[SummerTime12]

Now what? I’ve been having really bad flashbacks that have gotten unbearable this past week.

Possible trigger:

At the moment, I don’t actually want to die, but I desperately want the flashbacks to go away, and it feels like the only way out.

We talked about this when I saw him on Wednesday. He said I could reach out, though he wasn’t sure what he’d be able to do. So this morning when I had already tried various things to no avail, I emailed him.

He suggested the hospital if I don’t feel safe, and a few other things to help like spending time with people. It’s not that his suggestions were bad, it’s just that if I had it in me to do any of that right now, I wouldn’t be contacting him.

Idk what to do though because it’s not like there’s anything else he can do. I don’t know why I feel disappointed when that is the response to be expected; he didn’t do anything wrong.

[ArtleyWilkins]

If you are feeling unsafe, the hospital is a place that can keep you safe while they consider medication adjustments if needed, etc.

Unfortunately, when PTSD symptoms are that activated, there isn't much other people can do, particularly if they aren't right there with us. Because it is the weekend, I'm guessing your therapist isn't available for a session until next week, so his suggestion is an option to keep you safe in the meantime.

Is there a person in your life who knows your situation and can at least be an additional support for you this weekend? Has your therapist given you any other ideas about grounding techniques that might work for you?

I found staying busy outside of the house was sometimes helpful. Going for a swim. Seeing a movie. Walking the mall. I could also keep my mind focused elsewhere on puzzles or binge-watching a good show (nothing violent or triggering). Sometimes spending the day baking cookies or organizing closets kept me cognitively occupied so that the flashbacks calmed down.

But sometimes I did end up in the hospital for a few days. My pdoc sometimes needed to adjust a medication and that generally helped some.

Hope you start feeling better. Flashbacks are exhausting and feel so out of control.

[SlumberKitty]

I generally think that when a T tells a person to consider going to the hospital it is one) to protect themselves from a potential lawsuit if something were to happen, two) they think the individual needs a higher level of care, three) either their hands are tied or they don't have the resources to handle such situations in a timely manner to be beneficial to the client. I have found that when I go to the hospital with suicidal idealation, not much happens. Yes, I get evaluated and a basic medical run down, but I still get sent home. THAT HAS JUST BEEN MY EXPERIENCE. YMMV. So even the hospital hasn't been that much help for me with dealing with suicidal idealation. However, there are clinics (the next town over to mine has one) where you can stay for up to 23 hours to help keep yourself safe that isn't a hospital and it's not a locked unit. It's called a crises walk in center. I don't know if you have one of those near you, but it can give you some breathing room to sort stuff out. Or can you do some things like your T suggested like spending time with people. Can you grab your best friend and head to a hotel and give yourself a nice weekend relaxing by the pool and hanging out together? I know it is hard to be social when one does not feel well. Sometimes calling or texting with a hotline can be helpful. I'm glad you posted here. Because we care about you here and we are here to listen whenever, so keep writing if you wish. I hope that you start feeling better soon. HUGS Kit

[MoxieDoxie]

This cost me $75 encouraged by my T and this is the only thing he will tell me to do when in a flashback. Over and over again he says I have to do this all as much as possible. That is all he has for me. He can no longer help me any other way. So you can give it a whirl.

Step 1 – Find a Resource
A. Caregiver-Self Resource 
Look for a part of self that enjoys nurturing or protecting someone in need of care, like a child, a pet, plants, a student, or
someone elderly, handicapped, or sick. It could be a current relationship, or one from the past. It could involve caregiving
in a long-term relationship (e.g. a grandchild), or in just a single remarkable event (e.g. helping a neighborhood child in
crisis). It could be in a personal relationship you had or have (e.g. with your pets) or your professional role (e.g. as a nurse,
teacher, veterinarian). The caregiving relationship should be free of unresolved trauma. It should only reflect caregiving
moments when the most adult self is fully present, with no wounded parts active.
Did you find one?
- If NO, go to B below.
- If YES, ask yourself…
Would THIS LOVED ONE say I’m a competent caregiver (in that specific event)? AND If I’d been raised by
someone who was as good to me, as I am/were to THIS LOVED ONE (in that specific event), would that have
been a good thing?
- If NO, look for a better Caregiver-Self Resource, or go to B below.
- If YES, go to Step 2 – Name the Resource, page 5.

