[InfiniteSadness]

How do you know if you need to be inpatient if your not actively suicidal or a threat to yourself or others? But on the other hand your very low functional/aren't improving much and still have a lot of symptoms?

[jesusplay]

Originally Posted by InfiniteSadness

How do you know if you need to be inpatient if your not actively suicidal or a threat to yourself or others? But on the other hand your very low functional/aren't improving much and still have a lot of symptoms?

I have the same question, and I've asked it..the answer is usually "it's up to you, it's your decision".

I personally think if you're not a possible threat to yourself or others, don't go.

But I'm not a doctor

[Hellion]

Not sure, trying to figure it out myself though. Not really sure if I am suicidal but I feel like crap...not sure the meds help enough and I have too much stress which just makes my symptoms worse and worse.

I guess I would say, when you feel you can't take care of yourself or are at risk for harmful behavior if left alone then perhaps its not a bad idea to consider.

I'd say if you get so low functional to the point that you don't eat or shower or general care stuff, then I'd strongly consider hospital. Also, if your symptoms get so bad that they cannot be managed.
If you feel that you may need hospital and you've exhausted all other options, then I would say it'd be good to go IP. Have you considered doing a partial hospitalization?

It depends on what level of involvement the ward you're on can offer. Private hospitals tend to have better programmes. At least this is the case in the UK.

Most however have some sort of therapy programme to help you deal with larger issues but also get you used to routine and encourage functionality again (the overseeing of meds helps with the latter too). But of course this varies on how it's funded, where it is and what the criteria is. So a lot of variables. I think if you have the option to go to a place which clearly demonstrates it's suitability for your circumstances, then the issue is more on how to tie up your affairs so that the transition to regular life is as smooth as possible even with help from the facility.

[venusss]

It depends on the hospital. If it's "dope you up, humilitate and further traumatize" place.... don't go. If the place has actually something to offer... then maybe it could be helpful.

[newtus]

venushalley is right

on the other hand if you live in the USA (idk if UK does or not i live in tx) theres more grounds that you are hospitalized for besides being a harm. if you are suicidal or a threat to others yes but the third is if you are unable to care for yourself and are low functioning is reason to hospitalize you.

thing is im not really for hospitals.
a hospital stay is almost no different than staying physically in your house for a long period of time. to me its worse. if you go becuz your a threat - the being locked in and medicated makes sense. if your not a threat - the whole sitting in a day room and doing an activity or group every now and then serves no real purpose. its boring too. most hospitals are like that.

if you are extremely low functioning i would understand going to the hospital too.
but...beyond the threat and if your fairing even a little well doing what they call "activities of daily living (ADL)"...then why go?

Originally Posted by InfiniteSadness

How do you know if you need to be inpatient if your not actively suicidal or a threat to yourself or others? But on the other hand your very low functional/aren't improving much and still have a lot of symptoms?

The symptoms as you describe them generally don't meet the criteria for what most hospitals are intended for. Most hospitals are designed for short-term, crisis intervention (on average 5-7 days). They serve to stabilize and move patients out into outpatient care as soon as possible. In order to find a program for depression that is more of a long-term, comprehensive program, you'll need to really do some research and very often insurance won't cover that kind of program (if insurance is a factor for you). It can be VERY expensive.

One option might be an intensive outpatient program. Insurance is usually more cooperative with that type of program.

[D157R4C73D]

Stay away from the hospitals. There might be some that are decent, but most of them are filled with staff that don't care about the patients. They might as well be dealing with animals in cages.

Originally Posted by D157R4C73D

Stay away from the hospitals. There might be some that are decent, but most of them are filled with staff that don't care about the patients. They might as well be dealing with animals in cages.

I understand you may be speaking from personal experience (and probably the traumatic sort from what you're trying to suggest) - but where's the evidence for you claims? I agree there are issues surrounding insurance policies and hospital criteria etc but saying that most mental health hospitals are on par with a zoo -- is nothing short of dramatic.

[D157R4C73D]

Originally Posted by Spockette

I understand you may be speaking from personal experience (and probably the traumatic sort from what you're trying to suggest) - but where's the evidence for you claims? I agree there are issues surrounding insurance policies and hospital criteria etc but saying that most mental health hospitals are on par with a zoo -- is nothing short of dramatic.

I suppose it depends on where you are. Let's just say that if you're in the conservative part of fly-over country in the US and you go to a public hospital you won't have a pleasant stay.

My hospital stays have been good experiences. The staff is caring. Daily contact with my pdoc. Clean. Decent food (as far as hospital food goes). Structured programs through the day. Respectful and concerned staff. Certainly not a zoo by any stretch.

Care varies from hospital to hospital. Painting them all with the same broad brush isn't particularly helpful information. In the OP's case, since this is not apparently an emergency situation, I would suggest doing some research about what hospitals are options in the area. A good program will have someone you can call and speak to and will even give a tour of their facility ahead of time. I know the one I use will, and although it isn't a public facility, it does take patients on medicare and medicaid and works with patients who lack insurance.