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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by crinn on January 27, 2002, at 9:05:35
I guess I'm shamelessly looking for support. I decided on Thursday to check myself into my pdoc's hospital (ok, it's not really, his, but the one he works at) to keep myself safe. I'm having strong suicidal inclinations, and altho' I'm a fighter, I'm really tired, and would like to be in a safe place for a few days. I'm also going off Effexor XR (am down to 37.5 mg every other day--slowly titrated down off of a 375 mg dose) and am on 200mg of lamictal, and xanax--which is more every hour, just to get through all of this.
Anyway, anyone else out there do this? did you find it helpful? would I be better off just taking a week off work and staying home? I guess part of me was just hopeful that people close to me would take the disease more seriously if I was in the hospital, and it would really feel good to be safe for awhile. I'm just so afraid--and I'm really not very good at schedules or being told what to do (being a creative-type person).
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Warmly, Crinn
Posted by finelinebob on January 27, 2002, at 10:28:18
In reply to Hospitalization, posted by crinn on January 27, 2002, at 9:05:35
Glad that you're doing it "shamelessly". There's nothing wrong and quite a bit right about looking for support when you need it =^).
I haven't done it, but my best friend (whom I consider a much stronger, stable person than myself) did. Twice. Both times helped her immensely.
Feeling safe is important and a great reason to do this. Getting others to take your condition seriously is something you shouldn't feel guilty about. First of all, it sounds like you could use the support for more, for lack of a better term, "genuine" reasons. Getting folks to take you seriously is bonus, if it happens.
Some people just need a sledgehammer to open their minds.
be well,
flb
Posted by Greg A. on January 27, 2002, at 12:44:17
In reply to Hospitalization, posted by crinn on January 27, 2002, at 9:05:35
Crinn,
I did what you are thinking of - for many of the same reasons. Up to that point I had been so good at hiding what was really going on with me that no one knew except my wife. That was part of my problem. Putting on an act all the time, and fooling everyone except me. Hospital was great. I just said 'Here I am. Depressed and suicidal.' I stayed 2 weeks and then went through a group therapy program. I told my friends and some visited. I certainly did not emerge cured, but the suicidal thoughts were pushed way to the back and I had a whole new support group to call on.
Greg
Posted by Sourceror on January 27, 2002, at 19:54:28
In reply to Re: Hospitalization, posted by Greg A. on January 27, 2002, at 12:44:17
Crinn,
I have been in the hospital five times in the last year for suicidal reasons and depending on how things go at my next pdoc appt tomorrow I may be going back in again. Each time so far has been a good experience and I would say it helped to give me a break and be selfish and think only of myself and getting me better. It was also nice to know that I was safe and when I came out I felt stronger and more able to combat the suicidal thoughts. I stayed approx 2 weeks each time I was in. There are schedules and all set up but it is entirely up to you if you follow it (however you get out faster if you follow the regiment). I hope this helps and I hope you do go in if you are feeling the way you have described. Have you got a day in mind you were going to go in? Why didn't you go in right after you spoke with your pdoc? I know it is a scary step to take but you will be stronger for it.L8R,
The Sourceror
Posted by Creature on January 27, 2002, at 21:51:15
In reply to Hospitalization, posted by crinn on January 27, 2002, at 9:05:35
Crimm,
I don't know what country you're in, I'm in the US and I've had 2 hosp.
First one was at the local hosp, not a good place at all, staff was not trained enough medically or psych. wiseNext time I went in, I checked around first, with people that I trusted. Both with professionals in the mental health and with people that have been hosp. When both agreed, thats the hosp I went to. It was an hour away from home, but much better, much more helpful.
when you go in, take with things that bring you comfort; pictures (no glass or breakable frames), stuffed animal, your own pillow, fav books, and ALL the meds, presb and non presb. They will take these meds away from you and issue new ones. But if you don't bring them in, you'll have a hell of time. getting new ones.
If you're up to it or better yet have a friend do this for you. Find the laws regarding
Psych hosp. in your state or country. Usually, but not always a voluntary admit is easier and the best bet to do. In my state they are called mental hygiene laws. Again in my state, psych units have to post all laws and have a toll free that you call to report problems. And you have right to now what your status. You also have a right to refuse medications, though this can be seen as being detrimental to your trmnt. I refused a certain and I explained why, was given no problems abt it.Know that there will be some rules that you'll be angry about. Depending on where you are; they might take away shoe strings, belts, and even your glasses at night. This usually depends on much of a risk they consider to be.
So, remember bring things that comfort you, nothing that's breakable though and nothing of real value. You also have to right to refuse visitors or just refuse specific people.
Good to see you're taking care yourself.No, I don't think you're better off just staying home. I know my tendancy would be to focus on all those thoughts and urges, after all there would nothing to district me.
A good hosp can many thinks besides just keep you safe; a change to adjust your meds (I had a great pdoc, she was very aggresive with this) while under medical supervison, a chance to lean many new tech. that could prevent another hosp. also a break from the day to day grind, to really focus and learn how to deal with all of it...and being safe while you can do that...won't be just one hour a week.
wishing you hope,
Creature
Posted by OldSchool on January 28, 2002, at 15:25:51
In reply to Hospitalization, posted by crinn on January 27, 2002, at 9:05:35
> I guess I'm shamelessly looking for support. I decided on Thursday to check myself into my pdoc's hospital (ok, it's not really, his, but the one he works at) to keep myself safe. I'm having strong suicidal inclinations, and altho' I'm a fighter, I'm really tired, and would like to be in a safe place for a few days. I'm also going off Effexor XR (am down to 37.5 mg every other day--slowly titrated down off of a 375 mg dose) and am on 200mg of lamictal, and xanax--which is more every hour, just to get through all of this.
> Anyway, anyone else out there do this? did you find it helpful? would I be better off just taking a week off work and staying home? I guess part of me was just hopeful that people close to me would take the disease more seriously if I was in the hospital, and it would really feel good to be safe for awhile. I'm just so afraid--and I'm really not very good at schedules or being told what to do (being a creative-type person).
> Any input would be greatly appreciated.
> Warmly, CrinnThe psychiatric hospital sucks to the max. Its somewhat like jail. Its not like a regular hospital...its more akin to jail or being in a military boot camp than a hospital. Its regimented to a degree, the staff are usually patronizing...they treat you like you are incompetent or like a little kid when you are there.
I recommend not going to a mental hospital unless you are really actively suicidal. If you are really actively suicidal expect to be in lockup at least part of the time there. I was in the area of the hospital where you had the most freedom, but the people who were judged to be actively suicidal were placed in "lockup" and put on suicide watch. No fun...pretty close to being in jail.
Its much easier to just discipline yourself to not be suicidal. I know that sounds goofy, but its the truth. Just take your drugs and dont be suicidal...its easier that way.
Old School
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