Thinking Of Hospitalizing Myself

[Smile]

But 1 person (family) I mentioned it to said I should absolutely not do it! He said it's the worst thing. That the hospital (mental ward) has full control over when you are allowed to leave and that they screw up your meds and overmedicate you.

Is this true? I'm in New York, USA.

Reason why I want to go in: I'm being squeezed from psychiatrist who has lowered my Xanax dose even though I told him I can't handle the lower dose. My gp has refused to give me more pain killers for chronic pain which is driving me slightly mad.

Best friend is getting married tomorrow... I'm the maid of honor and her family drama is too much for me! I shower like once a month... Just this past week I've been able to brush my teeth almost every day.

I can barely (not really) take care of myself and my anxiety is so friggin high!!! I've been taking more Xanax than I'm "supposed" to but it's not helping. Just making me really tired but barely sleeping.

Oh god, someone help me!

 

[Friday]

Hospitals are far from created equal.

If you're looking at going in somewhere blind, on an emergency basis? They could be great, they could be terrible. Emergencies rarely leave a lot of time for planning. So I would take this opportunity now to research hospitals in your area. Find out which ones have great reputations for emergency, inpatient, & intensive outpatient programs in mental health. Find out if any specialize in trauma/PTSD (there are often waiting lists for these, and require a lot of steps for you & your present team to go through). Use the time you have now, to your advantage.

You'll probably find that being able to go home when you want? That the problem is on the other end of the spectrum here in the states... It's far harder to get in to most places, and not just sent home... Than to get out.

 

[Recovery4Me]

Quick link for consideration or not:
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There are phone and web info with this link. I am sorry for your pain. I also admire your courage.

 

[book6672]

I agree with @FridayJones. Hospital on your terms would probably go better so I would do some research. . Sometimes, it helps to adjust your meds. It sounds like the Xanax is helping but it is easy to get dependent on it, so I bet your doctor is trying to avoid that from happening. Maybe there is another medication that can help? If you don't go to the hospital, hook up with your doctor when they open.

 

[Smile]

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Thank you!!! My brother is calling the places now. I don't have the head for it.

 

[void]

But 1 person (family) I mentioned it to said I should absolutely not do it! He said it's the worst thing....

When committed, the Psychiatrist does have legal authority over you. They can hold you until they believe that you are well enough to leave.

Are any trained professionals helping you to cope with your anxiety?... and I don't mean pills.

If you have a T., does he/she know your current state of mind?

 

[Chava]

I've been hospitalized for suicide attempts, anorexia, alcoholism, and just being a danger to myself in general. I've been in shitty programs and good ones. I was able to walk out if I wanted (I think they could have held me at one point, but if you aren't a serious danger to yourself or others there is no reason to try to put a hold on you). You could research hospitals and programs, inpatient or partial programs, that deal with anxiety and/or PTSD. It sounds like it could be a good option for resetting...having a safe place to look at switching up the meds and not remaining on downward slope. Even if you aren't an "addict", the fact of needing more and more meds, and them not working, points to a clear reason to wean yourself off and try something else (other meds but also just have time, space, and support for coping with perhaps fewer meds or the changes).

I'm not in New York so don't have any specific suggestions, but I think researching programs that could help you would be a good idea. It's really good that you can even recognize that you feel stuck and need support. Do some research and make some calls if you find anything...could be a really healthy good choice. The places I chose and went to willingly were great and I was even sad to leave. The support and safe place was very helpful. In one treatment program I ended up going off all meds...horrid for a few days but then my sense of humor returned. It was...amazing. I had become so blunted.

 

[joeylittle]

@Smile - everyone's giving great advice. I would add: I know you aren't thrilled with your psych right now because he's tapering you off the Xanax, but you should ask him if he has admitting privileges to any hospitals in your area.

Being admitted is a much more controlled process than going in thru the ER.

Regarding medication: yes, I'm not a doctor, but I think it's reasonable to assume that in a hospital environment they will want to start you on something non-habit-forming for your anxiety. The advantage of starting meds in hospital is that they can get you to a working dose faster and you can have constant access to doctors as you are experiencing the effects of the drug and trying to suss out how well it is working for you.

The disadvantage is, they will almost always do a big med change. And for many people, it's terrifying to give up control over what you are taking. That's why, if you can do an actual intake with your prescribing physician, you have continuity of care, and they will be able to take your thoughts on meds into account.

Frankly - I think you could use the support in order to get off the Xanax, and I wonder - has your current psych suggested admitting you for that reason?

 

[Smile]

When committed, the Psychiatrist does have legal authority over you. They can hold you until they believe t...

No. She doesn't like me emailing her about these types of things. And I just couldn't make that call. I am seeing her today though

 

[Smile]

@Smile - everyone's giving great advice. I would add: I know you aren't thrilled...

Thanks. Great idea about being admitted v psychiatrist. No, he has not suggested I go in. I did cal his office and leave a message that I wanted to go in and he tried calling me back... 3 times. But I'm such a chicken with the stupid phone. I had a really hard time making calls or answering them :( maybe ill try him back now...

 

[Smile]

Thanks. Great idea about being admitted v psychiatrist. No, he has not suggested I go in. I did cal his of...

Actually not calling him. I don't know what I would say. Feel like a faker

 

[void]

Actually not calling him. I don't know what I would say. Feel like a faker

You are no faker.
You are trying very hard to make some VERY difficult choices.
We are on your side.:hug:
You will face the truth of your condition, even though it's hard.

Pls, keep us posted.
We care.:hug: