inpatient psychiatric care for stabilization?

Question

I am 32 and I have two kids. I went through a really nasty divorce last year. I'm a professional woman with a degree in Computer Science and I have a great job with a communications company.
However, I feel this last year has been a total mess. I've made some really poor, reckless choices. I've taken medications before to treat anxiety, ocd and bi-polar. I have also been in therapy to help me gain control.
I want to know if a very short stint (3-10) days in an inpatient treatment center would benefit me in any way? Has anybody done this?
I really feel that my bad choices such as sex on first date, dating guys that are scum, gambling, shopping to much, drinking to much, etc.....are going to only get worse if I don't get control over my life.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

My self-esteem is in the gutter....

The first answer person says "what about your kids?" HELLO DEAR, that's why I'm considering this option!

Answer 1

No it won't help unless you feel that at any moment you're about to do harm to yourself or your family.
My Girl friend is a head nurse at one of these places and she is always complaining that they (the staff) never have time to actually do therapy on the patients. Short term inpatient treatment is like going to an emergency room. They won't and can't cure you. They will only stabilize and get you over the hump by giving you sleeping pills and powerful anti-anxiety drugs.

You'll have better luck finding a psychiatrist and seeing him once week. Remember that antidepressants don't work immediately they take at least a month before you know if they're working. And if the one your taking still isn't working you'll have to change to another type. It could take quite a while before you find the one that works for you (up to a year).
Once you do find the right one, make sure the doctor takes you off any anti-anxiety meds your on. they're bad bad bad.

Answer 2

I worked 30 years in the field of mental health including time with an in-patient program. In-patient is generally for those who are a danger to themselves and others, not a place to hide and gather ones thoughts.

Sounds like the pharmacy you have taken for OCD, anxiety and bi-polar are not the total answer. You are going through the steps and degrees of loss and grief with the death of your marriage, all which take time. You also have the added responsibility and stressors of two children.

You have taken the first step in gaining control when you recognize that your decisions are poor and irresponsible. But there is no medication or in-patient program that will be an immediate solution.

You need to be in counseling, perhaps with another licensed (make sure) psychologist, social worker, or psychiatrist because just because a professional has the education does not mean they are the right person for you. Just like finding the right family doctor, a counselor may not have the skills or focus to solve your problem. And having had multiple diagnoses, you need a licensed therapist who will deal with the symptoms and not just the label.

And, I do think it would be a very good idea to have your children start into some form of counseling as the loss of the relationship of your husband in the family plus their reactions to your problems, all can lead to both problems for them as well as further problems for you.

Answer 3

Are you seeing a psychiatrist right now? I would DEFINITELY suggest that you see a licensed psychiatrist to try to get a definitive diagnosis. Also, a psychiatrist will be able to help you find the appropriate treatment to help. The psychiatrist would also be able to tell you whether voluntary commitment is the right route for you.

I would also suggest that you look into getting involved in a Self-Esteem Group. Here's a link so you can get an idea of what you will do while working on your self esteem:

http://www.utexas.edu/student/cmhc/booklets/selfesteem/selfest.html

My husband and I nearly split up because of his infidelity. I thought I was losing my mind. It was a relief to learn that I was just suffering something like "Shell Shock" because of the trauma of that betrayal. It was really difficult for me to do, but I read some books that were helpful. "How Can I Forgive You" and "After the Affair" by Dr. Janice Abrams Spring. Also, "Getting The Love That You Want," by Dr. H. Hendrix.

Hang in there! I hate to say this, but nothing is going to make you "all better" immediately. It is a process and hopefully with the right treatment and a lot of work on your part things will look up for you soon.

Answer 4

Oh man, i'm 31 years old and it sounds like we are twins. Same story here. Nasty divorce, kid, a degree and a giant pile of bad choices. Some days I feel like just sleeping all day or dying.

At any rate, i've been hospitalized briefly 4-10 days twice after suicide attempts. Did the stays help me? Sort of. I got to rest, got the proper meds for once, met others like me. I was sad without my child though, and constantly afraid the state would take him if I admitted I needed care. They didn't. So it did help, but it hurt to go through it if you know what I mean. It helped short term.
Anyway, if you want someone to talk to, you can e-mail me. At least it's someone else who knows what hell feels like.

Answer 5

That decision should be made between you and your phychritrist. In some cases that may be helpful, but each person is different. It sounds like you have been through lots in the past year.

Therapy and medication can really help you to change your life style and help you to make better choices for your self. Be patient with yourself, changes are hard to make and slow in being permanent.

Good luck

Answer 6

i use to be a nurse in a psych hospital. we dealt primarily with bipolar-major depression type patients. if you have a serious infection, would you be questioning a stay in the hospital to help get a handle on it? you are just suuffering from another kind of illness and from time to time it takes a short stay to get a handle on it. a few days of sessions, group therapy, and maybe a change of meds might be all it takes to get you back on track. could it do you any harm? sure your kids will miss you but won't it be better for them in the long run? how healthy is their environment with you off track right now? and since these things can be hereditary isn't it better to instill in them that there is nothing wrong with seeking out help? at the very worst, you'll get lots of good sleep and come out recooperated.

Answer 7

You have taken the first step in recognizing the change needed.
Don't fault yourself for what has happen in the past. What's done is done. What will be is what needs to be focused on.
Going into this hospital facility of course would have to be your final choice.
Since you realize that you need to get away, why don't you make it " DOUBLE THE PLEASURE ",,,,,,,,
go to a week SPA retreat, MEDITATION retreat etcetra.
You'll be able to end and begin so to speak all at once.
please let me know how things turn out. I can be reached through the yahoo.
PEACE GOD SPEED

Answer 8

What about your kids? I don't think you need to go to a hospital, but I am not a psychiatrist either. Just try to get your life together, if you know you are making bad choices, stop making them.

Oh HELLO DEAR, good for you.