Thinking of Putting Myself in a Psych Ward

[Enigma25]

I've never done it before, but I am scared and trying to see if taking myself out is really the route I want to go down. Just wanna know what to expect? How long maybe? I dunno I want to but shoot im kinda nervous

 

[AutisticAcademic]

Where are you from? I'm in Canada and it's almost impossible to be admitted into the psych ward.

 

[Enigma25]

Where are you from? I'm in Canada and it's almost impossible to be admitted into the psych ward.

Im in the USA (unfortunately). I don't know if that's the right word but yknow. The hospital. Health center. One of those. I daydream and think about it waaaaaay more than I usually do and most people. I am concerned as well as a friend

 

[Crow_88]

They are very boring. Keep in mind that once you are in, they decide when you leave. The best part of the day is definitely evening snack!

 

[inhabitinglots]

ive been. its okay, theyre boring, and after a while you can start to feel pretty crazy. dont feel like you cant talk to other people in there-- there can be some mean people, but sometimes talking to others who get it really does help, just dont get to invested. if youre at a point in your life where you think it would help, i would say go for it. do you have a support system of any kind outside of that? anyone to visit you? sorry if thats an insensitive question-- just that it can help. either way, you should look up wards in your area and see which ones to avoid. also probably dont tell them if youre actively suicidal, theyll put you on suicide watch if you say you have a plan.

 

[weallhaveourghosts]

Hey there friend. Depending on what you're looking for treatment wise you've got a couple options you could do ranging from how severe your thoughts are from like have the stuff and might do it to like it is mostly just a thought but I can't get it out.


So most psych holds are for people who currently in crisis. They stabilize you and send you out. It's not really about treatment at these places. They just mainly are wanting you in a place where you can't do anything.

Residential - These are long term facilities and you need to be approved to get in by a phone screening usually. Residential without insurance is expensive. You also can't hold a job while there so if you have bills and no way to pay them as much as res could be helpful not many people can do it. These stays can be weeks to a few months. Also depending on what you say on the phone screen they may suggest psych hold.

PHP - Partial Hospitalization Program - This is a step down from residential. You still spend a fair bit of time at the hospital but are also able to go home. These programs can sometimes be affiliated with local hospitals so if there's a hospital you tend to go to you can see if they offer this.

IOP - Intensive Outpatient Program - I did this through a site called Charlie Health. Essentially like group therapy so many times a day and you also have individual therapy as well.

Therapy / Psychiatrist - Fairly obvious. Probably the least expensive too if you're concerned about cost. Bit of a pain though to sift through and find the right therapist / psychiatrist / med mix or treatment but woah boy if you're really on the I wanna get better train just know this method is possible but if you think you need something more involved than just a once or twice weekly session the above options might be better.

Peer Support Groups - Throwing this in here because they may help. Connecting with other humans who understand or at least validate you can be huge. NAMI is the one org I know that runs these across the US but I'm sure there are others as well.
Also wanted to say I'm not dissuading from going to psych ward, just that there are other options depending on where you are right now and what you think would be the most helpful. I also agree to look them up before going because not all are created equal.

 

[Griever]

 

[Enigma25]

ive been. its okay, theyre boring, and after a while you can start to feel pretty crazy. dont feel like you cant talk to other people in there-- there can be some mean people, but sometimes talking to others who get it really does help, just dont get to invested. if youre at a point in your life where you think it would help, i would say go for it. do you have a support system of any kind outside of that? anyone to visit you? sorry if thats an insensitive question-- just that it can help. either way, you should look up wards in your area and see which ones to avoid. also probably dont tell them if youre actively suicidal, theyll put you on suicide watch if you say you have a plan.

i've been vocal about my suicide but I have not confided in anybody that could/would visit. They are either too far away or I spoke to them specifically because I knew I could vent and they wouldn't care. I don't have family though

Hey there friend. Depending on what you're looking for treatment wise you've got a couple options you could do ranging from how severe your thoughts are from like have the stuff and might do it to like it is mostly just a thought but I can't get it out.