Real-Other Resource from a positive direct experience 
Think about someone you personally know or have known, who’s been supportive of you, like an aunt, uncle, grandparent,
friendly neighbor, or caring teacher. It could be someone you had a long-term relationship with (e.g. your grandma), or
just a single remarkable event (e.g. your uncle intervening in a crisis). It could be a personal relationship (e.g. with your
aunt) or a professional relationship (with your mentor). The relationship should be free of unresolved trauma.
Did you find one?
- If NO, go to D below.
- If YES, ask yourself…
If I’d been raised by someone who could have been as good to me as THIS SUPPORTIVE PERSON is/was to me,
would that have been a good thing?
- If NO, look for a better Real-Other Resource, or go to D below.
- If YES, go to Step 2 – Name the Resource, page 5.

Real-Other Resource from personal observation 
Think about someone you personally observed to be a good caregiver of someone else, but without direct interaction or
direct caregiving - like your brother’s baseball coach, your 5th grade best friend’s mother, or your sister’s ballet teacher.
Did you find one?
- If NO, go to E below.
- If YES, ask yourself…
If I’d been raised by someone who was as good to me as THIS SUPPORTIVE PERSON is/was to SOMEONE ELSE ,
would that have been a good thing?
- If NO, look for a better Real-Other Resource, or go to E below.
- If YES, go to Step 2 – Name the Resource, page 5.

Real-Other Resource - a public figure 
Think about an inspirational public figure or celebrity, not personally known to you, but someone you’ve perceived as a
source of encouragement or support - like Nelson Mandela, Mr. Rogers, Pema Chödrön, Oprah Winfrey, Martin Luther
King, Jr., or Mother Theresa.
Did you find one?
- If NO, go to F below.
- If YES, ask yourself…
If I’d been raised by someone who was as good to me as THIS INSPIRATIONAL PERSON is/was to WORLD/OTHERS ,
would that have been a good thing?
- If NO, look for a better Real-Other Resource, or go to F below.
- If YES, go to Step 2 – Name the Resource, page 5.

Fictional-Other Resource 
Think about an inspirational fictional character that has been (or could be) perceived as nurturing and supportive – like
June Cleaver, Atticus Finch, Samantha Stephens, Mrs. Doubtfire, Superman, Mary Poppins, Santa Claus, or Molly Weasley.
Did you find one?
- If NO, go to G below.
- If YES, ask yourself…
If I’d been raised by someone who was as good to me as THIS PERSON was to OTHER , would that have
been a good thing?
- If NO, look for a better Fictional-Other Resource, or go to G below.
- If YES, go to Step 2 – Name the Resource, page 5.

Step 2 – Name the Resource
Give the Resource a simple, descriptive name. Naming it will help you reconnect with it later.
Does mobilizing this Resource feel good?
- If NO, go to Complications with a Single Mobilized Resource, page 6.
- If YES, do you need another Resource for your team? (Aim for at least 2 or 3.)
- If NO, go to Step 3 below.
- If YES, go back to the last Resource category you were on, and look for another.
Step 3 – Bring the Resource Team Together
Notice what happens when you bring all the Resources together to form a team. Does it feel good?
- If YES, go to Anchors for Soothing section below.
- If NO, go to Complications Bringing the Resource Team Together, page 6.

