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
poster:OldSchool
thread:17271
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020125/msgs/17388.html