So most psych holds are for people who currently in crisis. They stabilize you and send you out. It's not really about treatment at these places. They just mainly are wanting you in a place where you can't do anything.

Residential - These are long term facilities and you need to be approved to get in by a phone screening usually. Residential without insurance is expensive. You also can't hold a job while there so if you have bills and no way to pay them as much as res could be helpful not many people can do it. These stays can be weeks to a few months. Also depending on what you say on the phone screen they may suggest psych hold.

PHP - Partial Hospitalization Program - This is a step down from residential. You still spend a fair bit of time at the hospital but are also able to go home. These programs can sometimes be affiliated with local hospitals so if there's a hospital you tend to go to you can see if they offer this.

IOP - Intensive Outpatient Program - I did this through a site called Charlie Health. Essentially like group therapy so many times a day and you also have individual therapy as well.

Therapy / Psychiatrist - Fairly obvious. Probably the least expensive too if you're concerned about cost. Bit of a pain though to sift through and find the right therapist / psychiatrist / med mix or treatment but woah boy if you're really on the I wanna get better train just know this method is possible but if you think you need something more involved than just a once or twice weekly session the above options might be better.

Peer Support Groups - Throwing this in here because they may help. Connecting with other humans who understand or at least validate you can be huge. NAMI is the one org I know that runs these across the US but I'm sure there are others as well.
Also wanted to say I'm not dissuading from going to psych ward, just that there are other options depending on where you are right now and what you think would be the most helpful. I also agree to look them up before going because not all are created equal.

OOOOOOH this sounds scary. I am by myself with no support, and if it cost money I'll just sit it out. It's not right now but what would I do if Im a single dog dad???? thats happening soon. What about my son?

 

[AnimusLapsus]

If you feel like seeking out clinical assistance, then you should absolutely do it. There is no shame in asking for help—in fact, acknowledgement is the first step to acceptance. This is one of the most difficult but bravest things you can do. Once one embraces their condition for what it is, they can proceed accordingly, working to attain diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and hopefully remission. After you've arrived at the ER, you will quickly be admitted and taken to a psych room that is self-harm proof(covered tvs, curved edges, removed objects). Depending on staffing and location, you may have a CNA (certified nurse assistant) who will keep you company until you are transported to ensure your safety. American ER's are generally overworked and understaffed, so no matter where you are, expect everything to move at a turtle's pace. The first individual you will likely see is a nurse, who will ask you basic medical history and reason for admission. The level of compassion varies from nurse to nurse (they are Er nurses, not psych), so don't be put off if they seem irreverent. They might take some labs, conduct an ekg, or perform other tests they deem necessary. Overall, it will be relatively non-invasive. You may see the attending ER doc or resident, but that is not guaranteed. What is guaranteed is the referral of a social worker and a psychiatrist (also a doctor). They will both ask you questions regarding your mental health. It may feel invasive and repetitive, but it is imperative to be honest in order to receive adequate assistance. They are also rather adept at assessing implicit and unspoken communication markers, so lying is generally not advised. Know that voluntary psych recipients are allowed to be discharged from the facility at the earliest appropriate time, not to exceed 5 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Once admission is decided, the charge nurse or nurse manager will look for an available bed at the nearest facility (if there is no room in your hospital). Transportation services are provided via ambulance. Lying on a stretcher, you will be escorted by your EMS technicians to the hospital's psych facility entrance, wherein a psych nurse will be eagerly awaiting your arrival at the entrance doors. The most uncomfortable part of your stay will be at the very beginning. Once, and only once unless otherwise warranted, you will be asked to remove all articles of clothing (down to your underwear) while being observed by a same-sex staff member. They will assess your body for self injury and document any physical trauma (former or present) for charting purposes. This will take less than five minutes. You will likely be asked the same questions the psychiatrist and social worker asked you in the ER (reason for admission, mental health and trauma history, severity of suicidality/homicidality). You will then receive a daily schedule, menu, and be escorted to your room. Days are highly regimented, surveillance is round the clock, and group/indivudal therapy sessions are emotionally and mentally exhausting. The crowd of prospective patients is highly variable according to location, but generally speaking, most individuals there will be just like you. After your stay, you will be asked if you would like to maintain continuity of treatment by way of an PHP/IOP. These are step-down facilities that offer continuation of care but allow you to return home at the end of the day.