Anchors for Soothing
Next, establish a paired association between an anchor and your Resource Team. An anchor could be a scent, music, jewelry, an
object, a drawing, item of clothing, body sensation, or anything else you choose. Take as long as you need to pair one or more
of these anchors to your Resource Team so well, that connecting with the anchor later will bring the team front and center quickly
and effortlessly – no matter what mood you’re in. The scented anchor may be best, as it may bypass psychological defenses
better than the other anchors.
To pair them, enjoy the good feeling of the Resource Team while you’re either…
- Smelling something (e.g. cologne, lip balm, a spice, an essential oil, etc.) MAY BE THE BEST ANCHOR!
- Listening to a special piece of music (ideally, easily accessed via smartphone)
- Looking at a piece of jewelry (e.g. a ring, watch, or bracelet)
- Holding a pocket-size object (e.g. a smooth stone or charm)
- Looking at a favorite picture (ideally, easily accessed smartphone)
- Looking at a drawing you’ve made of the Resource Team (ideally, easily accessed via smartphone)
- Looking at and touching an item of clothing (e.g. a comforting shirt or sweater)
- Pressing on a knuckle
- Squeezing gently on an earlobe
Test it later, when you’re not in the enjoying this good feeling. Use your anchor to see if your Resource Team comes front and
center again – bringing this good feeling back. If it doesn’t, try again later to connect the anchor to your Team. Start by
reconnecting with your Resources. When you have the good feeling again, strengthen the paired association with your anchor
and the Team. Gently tapping on your shoulders or knees, in an alternating fashion, may help to strengthen the pairing.

Establish a Special Safe Place
After your Resource Team is mobilized, it’s time to establish your Special Safe Place. This is probably different from a safe place
or happy place you may be familiar with. This safe place is truly special. Read on to find out why.

What is it?
A Special Safe Place is an imagined home base where wounded child parts can hang out and have fun. It’s a positive,
nurturing place, populated with Resources. It’s loving containment. It’s a fun place with lots of interesting things to do, like
a scout camp, a tropical island, a mountain resort, or an amusement park. For example, if it’s a beach resort, it would have a
beach, but it could also have a swimming pool, horseback riding, a tennis court, a volleyball court, a petting zoo, bike trails,
a bowling alley, a movie theater, an art room, a reading room, a lodge with sleeping rooms, and a kitchen with lots of great
food. It should be a good place for rest, play, and exploration, that’s age-appropriate for your wounded parts.
It’s a place is for your wounded parts only. Clones of the Resources will be present wherever child parts might want to hang
out to provide any comfort, protection, or supervision that’s needed. This is technically an imaginary safe place, but the
connection wounded parts will make with the Resources is real, and the feelings of comfort and safety are real.

Step 1 – Envision a Special Safe Place
Start thinking about the perfect place for your wounded parts to hang out to rest and play. It could be a completely imaginary
place, or a place you’ve enjoyed visiting in the past (if it’s completely free of bad memories). The idea of it should feel safe,
restful, and fun. Picture all the activity centers your child parts will want – playground, a swimming pool, a hike and bike trail,
kayaking, horseback riding, bowling alley, etc. Tailor it to the ages of your wounded parts. For now, picture the place with
no Resources or wounded parts present.

Step 2 – Bring in the Resources
Next bring in just the Resources. Then make clones of them. Put one Resource Team on the playground, another by the
swimming pool, another on the hike/bike trail, another with the kayaks, another with the horses, another in the bowling
alley, and so on. Notice how it feels in the body. It should feel good.
If it doesn’t feel good, try modifying the place until it does. For example, some parts might worry it’s not safe enough. If
necessary, install reassuring “safety” measures, like guard dogs, razor wire, or a castle wall. Whatever it takes to help all parts
feel safe enough to play here.

Step 3 – Bring in all your wounded parts
When it feels good, invite all your wounded parts to come hang out in the Special Safe Place. No need to count them or
name them. When the wounded parts have settled in, notice whether they like it – whether it feels comfortable and safe. It
will probably feel good.
If it doesn’t feel good, wounded parts might be reluctant to trust the Resources, or be cared for by the Resources. Tell them
they’re welcome here no matter what concerns they have. The Resources will love and accept them exactly as they are right
now – unconditionally. The Resources will work to earn their trust, over time. If this does not calm their fears enough, go to
Complications with a Single Mobilized Resource, page 6.

Now What?
This Special Safe Place is a home base for your wounded parts. In the future, Resources will calm down triggered parts by
meeting their emotional needs. Then you’ll invite the calmed parts to settle in to this place to rest and play.
If you know of something stressful coming up, that might trigger wounded parts – in advance, you can explain to the parts
what’s going to happen. Tell them when it will be over. Then invite them to hang out here with Resources. That way your
most adult self can handle the stress, while wounded parts play.
Warning!!!
Wounded parts will usually be happy to rest and play in their Special Safe Place as long as you listen to them, understand
their concerns, and take their emotional needs seriously. But if they feel ignored, abandoned, and dumped here, they’ll push
back. So make meeting their needs a high priority and they’ll be happy to hang out here while you do adult stuff, knowing
you’ll be there when they need you

Calming Your Triggered Parts

The following Steps should help you calm your triggered parts, with the help of your Resource Team. The wording in this script
is for calming a single part. Modify the wording, as needed, if calming several triggered parts at once.
Verify You’ve Been Triggered
Getting triggered means one or more wounded parts of self have become activated and upset. You’re probably triggered,
if you
(1) have a sudden emotional overreaction,
(2) feel childlike and powerless,
(3) notice a negative belief about yourself
or the world, and/or
(4) feel like you’re reliving an old wounding experience. If a wounded part has been triggered, go to

Step 1 – Connect with your Resource Team
Try to connect to your Resource Team. Can you bring them forward?
- If YES, go to Step 2 below.
- If NO, earlier, did you pair the Resources with an anchor, like a scent, music, jewelry, etc?
- If NO, go to Change Your State of Mind Enough to Connect to The Resources list below.
- If YES, use that anchor now, to get quick access to the Resources.
- If that works, go to Step 2 below.
- If that doesn’t work, go to Change Your State of Mind Enough to Connect to The Resources list below.

Change Your State of Mind Enough to Connect to The Resources
Use as many of these as necessary to move into a less triggered state of mind, so you can connect to
your Resource team.
- Think about a recent success at school or work.
- Distract yourself with an activity, game, or puzzle.
- Ask yourself questions (from a list prepared in advance) only your adult self can answer, like…
What’s Twitter? What’s a GPS device? What’s a thumb drive?
- Look around the room – notice where you are.
- Look in a mirror to see an adult face and body.
- Look at a current calendar.
- Look at your driver’s license.
- Guess how much objects in the room cost.
- Notice temperature, lights, sounds, colors, etc.
- Notice your body standing, sitting, or walking.
- Take 10 slow, deep breaths.
- Do something physical – like jog in place while you notice where you are.
- Do the Cross Crawl (from Brain Gym): Touch right elbow to left knee. Touch left elbow to right
knee. Keep doing this until you feel more grounded - if possible, in front of a full-length mirror.
When you’re feeling more present and grounded try again to connect to your Resources. If you cannot
connect to the whole team at the very least, connect to one.

Step 2 – Contact the Triggered Part
Notice how old you feel, what year it feels like, or if it feels like you’re reliving a specific upsetting event. The age you feel is
likely the triggered part’s age. Looking inward, try to make direct contact with the part. The part is there, whether or not you
find it right away. Whether or not you make direct contact, say to the part…
Welcome! I’m really glad you’re here! I know you’ve been hurting a long time.
Convey a sense of compassion and empathy when addressing a part. It may help to use a term of endearment, like honey,
precious, little one, or sweetheart. But use your discretion - some parts might not like it.

Step 3 – Attune, Validate, and Empathize
Validate the part with something like…
(So honey) it makes perfect sense that you’d be very upset now, considering SIMILAR UPSETS FROM THE PAST .
Then… Do you see (or sense) the Resources?
When YES, ask… Do they look/seem good to you? Do they seem safe and comfortable?
When YES, ask… Do the Resources understand why you’re upset?
When YES, ask… What’s it like to notice that?
It will probably feel really good! (If that doesn’t, go to Complications with Resources Interacting with Wounded Parts,
page 6. When concern is cleared, come back here.)
Add… (So honey) what you went through back then was very painful. It was not right. Children should not have to
go through that. You deserved THE OPPOSITE OF THE WOUNDING .
Add… Do the Resources agree?
When YES, ask… What’s it like to notice that?
It will probably feel really good!
Add… (So precious) notice the Resources are here to love and support you. They don’t need you to feel any
differently than you do right now. Feel free to stay SAD / ANGRY / FEARFUL / MISTRUSTING as long as you need to.
They’re not here to talk you out of feeling that way. They’re just here to support you while you feel whatever you
need to feel. You’re wonderful and precious, deserving of tender, loving care. They want to take care of you, meet
your needs, and help you feel safe and loved. What’s it like to notice that?
It will probably feel really good! Take a long as you need to help the wounded part experience the Resources as active
caregivers. Customize these scripts, as necessary, to achieve this goal. If there are any complications, go to Complications
with Resources Interacting with Wounded Parts, page 6. Once cleared, come back here.

