not long ago and was offered the option of staying over night or for 3 to 5 days even though one was suicidal and homicidal at that time.
This could vary from state to state though.

[cool09]

You might not get to see a psychiatrist. The hospital nearby has a small crisis/psych ward and they do not have psychiatrists in the ER. I was thinking of doing this myself 2 wks ago but was afraid I wouldn't see a PDOC to adjust my medication.

[SeekerSeeking]

Hi BrownMike, I ditto what everyone else said. The ER is good if you feel like you are going to bust out of your skin--and they may refer or point you to some therapists. Don't give up on therapy because of your former experience. Keep seeking help--because it helps. Also, there is doctor on demand website and they do therapy via computer. They also take insurance. I hope you have found some relief....let us know. SeekerSeeking

[Rive1976]

They wont get you in with apsychiatrist or prescribe you meds in the ER. Trust me I know. The only way to get these things is to be admitted but you have to be suicidal or homicidal.

[puzzclar]

Ultimately it depends on the state laws. For Oregon, they make sure you are safe and then in a few days you see a pdoc. If you feel unsafe then you get locked up and placed in a psych ward. It's all in how you say things.

[~Christina]

Typically if you are truly suicidal or a harm to others then you would be admitted to a psych hospital. I don’t like the “ locked up” version. It’s not a prison sentence, it’s getting help right away if needed.

“ typically” you will have a social worker while IP and there goal is to find you a Pdoc and T before discharge.

[avlady]

whenever i end up in the hospital, once a year, they keep me there against my will, even though it is written on the wall that they can't. if you want to get out they make you write it on paper that you want to leave and if you miss the 3 days they can keep you for as long as they want.this has happened to me several times,but now that i know, i know to write the letter first.