This is a general overview of what you should expect. I left out lots of specifics and semantics, so please feel free to ask any questions if you have them. I've been admitted to inpatient psychiatric facilities three times, so I know my way around the block atp. Note that these facilities serve the sole purpose of initial intervention and stabilization. This translates to a brief visit just long enough to introduce you to any meds, prevent/treat side effects, and ensure you are not a danger to yourself or others. The rest of the work continues afterward, either in IOP/PHP or with private therapy. Discharge will not be permitted without assurance that you have a clinical support system to turn to upon leaving.

 

[weallhaveourghosts]

i've been vocal about my suicide but I have not confided in anybody that could/would visit. They are either too far away or I spoke to them specifically because I knew I could vent and they wouldn't care. I don't have family though

OOOOOOH this sounds scary. I am by myself with no support, and if it cost money I'll just sit it out. It's not right now but what would I do if Im a single dog dad???? thats happening soon. What about my son?

Sorry I didn't intend to scare you!! If you have insurance the costs are pretty manageable depending on your insurance. That may be something you want to look into if you do consider going somewhere or seeing someone. Also I neglected to mention places that do a sliding scale option if you can't do full cost; it really depends on your income and insurance situation.

As for your pupper, if you go the route that requires you to be physical somewhere you may need to board but tbh unless you do a psych ward or residential you wouldn't need to.

PHP for instance In this program, you're able to live at home but return to the facility daily for structured therapy. (At least the one near me)

 

[aalmoa001]

Think it's brave of you to consider and deffo worth a try z

 

[Enigma25]

Ok so part of why I want to <omitted> is because I am notoriously a little bit (a lot a bit) of a whuss and jumpy scaredy cat guy (I'm too grown and as mentioned above, I am alone, but with none of the confidence or independence to be alone) I do not think I am brave enough to go through with this. But I will ruminate on it until I am no longer afraid of what to expect. My heart is legit pounding reading all of this, as much as I know it might help

 

[weallhaveourghosts]

Ok so part of why I want to <omitted> is because I am notoriously a little bit (a lot a bit) of a whuss and jumpy scaredy cat guy (I'm too grown and as mentioned above, I am alone, but with none of the confidence or independence to be alone) I do not think I am brave enough to go through with this. But I will ruminate on it until I am no longer afraid of what to expect. My heart is legit pounding reading all of this, as much as I know it might help

Could you maybe expand on this a bit? I'm not sure what you're trying to say. Are you feeling like you want to CTB because you're scared or are you wanting to find treatment because you're scared that you may actually CTB and you don't actually want to?

 

[AnimusLapsus]

Ok so part of why I want to <omitted> is because I am notoriously a little bit (a lot a bit) of a whuss and jumpy scaredy cat guy (I'm too grown and as mentioned above, I am alone, but with none of the confidence or independence to be alone) I do not think I am brave enough to go through with this. But I will ruminate on it until I am no longer afraid of what to expect. My heart is legit pounding reading all of this, as much as I know it might help

I would suggest continuing your research outside of this forum. Read research studies about the statistical efficacy of hospitalization. Find other personal anecdotes about average stays and their pros and cons. Avoid letting horror stories completely override your opinion—they are outlier experiences, not the norm. The more you properly inform yourself, the more normalized it will become. And in all honesty, it is pretty normal. I understand why you would be scared, but the stays are far more humdrum than anything else. When you're not in therapy, you'll spend your time in meals, playing card games, listening to music, watching movies, solving puzzles, laughing with the staff, etc. Ice cream nights, battles over which film to watch for the evening, and alone time in your room for rumination or reading are daily occurrences. Participation in all activities is recommended but not required, and the staff undergo months of training to achieve competence in radical compassion and nonjudgment. Of all the things to be fearful of, seeking support is the least likely to cause harm! A lot of people form true companionships with other patients during their stay. Some simply find a psych visit to be a necessary nuisance. But if there is one thing a psych ward is not, it's being dangerous. What in particular are you fearful of? Maybe we can help quell those anxieties.