Step 4 – Orient to Present Time

Triggered parts feel stuck in the past – stuck in a time when they were relatively small, needy, powerless, and dependent on
grown-ups for survival. Perhaps you’re an adult now – with the power that adulthood brings. Like the power to earn money,
pay for food, clothes, and a place to live, and choose who you live with. But triggered parts are either unaware, or barely
aware, of that power. They need to understand life is different now. To bring a triggered part into the present, invite him/her
to answer one or more the following questions…
- (So little one) that painful childhood experience had a beginning, a middle, and an end. How many years has
it been since it ended? When is it going to happen again?
- If that frightening childhood experience happened now, what could you do to protect yourself now, that
you couldn’t do back then?
- How long has it been since you lived with WOUNDING PERSON(S) ? If WOUNDING PERSON(S) wanted to move
in with you now, and do those wounding things again, would you have to let them?
- Look around the room. Is this the room/home where all that bad stuff happened?
- Get out your driver’s license, and say… Look, you have a driver’s license now. Did you have one back then?
- (So sweetheart) look at your hands and wiggle your fingers? Do you see those are your adult fingers that
you can wiggle? Is this what you expected to see?
- If you’re wearing a wedding ring, ask… Do you see that wedding ring? What does that mean? Were you married
back then, when all that bad stuff happened?
- Get in front of a mirror. (So precious) touch your face. Do you see that’s your adult hand or your adult face? Is
this what you expected to see?
- (So honey) do you see you have power now that you didn’t have back then? What’s it like to notice that?

Step 5 – Explain About the Recording
(So sweetheart) growing up, you had that very wounding experience with WOUNDING PERSON(S) . While that
was happening, your brain was making a recording of it – like filming a home movie. And that recording has been
inside ever since. Something just pressed “PLAY” on that recording. And that’s why you’re so upset. When this
recording plays back, it FEELS like THE WOUNDING EXPEREINCE is happening again – right now! But it’s not. You’re
not reliving the bad experience, you’re just reliving your reaction to it.
Ask the Resources if they believe the old recording can hurt you now, like WOUNDING PERSON(S) hurt you back
then. What do they say?
When Resources say the recording is harmless, ask… What’s it like to hear that?
If the part is still not sure about that, say… If you were to watch a scary movie, you’d feel fear, right? But you wouldn’t
be in danger, because a movie isn’t real life. And this old recording of WOUNDING PERSON(S) is not real life either.
Discuss this until the triggered part understands.

Step 6 – Assess Your Progress
(So honey) are you still very upset about THE TRIGGERING EVENT ?
- If YES, ask the part… What else do you need now? Then return to Steps 3-5 above.
- If NO or MUCH LESS UPSET, go to Step 7 below.

Step 7 – Invite the Part to Settle In

When there’s nothing else to talk about you’ll invite the part to settle in to the Special Safe Place, so your adult self can be
fully front and center again. Your invitation will depend on whether or not you have a therapist who can follow up with this
wounded part.
If you have a therapist, say…
(So honey) I’d like to see you get unstuck and heal at
the perfect time. I’m not sure when that’s going to be,
hopefully soon. Our therapist can help us work on that.
Now find a nice, cozy, safe place to settle in to your
Special Safe Place. Settle in with the Resources. Find a
good place to rest and play, until the next time you’re
needed.
If you DON’T have a therapist, say…
(So honey) your future well-being is very important
to me. Please know that I’m here for you, and the
Resources are here for you – whenever you need us.
Now find a nice, cozy, safe place to settle in to your
Special Safe Place. Settle in with the Resources. Find
a good place to rest and play, until the next time
you’re needed.

