Voluntary Admission to the Hospital - Mental Health Message Board

LeeLee3 · 05-22-2006, 08:15 PM

We were discussing mental illness in one of my classes, and we were told that people can voluntarily admit themselves to a hospital if they feel that they are a threat to themselves or others. I've been dealing with what I think may be depression or mental illness on and off for a few years. I'm not sure if it's normal - our professor said that 7 out of 10 people suffer from some kind of mental illness, but most don't have the debilitating type of illness. I go through periods of time where I basically shut down and feel completely worthless. I got a new job, and felt like it would be a great opportunity to get experience while going to school and make some money. I come to find out that it wasn't nearly the amount of hours and salary that I thought it would be. I quit my last job to do this because he made it sound from the interview that it would be much better. This, and the fact that I'm not doing well in my classes and that I'm in a city where I still know virtually no one have me very upset.

I feel so let down by life - nothing seems to go right for me at all. I'm afraid I may eventually do something if I'm alone (which I am a lot of the time) and don't feel better. I want to know if anyone has gone as far as checking themselves into a hospital? I did talk to my parents today and gave them hints that I am doing poorly, but they did not take them seriously. We have had recent suicides in the family, and alcoholism. I'm not sure I would really go through with suicide because I would be afraid of it not working - so, I'm not threatening suicide, but I also can't help but wonder if it is something I would do if I got deeper into this state. Which is why I'm thinking about the hospital. I have nowhere I can go up here when I feel depressed. The search that I did for local mental hospitals only brought up those that don't exist any more - I guess they may be called psychiatric hospitals now? I don't want it to be on my record that I admitted myself to a hospital, but I also read something about the records being expunged. i think that is if you are declared mentally incompetent by the court and have the choice to volunatary admit yourself, though - your court record is erased if you agree to go. I'm also not sure what they would do - if they'd call my family or give me medication. I have talked to a psychologist before which I quit after two sessions because I felt that it wasn't helping.

kehorner · 05-22-2006, 09:08 PM

Pretty much if you end up in the hospital, they're probably going to put you on medication (probably an antidepressant). You might try seeing a psychiatrist and also a therapist who will work together with you. Sometimes it can take a few tries to find a therapist that works for you. Also, any treatment can take some time to work. But if you know that you are going downhill right now, it's much better to get treatment on an outpatient basis if you can, rather than be in the hospital. And, if you are established with a psychiatrist and worsen, they can help you get the help that you need. The best thing to do, though, is to get help as soon as possible, and not wait until you get so bad that you need to go into the hospital.

strongernow · 05-22-2006, 09:16 PM

Be very careful who you choose as a therapist and psychiatrist. Your psychiatrist needs to be board certified. Do a google search for ABPN for a list of board certified psychiatrists in your area - this way you know that you will get good help. Make sure your therapists believe in you and what you say. Also make sure that they do not gaslight or try to brainwash you and make you feel something that you are not - as what happened to me. Also I believe that well trained cognitive and behavior therapists are sometimes very good considering that they will listen to you and take your concerns seriously and see that you get positive results.

LeeLee3 · 05-23-2006, 10:49 AM

I brought up my symptoms to my regular physician at an annual appt. about 2 years ago - this was the first time I remember being in a really poor mental state. He presribed Citalopram (generic of Celexa). It really put me in a fog. I literally had to lay in bed for two days. I couldn't drive, I could barely eat. It was a waste of money because they wouldn't take the remainder of the medicine back - I just threw it out because I could not take anymore of it.

Would a behavioral/cognitive psychiatrist do more than just prescribe drugs? maybe I need a mix of psychologist/psychiatrist, or maybe this is something I can get myself out of. I think part of it is hormonal (PMS) and circumstances -I get myself into these bad spells, and get myself out. This one now is my worst one yet, though, and I'm afraid of reaching my limitations. I'm not working - I have insurance, but hesitate to spend money if it won't help like these past times. I basically just need a place to go when I reach the point that I can no longer take it.

strongernow · 05-23-2006, 12:34 PM

Hey LeeLee - Yes a therapist who does behavior or cognitive modification will sit down with you and listen to your concerns and then help you modify/alter the thoughts that are creating your bad mood in a very respectful way and positive way. Be sure to ask each therapist that you interview - What is your theoretical orientation? If they get defensive and irate then skip on them. Each therapy session should be structured and the therapist will solicit feedback from you at the end of the session, this feedback helps the therapist improve. They will also help you plan out steps to meet your goals and encourage you and provide empathy and they should teach you about positive reinforcement. If the therapist does not do that then there is something wrong and you should leave if you feel it is not helping. I would stay clear away from a therapist who practices in the person centered or psychodynamic approach because nothing usually gets accomplished with those approaches. LeeLee there are plenty of self help books that could help you - LLyanla, Dr. Phil, Aaron Beck,Judith Beck, and Norman Vincent Peal are good authors.