Additionally, one of the major pros about hospitalization is that it removes the variable of solitude. From the moment you step into the ER until the moment you are discharged, you have a comprehensive care team, comprised of multiple health care workers, all working in direct communication with you to uplift/support you and your needs. This does not have to be a journey walked by your lonesome. Not only are we here for you, but if you choose to self-admit, a care team will be too, every step of the way.

 

[Daenerys Targaryen]

I'd rather go to jail than end up there again.

 

[dontwakemeup]

I appreciate you asking us about our opinions. I think everyone experience with psych hospitals will all be different depending on what our goals are in reference to obtaining help.
Years ago, I looked up a psychiatrist because I wanted help and needed help. I took the medication as described BUT medication can only do so much! For my situation, there isn't enough medication, so I stopped going and taking the medication as it didn't help me enough. The thing that pissed me off the most was the psychiatrist tried to diagnose me with something I didn't agree upon! I never went back. I immediately stopped taking my medications and lived my life. I graduated college 2 times and dealt with my issues on my own. I've always been suicidal and was NEVER embarrassed by my thoughts as I felt they were validated to me and I'd assume others. Well I got a 5150 but I had enough knowledge to know what to say and what not to say. I actually didn't have to leave my house but I was so pissed that the people involved called on me so I went willingly but I never answered any suicide questions but I did admit I was sad at times and cried at times. I knew in 72 hrs I would be out. Which I was but what them people didn't know was when I was discharged they would be blocked forever and I walked away and never looked back and never will!

My advice to you us simply try it. Call a therapist and if that therapist believes you need medications they will refer you to someone else. If you feel unsafe to yourself then call a mobile crisis unit if in the USA. Mobile crisis will come out an access you and make an determination to send to hospital or refer to other community options. Unfortunately, you can't be honest and say I want to die by shooting myself in the head and I have a fully loaded pistol upstairs! Now you have a method with the resources and they WILL take you! If you say, sometimes I think of killing myself but I don't know how I would ever do it, that's different and ok. They will still treat you. It's ok to be ok with needing and wanting help! Don't ever feel ashamed or embarrassed by that! A lot of us on here have learned quickly what to say and what not to say to them. It's not because we want to lie, it's society has told us if we are honest, that's unacceptable and you will be committed against your will! There will NEVER be an acceptable reason that you want to die, please remember that. Even if your 110 and dying in agonizing pain, the world wants you to go on! I didn't create the system, I learned how to maneuver around the system. Any questions, we are all here to help

 

[Enigma25]

Could you maybe expand on this a bit? I'm not sure what you're trying to say. Are you feeling like you want to CTB because you're scared or are you wanting to find treatment because you're scared that you may actually CTB and you don't actually want to?

I wanna ctb for sure. Not scared of that, but I am anxious about going to a hospital now

 

[road2joy]

Im in the USA (unfortunately). I don't know if that's the right word but yknow. The hospital. Health center. One of those. I daydream and think about it waaaaaay more than I usually do and most people. I am concerned as well as a friend

I highly recommend you do not go this route. You shouldn't kill yourself either but you will probably get stuck with a very large medical bill. I don't know how financially well off you are, but I've heard people cite this as a reason they wanted to kill themselves after, not the original reason they went in for.

They might also force you to take antipsychotics. These drugs can be forcibly put on you and they can change your brain for the worst and also make you fat. I have also "fantasized" about going to the psych ward, but trust me, it's not worth it, and trying to make the best out of the short time you have left on this earth is a better idea than getting yourself admitted.

I'd rather go to jail than end up there again.

Can you talk about your experience?

 

[Enigma25]

I appreciate you asking us about our opinions. I think everyone experience with psych hospitals will all be different depending on what our goals are in reference to obtaining help.
Years ago, I looked up a psychiatrist because I wanted help and needed help. I took the medication as described BUT medication can only do so much! For my situation, there isn't enough medication, so I stopped going and taking the medication as it didn't help me enough. The thing that pissed me off the most was the psychiatrist tried to diagnose me with something I didn't agree upon! I never went back. I immediately stopped taking my medications and lived my life. I graduated college 2 times and dealt with my issues on my own. I've always been suicidal and was NEVER embarrassed by my thoughts as I felt they were validated to me and I'd assume others. Well I got a 5150 but I had enough knowledge to know what to say and what not to say. I actually didn't have to leave my house but I was so pissed that the people involved called on me so I went willingly but I never answered any suicide questions but I did admit I was sad at times and cried at times. I knew in 72 hrs I would be out. Which I was but what them people didn't know was when I was discharged they would be blocked forever and I walked away and never looked back and never will!

My advice to you us simply try it. Call a therapist and if that therapist believes you need medications they will refer you to someone else. If you feel unsafe to yourself then call a mobile crisis unit if in the USA. Mobile crisis will come out an access you and make an determination to send to hospital or refer to other community options. Unfortunately, you can't be honest and say I want to die by shooting myself in the head and I have a fully loaded pistol upstairs! Now you have a method with the resources and they WILL take you! If you say, sometimes I think of killing myself but I don't know how I would ever do it, that's different and ok. They will still treat you. It's ok to be ok with needing and wanting help! Don't ever feel ashamed or embarrassed by that! A lot of us on here have learned quickly what to say and what not to say to them. It's not because we want to lie, it's society has told us if we are honest, that's unacceptable and you will be committed against your will! There will NEVER be an acceptable reason that you want to die, please remember that. Even if your 110 and dying in agonizing pain, the world wants you to go on! I didn't create the system, I learned how to maneuver around the system. Any questions, we are all here to help

Thank you! You're right. You're all right. I can hear about it and that's good but I just gotta go. I think about it to the extent that I'm forming a plan, and I doubt I'll live long enough to get my first gray hair. I actually look forward to it. Was upset I woke up today, and I'll be disappointed if I do tomorrow. But I expect to. Which is weird??? I just want to rest. (and omg this planet is so f'd up I tap. The things I have seen/read/heard and the things everyone pretends doesn't matter???? but this is not a conspiracy forum so I'll save that for another time)

 

[LaVieEnRose]

. they are outlier experiences

They really aren't. Or at lot closer to the norm than usual.

When you're not in therapy, you'll spend your time in meals, playing card games, listening to music, watching movies, solving puzzles, laughing with the staff, etc. Ice cream nights, battles over which film to watch for the evening, and alone time in your room for rumination or reading are daily occurrences.

Now what you're describing sounds like an outlier experience. Ice cream nights? Music?

and the staff undergo months of training to achieve competence in radical compassion and nonjudgment

Callous, indifferent, and unenlightened staff is one the biggest consistent elements across experiences. It truly is a humongous problem. Look at online professional spaces. It's extraordinarily illuminating. People remember kind employees so sharply because they stand out so much. Patient camaraderie is generally the most helpful thing indeed though that's obviously not something to credit the hospital for nor is it a given thing.

But if there is one thing a psych ward is not, it's being dangerous.

My severe, ideation-inducing PTSD as well as that of countless others suggests otherwise. I have heard of several accounts of people who went on to kill themselves to avoid returning to a hospital.

Unless OP doesn't want to kill themselves but truly feels they can't control themselves (or wants help with acute medication management because that's the only treatment you can count on though not always successfully, what with it being their only line of attack against a multitude of problems) , they should try one of the alternatives mentioned above. It's always going to be a gamble and the last thing anyone already suffering needs if they can help it is one more bad thing to have to deal with for the rest of your life.

