My Therapist Suggested Inpatient Treatment

[Iam]

I was an inpatient 3 weeks ago. I went because I was suicidal and had totally dissociated. It was worth it as I was safe. I can't say I got a lot out of the group sessions. Talking with the psychiatrist and several therapist every day was helpful. I did agree to go back on medication and I started working the CBT again. The main thing was that I was safe, but getting away from everyone was very helpful too.

You have a lot on your plate at home Jade. It would be a good break for you, but that is just MHO.

 

[Jade-]

Thanks for all the replies. I am fine right now.

 

[Iam]

I'm glad Jade :) You are such a strong woman!

 

[mamachick]

Jadebear-I am sorry for all you are going through and understand that wanting to be taken care of. I think that the local treatment in partient is all about stabilization for those (catch all) suicidal, schizo, un medicated bi polar (anyone that could pose threat to self of other or is currently unstable. I have read about in patient trauma centers that are 30-90 day. They are not lock in. They do not push drugs but do push groups and individual counseling that keeps you so busy that you are not napping or watching tv. Ive been on a 3 day crisis unit-big joke. Lock in, up meds, did you have a bm today, goal group (taking a shower), hearing any voices, etc. No daylight, no exercise, no fresh air.

I dont think most of us are going to a spa (betty ford) but I understand there are a few good in patient facilities. They are intensive, like seeing your therapist 6 hours a day. Some talk, some group, art/music/yoga. I have heard that they help when we have lost all focus of a daily schedule (I go to sleep at daylight when I feel safer). Many of us end up abusing or being self destructive in another way (alcohol, drug, diet, cutting, eating, gambling, etc). These issues are addressed as well and maybe 12 step meetings for all. I would not know what it is to have a full day everyday anymore. As I avoid. Cant even go to grocery store.

I went to T this week and told her I want to go. My insurance will only pay 65% out of network (none in network) with 1000 deductable, but that can be appealed. I am going to find a place and then appeal. I want my life back. I have lost all self esteem and while T is very good, I feel like I need hours every week. I miaght as well stay somewhere and be under regular observation. Its taking more meds to put me to sleeep again and dont want to get up. Since I have an empty nest, my dogs work around my dysfunctional schedule.

If anybody knows of a good place in the US, please let me know. I am tired of failing doing it this slowly. It feels like two steps forward and one back. I will gladly go. It will mean focusing on me and becoming stronger, rather than coming home from hour appt and having to deal with same old poo. It is a goal for me, so if anybody knows-please share.

 

[FloridaBailey]

JadeBear,

Best of luck to you sweetie, I just want to say that off the bat and I am sending love and hugs your way. I.am happy to hear you have a good therapist. I have been In a inpatient facility before do to suicidal tendencies. I would love to tell you I was not afraid but I was, I was put in handcuffs and taken by a police officer.

In the state of Florida it is law you stay for 72 hours when Baker acted. My scenario is a little different because I did not go on my own free will and you have a choice. It sounds like from you saying "you need to get away" Then go sweetie, it sounds like you have a lot of things going on in your family life as well. When I went I saw T and he was very helpful. Yes you are given drugs but it is to put you on a proper regiment, when I left the T wrote me perscriptions.

I know its not the Bahamas but like James said you can "unplug" that really is the perfect metaphor because it is true. Please give yourself a break... And best wishes to your sobriety.

Xoxo

 

[poeticprincess88]

I went to the Pychiatric Insitute of Washington in D.C. for two weeks in 2011. It was the best PTSD treatment I ever recieved. They helped me so much. The groups were challenging but they taught me a lot.

 

[matthios]

My inpatient stints have been anything but helpful (I'd argue made everything worse). After hearing about other people's experiences, I've got to reiterate each place is different. I can't ever imagine someone going into them voluntarily (semantically, not legally). If being treated like a prisoner, abused, and surrounded by dangerous people seems like it would be beneficial, then yeah- go for it.

I tried to spin the first time I was in as "needing a break from life"- in retrospect, I wish I'd taken a week-long cruise. Would've done be better and cost substantially less.

 

[Miami89]

If you are in voluntarily, you cannot be kept for an extended period, and doubt they would want to keep you that long, anyway.

I was admitted, for a different reason, in July, and was only given medications I was already on. In my case, I found the daily sessions with the psychologist in a group setting to be very helpful, as well as the art therapy. (I'm no artist, but that's not the point)

It can help to be in with others and talk with them. I was amazed how quickly friendship springs up and how helpful everyone feels towards each other.

I can understand not wanting to miss work, but if your therapist is recommending it, it may be more important than "work" right now.

 

[matthios]

That's provided, of course, there *is* a psychologist and that groups are actually therapeutic. This isn't the case everywhere.

State laws vary, but most "voluntary" admits can't leave when you want to... it's when the doctor says you can. Even on a "voluntary" admit, they can keep you up to 14 days without a hearing in my state. (and 30 in a neighboring state).

 

[Miami89]

That is very true. That being the case, it is essential that the individual being advised by her T. find out from the T. just what is available and if the psych unit has a "high functioning" floor and all the other things that I was fortunate enough to receive.

 

[WesternSky]

It is interesting (if somewhat disturbing because of the subject) for me to read other people's thoughts on inpatient treatment. If you do decide to do inpatient, please, please be careful and find out everything you can about the facility you would be placed in. I was dealing with deep depression and SI, and was convinced to go the emergency room. I hadn't wanted to go because I was afraid I would be put in a hospital, and my fears were realized. The person I spoke with told me that I could either go voluntarily, in which case I would only be there 3 days, or they could commit me and I might have to stay longer.

I asked all the right questions about the facility and was reassured by the answers - then after I had already agreed, they said there weren't enough beds and shipped me off to a completely different facility almost an hour away. I ended up in a locked psych ward at a state behavioral center where everything was different than what they told me. I hardly saw a psychiatrist/psychologist (I always forget the difference) except for maybe 5-10 minutes a day, group therapy was half an hour and a complete joke, and they refused to discharge me until I got outside help. Not only did I receive no help for depression or SI, I left with PTSD from my stay there and have been unable to seek adequate help for that because I am now terrified of all hospitals, doctors, and therapists.

I understand that others have had different experiences and I implore you to choose the facility wisely, because it can make all the difference between feeling safe and getting help or leaving with even more problems.

 

[matthios]

because I am now terrified of all hospitals, doctors, and therapists.

You are not alone. Your experience is not a rarity. People with experiences like yours (which is to say: mine as well in so many ways) typically dont' talk about them. We don't want to think about it, to relive it, to address it. Denial, not just a river in Egypt! Well, it's more avoidance than denial...

When help isn't helpful, but in fact hurtful in a completely unproductive way... it really complicates everything.