psych hospital? Updated post #22

[onesadduck]

I was wondering if anyone here has been hospitalized for psychiatric illness, ever (and was willing to admit it). I'm pretty sure that within the next week I will go to the ER about my depression. I cannot cope anymore. My meds are not working AT ALL. The only reason I haven't killed myself is that I promised my mom I wouldn't hurt myself (this means I'm not going to hurt myself!).

But I have decided that just because I am not at risk for injuring myself doesn't mean I can keep living like this. It's nearly 6:30 PM and I just woke up for the day. I got to sleep at around 11:00 am. This sleep pattern is not conducive to school at all. I am failing all but one class because I simply cannot drag myself to get to class or force myself to do work. I hardly have any motivation to do anything! I have not done laundry in a long time. It's been nearly a week since I showered- I just can't motivate myself. (I have a myriad of other symptoms, too)

The only reason I'm waiting is because I want to get my August vacation all booked- it'll give me something to look forward to. My main reason for going was to give me something to look forward to and to raise my spirits. It worked... for about a day. But before I can get everything done, I have to transfer some money between various accounts. Also, I should get my parents approval.

Also, if anyone has any advice on explaining that I'm going to check into a psych hospital- but first I need to booking my vacation to my parents, please help.

 

[crazyme5kids]

I'm glad you are going to seek help. My daughter has a good friend who tried to kill himself. Thank goodness he didn't succeed, my daughter held a towel on his wrist to try and stop the bleeding until help arrived.

He was hospitalized and received (still does) therapy. He is doing well, though still has down days.

My oldest and dearest friend suffers from depression. She has admitted herself to the hospital many times. She has worked very hard at staying healthy. She knows her warning signs and when to seek extra help. She is on medication, has been for a very long time.

The first step is knowing you need help. I see that you lost a sister this year which I'm assuming may be contributing to your depression. You might want to talk to a bereavement counselor as well.

In time you will start to feel that life is good again, maybe not the same as it was before, but it can be good and you can feel joy and happiness.

Good luck, just remember you always have options, but suicide should not be one of them.

 

[honugirl]

I just told my parents that I couldn't live like I was living anymore and found myself a treatment program. I was in for 5 weeks. It was hard, but a good thing. I think I really ended up benefitting from it in the long run. Please go as soon as possible, your vacation will still be there to plan when you get out. Getting help and feeling better should be the biggest gift that you give yourself. I know that when I was at my lowest I couldn't have waited much longer for help.

On another note, you said you felt tired and I know depression can do that, but have you thought of having your hormone levels/thyroid tested? I've found that when my thyroid quits working, I get more depressed and more fatigued than when it's working. Might be something to look into because for me, the thyroid medication has made my life better.

 

[dee47]

You know, I'd be happy to book your vacation for you if you went and got help right now. It sounds as if you're scared and trying to delay getting help, and that's not good. You shouldn't be in constant pain and ruining your future (by failing school). The vacation excuse is just that -- an excuse (sorry to be so blunt!).

Give me your info (via PM), I'll be happy to gift you the deposit money just to "see" you smile again.

People here really care about you. Go and get the help you deserve -- you're way to nice to stay in such misery, we want you to get well!

 

[onesadduck]

It sounds as if you're scared and trying to delay getting help, and that's not good. You shouldn't be in constant pain and ruining your future (by failing school). The vacation excuse is just that -- an excuse (sorry to be so blunt!).

You are so right.

Since typing the original post, I both showered and spoke to my mom. Honestly. She's gonna take care of all the vacation stuff. More importantly, I'm going home. From there she will get me an emergency appointment with a psychiatrist. Then we'll see if I still need the hospital. My mom really wants me to go home first- so I'm going home first.

Thanks, you guys.

 

[Philagoofy]

Best wishes to you, I hope you are feeling better soon and get meds that work for you. Take care.

 

[crazyme5kids]

You are so right.

Since typing the original post, I both showered and spoke to my mom. Honestly. She's gonna take care of all the vacation stuff. More importantly, I'm going home. From there she will get me an emergency appointment with a psychiatrist. Then we'll see if I still need the hospital. My mom really wants me to go home first- so I'm going home first.

Thanks, you guys.