[ArtleyWilkins]

Originally Posted by SlumberKitty

I generally think that when a T tells a person to consider going to the hospital it is one) to protect themselves from a potential lawsuit if something were to happen, two) they think the individual needs a higher level of care, three) either their hands are tied or they don't have the resources to handle such situations in a timely manner to be beneficial to the client. I have found that when I go to the hospital with suicidal idealation, not much happens. Yes, I get evaluated and a basic medical run down, but I still get sent home. THAT HAS JUST BEEN MY EXPERIENCE.

Fortunately for me, my pdoc was on the staff at the hospital, so if I needed to be hospitalized, he always made it happen. It's harder when the hospital doesn't really know you or your therapist or doctor.

One thing that my pdoc always did was to call ahead to the ER/hospital with orders so they knew I was on my way and what he wanted. My therapist did that when my son needed to be hospitalized; he called ahead to give them a heads up and to be sure he was treated appropriately.

[SlumberKitty]

Originally Posted by ArtleyWilkins

Fortunately for me, my pdoc was on the staff at the hospital, so if I needed to be hospitalized, he always made it happen. It's harder when the hospital doesn't really know you or your therapist or doctor.

One thing that my pdoc always did was to call ahead to the ER/hospital with orders so they knew I was on my way and what he wanted. My therapist did that when my son needed to be hospitalized; he called ahead to give them a heads up and to be sure he was treated appropriately.

Thanks ArtleyWilkins, maybe that is what is missing in my ER experiences which haven't been great. The last time, the ER doctor tried calling my PDOC but he couldn't get ahold of him (he was out hiking in the wilderness, no cell service). I think if he had gotten ahold of my PDOC it might have made a difference, but then I never tell my doctors beforehand. I just go to the ER, except one time I told my T I was going but even though I was severely suicidal, they still sent me home. They didn't call T or anything.

[Taylor27]

My therapist has told me to go to er if im suicidal and cannot wait to see her, it's where i go. She can't promise to see me right away. It's not always easy to get in right away, maybe the day after. I can phone her, she will answer during clinic hours. Hugs. I have ptsd too and when i was in hospital it helped allot. I spent a month in there and it really helped me get some coping skills. We had groups and on the crisis unit we got to see a therapist one on one. Some times going to the hospital can really help us take time to focus on ourselves.


I hope you can reach out to someone and keep posting here if it helps you. Hugs

[SummerTime12]

Thank you everybody for being so helpful. One of my big concerns with going to the hospital, and why I find it nearly impossible to make that call on my own, is that I work as a crisis social worker and go to all hospitals in my county and the one over. It would be hard to go somewhere where I wouldn’t be recognized by staff and potentially patients as well. I would feel so embarrassed if that were to happen.

I really wish I could take the weekend to relax, but I work tomorrow night (a crisis worker in crisis is always great, right?) and have several assignments due Sunday night for my online classes. With all the flashbacks though, I’m in such a hypervigilant state that I can’t focus well enough to do my homework. Strangely enough I was fine at work all week though.. it’s like my clients crisis left no room for mine or something, so I was ok until afterward?
@ArtleyWilkins I have an appointment with him on Monday, so thankfully I don’t have to wait too long. I actually feel pretty pathetic for not being sure if I can make it til then since it’s so soon. I’ve been doing some running, watching tv and cleaning. It helps to some extent, but doesn’t feel like enough today.

Thanks @Cheryl27, I appreciate the support. The hospital has definitely been helpful for me in the past too.

@MoxieDoxie thank you for this! I can see it being helpful if done all the way through, I’ll give it a ****.
Question, how do you know if the thing you’re thinking of is free of unresolved trauma? This seems tricky since trauma touches everything.
@SlumberKitty that’s interesting because I’ve had the opposite experience. They ALWAYS admit me when I go to the ER, which is part of why I’m scared to go. I’m sorry it felt like they weren’t taking the problem seriously when you showed up. I feel like they should have done more for you and offered more support.

I’d never heard of a locked unit before, but that seems perfect for what I need right now. I did some research and there’s one not too far from me, but they only have 10 beds. I’m going to give them a call in a bit if things aren’t better. Thank you so much for that idea.

I tried calling the suicide hotline yesterday, but in the middle of our conversation, as I’m crying about my flashbacks, the girl put me on hold. After 10 min waiting for her to return, I hung up.

[sarahsweets]

Do I need to go to the hospital? | Screening 2 Supports

It’s common for people to go to the hospital because of a mental illness. Sometimes people go specifically because of what the hospital has to offer. Other times, it’s just the first place we think of when we are in crisis. Understanding what happens when you check yourself into a hospital can help you decide whether it’s the best option for you right now.

How can the hospital help with mental illness?
There are lots of reasons why people go to the hospital for mental illness. Here are a few:

To be monitored. Sometimes people experiencing mental illness feel like they can’t trust themselves. Maybe you can’t seem to stop hurting yourself or you are afraid you might hurt someone else. In a hospital, you are constantly being monitored by people who are trained to keep you and those around you safe.
To escape for a few days. Hospital stays for mental health are usually pretty short (from a few days to a week or two). But if your day-to-day life is stressing you out, a short break can go a long way for your mental health. While you’re at the hospital, meals are prepared for you, your laundry is done for you, and your meds are given to you by nurses at scheduled times. You don’t have to worry about any of that. It leaves time for you to think about what you’ll do once you’re back in the real world… or, you can just take that time to watch TV and lay in bed.
To get quick, comprehensive medical care. Meeting all your mental health needs can feel like juggling way too many things at once. There’s medication, therapy, lifestyle changes… not to mention your physical health. In a hospital, you can see specialists for all of those things—all in a single day! In the real world, scheduling appointments can be a hassle, and sometimes you need to wait to be seen. But in a hospital setting, you can get it all taken care of at once.
To set up aftercare. What happens when your hospital stay is done? Well, answering that question is actually part of your stay. If you need medications, you’ll be given refills and possibly even coupons to help you keep up with your meds once you’re on your own. The hospital can make referrals for a pharmacy, a therapist, and any other specialists you might need to see. Often the hospital can help pay for follow-up appointments, if you don’t have insurance that covers them.
What other options do I have?
A hospital stay can be helpful in many situations, but it also has its drawbacks. It’s not the best long-term solution—you’re not likely to walk away from the hospital completely cured. But it can be a great first step. In the United States, a hospital stay can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to get financial assistance, so you shouldn’t let this prevent you from keeping yourself safe if it’s your best option.

Whether you decide to go to the hospital or not, it’s important to know that you have lots of options. If you’re in crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text “MHA” to 741-741 to talk to a trained counselor from Crisis Text Line. For a longer-term solution, you can schedule an appointment with a therapist or talk to your doctor about trying a medication. Joining a support group can be helpful. You can also improve your mental health on your own by learning more about mental illness, opening up to someone you trust, and making lifestyle changes.

Who decides whether or not I’ll go to the hospital?
In most cases, you’ll need to make that decision for yourself. The laws vary by state, but usually you can only be hospitalized against your will if you present a “clear and present” danger to yourself or others. In other words, it has to seem like you’re really going to hurt someone if you aren’t hospitalized. If that is the case, you might be checked into the hospital by a friend or family member, or a mental health professional like a therapist or doctor. But more likely, if one of those people is worried about you, they will try to convince you to check yourself in voluntarily.

In some circumstances, you may want to consider creating a Psychiatric Advance Directive before going to the hospital. This is a written legal document that expresses your wishes about what types of treatments, services and other assistance you want or don't want when you are having difficulty communicating or making decisions. You can also specify which facility you’d prefer to be taken to.

You said that you don’t know why you feel disappointed with his response, is it that you hoped for some direct emotional support, some caring words, rather than advice about what you could do?

[SummerTime12]

Originally Posted by Wild at heart

You said that you don’t know why you feel disappointed with his response, is it that you hoped for some direct emotional support, some caring words, rather than advice about what you could do?

I hadn’t even realized that this was what I needed until I read your post. Thank you! That’s definitely what his response lacked; he just jumped straight into advice. Not that it’s his fault since I didn’t even know what I wanted.

But this morning he emailed to see how I’m doing, which means a lot especially considering it’s the weekend. I just don’t know how to reply!