Scary situation involving my dad in the psych ward... what do I do?

Question

My dad is OCD, diabetic, and depressed. He is also a hardcore Christian and would never do anything the Bible is against (I'm not the same way- but that is my dad)

Recently, he and his girlfriend broke up and he had to quit his job. All he does is sit around and think, and become worried about things.

His diabetes has always been under control because he's so obsessive about keeping his numbers right where they should be. However, he had some sort of panic attack one week ago and we had to pick him up from the hospital. My brother searched the papers where he records his sugar readings, and his blood sugar level had been through the roof at 380! It's normally around 90-120, and rarely was it above 200.

So now I find out he's been in the psych ward for 4 days... they have taken away his insulin pump. Apparently he has been a bit lucid... they asked him how he got there, he said "the squad". They asked him if he tried to hurt himself and he said "yes". They asked his method, and he

said "insulin." We don't think he knew what he was really talking about. My dad is so Christian and such an obsessive rule-follower that I don't believe he'd ever commit suicide!

I have never dealt with any friends or family being hospitalized before, let alone in a psych ward. What do I do? What do you think? I'm at a loss, and so is my family.

I finished it now. I had run out of room! :)

He is taking his medications. Two may have conflicted, which might be another factor. I probably should have mentioned that in the first place.

Answer 1

For now, all you can do is be there for him.

Visitor hours are limited in psych wards. Be there for him whenever you can. With you being around, he will know you care, and may start to come back to himself.

When you have more answers on what's going on, you'll know what to do.

I'll pray for you and your family!

Answer 2

OK. This is a very serious situation. I don't say that to scare you, but your father's case is unique and it should be addressed very carefully by the health professionals in the hospital.
For a moment, I will not address the emotional issues, but rather the medical problems:
1. Blood Sugar at 380 is not good at all. When blood sugar levels are significantly outside the accepted range, it is not uncommon to see symptoms that mimic mental health problems. Also, poor blood sugar control can cause the symptoms of mental illness (depression is very common, but other symptoms are seen as well).
2. Taking away his insulin pump is not good at all. Since his mental health and his physical health are immutably intertwined, he will not recover from the mental health problems until his blood sugar is regulated.
3. Unfortunately, it is quite common for a patient to not be allowed to keep an insulin pump in an inpatient mental health facility because they could hurt themselves or someone else with the needle or the meds. No patients may keep sharp items or meds (prescription or over the counter). The nurse keeps these and gives them out as needed.
4. If he is taken off the pump, he can receive insulin by shot (given only by the nurse on staff, and only on the nurse's medication schedule. The doctor is the only one who can change the time that a patient receives medication if these changes are necessary.
5. The problem in all of this is that apparently, your brother has verbally expressed that he desires to harm himself through the use of the insulin or the insulin needles--which is why he is probably on Close Watch (usually 15 min checks)

How to address all of these issues:
1.Make sure he signed a release of confidentially so the doctors, nurses and other treatment staff can talk with you and your family about your father's case. Make an appointment tomorrow--ASAP with his treatment team! [Only "on-call" docs see psych ward patients on the weekend and they will not know your father's case well enough to deal with this situation appropriately.]
2. Now that you have secured the legal right to speak to the doctors/nurses/therapists, you must let them know that you are very concerned for your father (not angry, but concerned because you want to see that he is receiving the best care for him.
3. Explain that you are concerned that removing his insulin pump will put in greater danger because his blood sugar will have much more significant swings--even to the point of diabetic coma.
4. Explain that you understand that the unit rules prevent his keeping and giving his own insulin or continuing to use the pump.
5. Request that a dietitian consult with him while he's at the hospital. Specifically ask the dietitian to help him choose the food for each meal so he will begin to understand how to make the best chooses about eating.
5. Propose an alternate solution to the treatment team:
Request that he be moved to another unit in the hospital to address the blood sugar issues immediately. Suggest that after the physical issues have been adequately resolved, he be escorted to the sessions inside the psych unit.
6: A Sample scenario: He is a "day Patient" in the psych unit (meaning he can self-medicate), but is an inpatient in one of the medical wings of the hospital. He will reside there in the evenings and receive all the care necessary to regulate the blood sugar.
Above all, DON'T let the insurance companies kick him out until these issues are resolved satisfactorily. If they say that he must go home by Sat (for example), ask for the appeal process for your insurance co. Call and explain the situation. The have to give you at least 1 more day while they review the case--so that buys you a little time (one more day for things to settle down).
A Brief word of encouragement:
It can work out--so be patient while that occurs.
There are some excellent mental health hospitals and private facilities.
Go visit him during visit hours if you can. Just enjoy your visits--it doesn'thave to be too "heavy"--something fun and silly!

Answer 3

Sorry to hear about your Dad- I have worked in mental health for over 13 years, and both of my parents suffer with serious mental illness. I would say that you need to be proactive with locating on-going treatment and support for your father AFTER he is discharged. The biggest mistake people make is to think that a stay in a psych unit is an end unto itself. A psych unit admission only serves as NOTICE that the person is in serious trouble. Most state laws do not allow hospitals to keep someone as an inpatient beyond the point in which hospital staff believe the patient is no longer a danger to her/himself- Also, very, very few insurance companies will pay for inpatient mental health care beyond this point. All this really means that the only way for your father to get better is to CONTINUE WITH ONGOING SUPPORT AND TREATMENT!!!! Lots and Lots of support and treatment! There are many treatment programs available- ask the hospital and your dad's insurance company about partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. I wish you the best- C

Answer 4

His sugar levels are a worry , but are they high and the fact he is in a psych ward the result of him breaking up with his girlfriend? He is still a human being and maybe he was so attached/in love with his girlfriend that it just made him stop caring about life in general? As a close family member just be there for him and remind him that he still has a whole family that love and cares for him.

Answer 5

Try and remember your Dad may be a Christian but he is also human with human faults. Mental illness is just like any other disease. I think the best thing to do is to pray for him tell him how much you love him give him lots of hugs and spend some time with him and just listen. Put yourself in that position what would you want somebody to do for you?

Answer 6

hunny- I have been it the hospital, I know it can be really scary for other that do not understand. you should talk to them about you dad, how he would never do this and that he really needs his medication. I'm really sorry you are going though this, the best thing for your dad is to know that you are there for him and you do not judge him in anyway. It;s scary for the both of you, but he is more scared then you are. I have been there. My thoughts and prays are with you. hang in there hun, be strong for him (if you can). take care

Answer 7

If he is under severe mental distress, he may act against his regular beliefs. Suicide is a sin, yes, BUT he may not fully recognize it. It's best for him to be protected from harming himself while he is in the state he is in.

Answer 8

Call his church and ask the pastor to have the church pray for him.