I'm so glad to hear this.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

You've gotten good advice here. I just wanted to add I'm glad you're seeking help and glad you're going home. We care, please keep us updated.

 

[dee47]

You are so right.

Since typing the original post, I both showered and spoke to my mom. Honestly. She's gonna take care of all the vacation stuff. More importantly, I'm going home. From there she will get me an emergency appointment with a psychiatrist. Then we'll see if I still need the hospital. My mom really wants me to go home first- so I'm going home first.

Thanks, you guys.

I am so glad to hear this! Sounds like you're starting to climb out of the hole. Good luck, and please keep us updated!

 

[KPeveler]

hey sweetie - i have a long history of mental health problems, but i must say this: therapy is good, hospitals are not always good. if you can find a residential program designed to help people your age (i dunno how old you are), sometimes these work better. some psych hospitals are great, but they really can follow you forever (for instance, if you work for the gov't you have to say you went to a hospital, etc).

I am NOT saying not to get help. and if you need a hospital, then please go there!!! but if you have a few days to talk things out and do some research, sometimes you can find residential programs that can help with more than just the immediate problems. i had a friend who was suicidal, went to the hospital, but since she had not attempted yet, she was told she couldn't stay...

i hope you start doing better, and i think it is very strong of you to get help. i just tell you this as a suggestion of an option besides hospitals... but good for you for getting help!

 

[poconoboatniks]

Sadduck,

We're pulling for you. I admire your courage and will pray for you.

Pocono

 

[onesadduck]

Thank you all for your concern. I managed to get an emergency apointment with a psychiatrist today. I called six times in two days to get it- they were probably just tired of me, the psychiatrist I saw most likely missed her lunch to take me (the apt was at 12:00 pm).

Anyway, she gave me Welbutrin, which my mother is on and in love with. I have to take it in the morning, so I can't take it until tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. Also, I got blood taken for a thyroid test. I will get the results of that tomorrow. I honestly think a thyroid deficiency, which I apparently have a family history of, may be contributing to my depressed state. Either this week or next, I will go home to spend time with my family. At this point it's looking like I will not have to hospitalized.

Actually, I was bad. I stopped taking my old antidepressant two days ago after weening myself off over a few days (the Dr. said it was okay today). I feel a lot better. I am dizzier (I'm prone to vertigo) and sleepier, but my mood, sleep schedule and motivation have improved greatly! I went to class and did laundry today! It seems the meds were not just not helping, but making things worse.

Once again, thank you for your advice, concern and well wishes.
-Alisa

 

[dee47]

I am SO glad to hear all this! You are a remarkebly strong young woman and you should be proud of yourself.

Remember to give the Wellbutrin time to work -- I'm sure you know it, but it bears repeating -- change won't happen overnight.

Keep your chin up, you are doing great work!

 

[KPeveler]

glad to hear that things are on their way to (hopefully!) getting better. good for you for getting help!

 

[poconoboatniks]

Sooo glad to hear you were able to get an appointment and are starting to feel better.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Please do keep us in the loop on how you are doing. You seem to be heading in the right direction and that is a positive thing. Take care of yourself and give the meds the time they need to work..

Hugs!!!

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

I just wanted to give you some extra Great job getting yourself help, you are very strong

 

[ReAnSt]

I am so glad to hear you are getting the help that you need. Keep on taking the meds.

As for college, you might be able to get an extension extending your semester for a medical reason or medically withdraw. Or if you are in high school I am sure they should give you some type of extension. Good luck.

 

[kimis]

You are so right.

Since typing the original post, I both showered and spoke to my mom. Honestly. She's gonna take care of all the vacation stuff. More importantly, I'm going home. From there she will get me an emergency appointment with a psychiatrist. Then we'll see if I still need the hospital. My mom really wants me to go home first- so I'm going home first.

Thanks, you guys.

Good for you! I am so proud of you for getting the help and doing the right thing! That is a very first step in your recovery! My son's best friend killed himself and believe me that never solves anything. Continue with your help and you will be in my prayers!

 

[Debbie H]

I noticed your sister passed away. Did you go to a grief counselor? It is so good that you are talking to someone. Most likely if you go to an ER, they will get you in touch with a Crisis worker from some facility. Check out your local couseling centers as well. There is a lot of help out there.