Rosie, I have been hospitalized twice - both times I checked myself in. I took myself to the emergency because I was having thoughts of suicide. The first time was for a week - which was only long enough to stabilize me on meds. The second time I stayed for six weeks - which WAS helpful. I was first diagnosed with major depression in my early 20s (I am 47 now) so it has been a life-long battle. Dunnr
We're glad that you are active on this site. Although it does not provide a physical change in your environment, it provides
a safe place to share your thoughts, struggles and challenges you are working through.
I can understand wanting to disappear from our problems, but they are frustratingly savvy in sticking with us until we actively deal with them -face them head on- as painful as it can be.
The great part about these forums is that you don't have to do this alone. We are present to support each other through these rough times. It is often a helpful complement to medications you have been prescribed or other programs you may be involved in, whether it is seeing psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellor etc...
I was actually looking into this myself. but having no health insurance, and having just recently spent 1000 a week on subtance abuse rehab I cant afford it. I probably should have stayed in rehab longer but I am coming to some amazing realizations out here on my own. I would say take a long good look at the hospital. I personally would look into an out patient behavioral health program if I was you. Thats alot more benificial then just a 3 or 4 day stay at a psych ward.
I wish I could just disappear from all my problems, but I already tried running away and they followed me all out here. :(
Personally I have never been hospitalized (at least not for the mental illness), however over the last year I have met many people who have been hospitalized. As ~m mentioned the effectiveness depends on many factors including ourselves. Besides hospitalization there are also other distress centres available. Some of them have some beds available where you can stay for a few days.
During the last year I went to a peer support group on a regular basis, which was very helpful for me. We were sharing methods to avoid triggers, how to discuss issues with family and friends and sometimes just sharing what we did the week before.
I notice from your words that you are currently very low. I have had exactly the same feelings as you have: I would never commit suicide, however if I would have died the next day, I wouldn't have had a problem with it. This is a very serious situation and I think your GP did realize the seriousness of the situation. My experience is that if I don't focus on myself when I am that low, my functioning at work will suffer and also the relationship with my spouse deteriorates. The final result was always the loss of my job. Now I know I have to focus on myself and try to stabilize. My spouse is, since she knows, very supportive during these periods.
Do check in often and keep us posted. As ~m said: we are here to listen.
I've been several times and whether or not it helps depends on the program, the nurses, the doctors... a three day visit doesn't really accomplish much except maybe get meds stabilized. Not wanting to live is about wanting the pain to stop... sometimes we just need a time out (vacation or retreat). It really is up to you... If you feel a danger to yourself and unable to control your impulses... definitely go. Otherwise, do consider some alternatives... maybe seeing a pdoc or a counselor for evaluation. We are here to listen if you want to share. Do check back and keep us posted. You will be in my thoughts today....
Has anyone been hospitalised for depression? If so, did it help you at all?? My GP wanted to book me into hospital for a few days to just remove myself from all my triggers for a while, as I seem to be slowly falling apart with so many things going wrong at once. I am just not sure whether there will be real benenfit, and am concerned about my boss learning about my condition, as I have only had my job since the beginning of the year and feel under alot of pressure not to let them down. I would love to take a 'time out' but am not sure whether it is not just going to cause problems with my job and mt husband. Please let me know your experiences. I am not sure what to do. I am not exactly contemplating suicide, I just sort of wish I could stop existing without hurting my loved ones.