In any event, they should know that self-admission doesn't mean they get to decide when to get out and since they are in the USA, they should know what the financial burdens will be afterwards. If they talk to the relevant people to explore the option, they should be careful about how they express their feelings if they're ambivalent about being admitted. Many people's words get misinterpreted if not outright twisted.

 

[LostLily]

If you feel you need it , I encourage you to go and seek help

Speaking from someone is currently in o e here is my experience.

So far, everyone is very sweet. Food is not bad( better than my cooking), we are allowed our tech devices, there is lounge with tv , full of books and board games.and the staff is so attentive and caring, and they organize daily actives several times a day for 4 days a week.

it much better than I expected and since I'm in Canada everything is covered by our health care.

 

[6138]

How exactly does a "Partial Hospitalisation program" work?

You stay in the hospital during the day, for group work and stuff, then go home to sleep, and come back the next day? Something like that?

 

[weallhaveourghosts]

If you feel you need it , I encourage you to go and seek help

Speaking from someone is currently in o e here is my experience.

So far, everyone is very sweet. Food is not bad( better than my cooking), we are allowed our tech devices, there is lounge with tv , full of books and board games.and the staff is so attentive and caring, and they organize daily actives several times a day for 4 days a week.

it much better than I expected and since I'm in Canada everything is covered by our health care.

Canada and the UK are so different compared to the US. Tbf though I lived in the South so not the greatest place for mental health resources. I've only been in one hospital that allowed you to use your personal phone and it was during a designated time; otherwise it was locked up.

Also the bill afterwards yikes. Double yikes if you don't have insurance. Also lots of yikes if you gotta be taken by ambulance.

 

[LostLily]

I know I'm the hospital I'm in, we have day passes so patients can go out unaccompanied for several hours our even overnight then go back to the hospital.

You have to earn those passes and the doctor can assign it to you if they trust you

 

[weallhaveourghosts]

How exactly does a "Partial Hospitalisation program" work?

You stay in the hospital during the day, for group work and stuff, then go home to sleep, and come back the next day? Something like that?

The one near me it's almost like you're at the hospital for a full work day (this one specifically says 9-3:30) five to six days a week. This is what this one program says "This comprehensive approach to patient care includes group education and therapy, individual and family therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management. The multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, nurses, psychotherapists, and case managers."


People can be referred to the program following an inpatient stay or an outpatient program.

So either a step down following inpatient or a step up if outpatient isn't enough.

 

[LostLily]

Canada and the UK are so different compared to the US. Tbf though I lived in the South so not the greatest place for mental health resources. I've only been in one hospital that allowed you to use your personal phone and it was during a designated time; otherwise it was locked up.

Also the bill afterwards yikes. Double yikes if you don't have insurance. Also lots of yikes if you gotta be taken by ambulance.

Those hospital bills so outrageous. We had members in the US charged $15k for a mont stay. That debt just gives people more reason to want to ctb.

 

[weallhaveourghosts]

Those hospital bills so outrageous. We had members in the US charged $15k for a mont stay. That debt just gives people more reason to want to ctb.

I just don't understand how it is allowed. Like tehe sorry you tried to kill yourself here's a massive bill. Would that be cash or card or a debt you'll never be able to pay off? Like ??

 

[Enigma25]

I feel trapped as the bill might cripple me and then I'm outta here for sure. Why is good mental health treated like a luxury

 

[LostLily]

Can you call someone like a friend, family member or even a crisis line?

 

[Enigma25]

Can you call someone like a friend, family member or even a crisis line?

I do, but I'm seeking professional help, since I believe it's no one's responsibility or burden to listen to me talk about killing myself. If I'm telling so many people, I should tell the right ones. Ones with scrubs probably. Also the hotline kinda sucks???? That was legit shocking and disappointing