Mental Institutions

Emma · Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 5:32 am Post subject: Mental Institutions

If I wanted to have myself put in a mental institution for awhile, would I just be able to leave when i wanted to when I felt better, or would I be stuck there until they decide I can go?
I don't think there's actually any hope for me.....I'm way to scared to do anything, I sit at home all day imagining what it would be like to have a job and friends and someone who cares about me because I know I'll never get it, everytime I try it just gets thrown back in my face.
I think I'll be better locked up alone somewhere, I don't want anyone to see me cry anymore and I don't want to hurt myself anymore Crying or Very sad

Guest · Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 9:33 am Post subject:

Hi Emma. You sound like you're not doing so good at the moment Sad

. Try not to despair too much. Things will always brighten up eventually Smile

A little bit of sunshine is always just around the corner.

To answer your question, over here in the UK if you sign into a mental institution you cannot sign out until they think you are ready. So in a sense you are stuck there till they let you go. It's probably best to avoid it if you can manage without hospitalisation. Maybe there are support groups in your area? I found out last night that there is one right down the street from me which I didn't even know about. I'm not a support group type of person and I manage quite well without any help from others but maybe you could think about seeking help like that? Or, maybe some CBT or even just some counciling sessions so you have someone to talk it through with. I hope you feel a bit better about things soon Smile

Take care.

fallenfeather · Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 12:04 pm Post subject:

Oops, that post above was mine. I mustn't have been logged in.

fallenfeather · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 8:25 am Post subject:

Hey emma, I was just wondering if you're doing ok now? It's been a while and you haven't added any more to this thread. Hope you're ok.

Emma · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 9:33 am Post subject:

thanks for asking Very Happy

I'm Ok, I'm not locked up yet, I think I'll just get used to people staring at me like I'm a freak......If you get sent to one, are you ever allowed out or do they just keep you there until they think you're ok?

Foxglove · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 2:30 pm Post subject:

Hi Emma. I would think that if you voluntarily check yourself into a clinic, then you can leave when you want to do so. They can't hold you there. It would be different if you were ordered by a court to be locked in a psychiatric institution, like if you were criminally insane. But in your case I think you would be able to leave at will. I'm sorry that you're feeling so bad. I can relate to you totally. I have a lot of periods where I cry almost constantly, and I'm no stranger to self injury, either. Not that I'm proud of it. I hope you feel better soon, and I'm sending you a big cyber-hug.

Greetings from Foxglove

random · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 6:24 pm Post subject:

Emma,
There really is hope. I have read too much and talked too much to people who have been through horrible times and have come through it to believe anything else.
Not sure where your deep dark hole covered with dirt is located so I don't know if information about the US is usefull here.
In the US, I believe there is some variation. A psychiatrist is a person given the legal right to commit someone against their will to a mental hospital if they feel that person is a danger to themselves or others.(a psychologist cannot do this) There doesn't seem to be a desire on the part of the psychiatric community to hold people any longer than deemed critical - in fact there is much more tendency to put people out of hospitalization sooner than family members desire (fearing their loved one will harm themselves but not being able to have them stay in a hospital). I believe that typically if you check yourself in - you can check yourself out but there would be special circumstances around that (i.e. if a resident psychiatrist thought you might harm yourself). I have talked with people in a social anxiety group at my church who have been hospitalized. No one said the hospital was a bad experience - they seem to recall the emotional pain that brought them there more than the actual experience of the hospital itself.
A friend of mine was so broken emotionally from her life at the time (her infant had multiple cancerous brain tumors and her husband was being cruel beyond description) that she asked her therapist about a psych hospital. She was so emotionally drained that she felt she couldn't function anymore. He looked at her quietly before saying "Do you realize I could have you committed against your will?" She suddenly became nervous. He said that for effect - he seemed to want her to use caution before saying such things. He was of the opinion that, based on where she was located, psychiatric available locally was not useful. Prior to some laws passed to 'free people' from mental hospitals - hospitalization used to mean that the person received therapy and support. After the laws were passed - many programs were stripped down to become bed rest and tranquilizers. My therapist indicated much the same - if a person wanted to be hospitalized in the US - they should make sure to find a good theraputic program and check in there - not just assume that the hospital near them or their families would be useful. Good programs (where staff are trained to actually help rather than only bedrest/tranquilizers) are availabe - I know of someone who was hospitalized and recieved daily counseling and antidepressants when her baby died and she didn't want to live. She emerged much stronger and able to go on living.) So if you do choose hospitalization at some point - it would be good to find out what kind of programs are available. Of the people I have spoken with who have climbed out of dark holes of depression and loss, they usually report that they were helped by their spiritual faith, medication (carefully given - not just 'take a pill'), counseling, support groups. I am wishing hugs your way.