When is it time to go to the hospital for severe depression and suicidal feelings?

Question

I am struggling quite a bit with severe depression (to the point that I can barely work right now) and suicidal feelings. I don't think that I would ever actually kill myself, but I do want to die, if that makes sense.

I'm already seeing a therapist and psycaitrst so don't tell me thats what I need to do.

My question is not quite "what should I do" it's when do I go to the hospital? When does that become necessary?

I'm 18 and still live at home with my parents, and they aren't keen on taking me in over Christmas, and I would have to quit my job all together.

I have an appointment with my psycaitrist on Monday.

Do I go into the hospital {psych ward} or do I wait to see what the doc says?

She told me when I saw her last to go to the hospital if I feel unsafe, but my dad said she only said that because she had to.

I'm so confused.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Just a note, I am on anti-depressants already.

This is not the first time I've felt this way. I've been suicidal and very depressed since the 8th grade, and have been clinically diagnosed.

Answer 1

The decision is yours, ultimately. You are battling severe depression, and obviously know that you are close to the edge by posting this question - and thank you for that. I would recommend calling the hospital, informing them of how you feel. Surely, the receiver of the call will tell you if you should come to the hospital, or simply stay with your current medical assistance. If you feel unsafe, or even for a moment don't trust yourself - go, as soon as possible. This is a battle that CAN and WILL be won.

Dr. James Jeah MD

Answer 2

The first question is to ask yourself if you do feel safe. If not, please contact someone. So you have ANY family or friends you can stay with over the holidays? Going to the hospital may be a short term solution. It can be an intimidating experience and very impersonal, but if you really feel despondent you need to have some support mechanisms in place.
Make a list of people, family, friend, doctors you can call if need be.
Find out what your local hospital's psych ward is like. Do they have one or will they transfer you to a facility? What type of services will your insurance cover? Can you sign yourself into a private facility for 72 hours to feel safe?
Does your job help keep you focused? Is there anything you can think to do over the holidays such as volunteering at a food pantry that will help you focus on something else short term? Can you page your doctor and assess if you need your meds looked at?

People do care about your well being!

Answer 3

Go when you feel like it's the only thing that will help you (like, all other approaches aren't helping), or when you really feel like you may attempt suicide.

You are aware of the severity of your depression, and know when you reach the point of needing other people's help (when you can't help yourself anymore)- and that's a VERY important step in getting help.

Depression really is a disease. It's a chemical imbalance in your brain, and as hard as it is to realize it when you're suffering, it really isn't your fault.
Depression somehow just makes you think it's all in your head. That you're broken- you're supposed to zap yourself out of it.
That is far from the reality of the disease, though.

Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you decide not to go to the hospital before then.
Defiantly try anti-depressants if you haven't started them already.
They are amazing. You also don't always have to be on them for a long time. Sometimes 3-6months can be enough to regulate you again.

It's the best decision you'll ever make for yourself. I promise.

Answer 4

I think your Dad is full of nonsense. If your doctor says go to the hospital, then go. Doctors do not want anyone to go to hospital without good reason. For one thing an unecessary patient ties up resources and staff that would be better utilised on someone that needs it.
Depression is a biochemical imbalance in the brain, and through medication, those symptoms can be relieved. I have had depression, and once they got the medication right, I wondered why on earth I allowed myself to suffer for so long.
Depression is one of those conditions people suffer unecessarily, the prognosis is excellent.
Waste no time and go to the hospital, as the Doctor told you to. You wont regret it in the long term.

Answer 5

Some people don't bother reading the question properly!

Dear Katie,

As you can see there are lots of people on here who care and to whom you can 'talk' when you're feeling bad. Don't hesitate to email me if you need some one-on-one time. I'm 51 years old, an English teacher living in Australia, and I have a 13 year old son.

I've experienced severe depression for most of my life, and I understand about not planning to kill yourself but just wanting to die. You are suffering intensely and I hope you can get appropriate help from the hospital.

Let us know how you get on!

Answer 6

Just you having to ask this question gives me great concern! You say that you already have a therapist and a psychiatrist, but it is clear that you haven't been talking to them about your feelings. I think that you should talk to a professional ASAP!

Many times the county will have mental health facilities, which are different then hospitals. They are open 24-hours a day for people to come in when experiencing problems like this.

It is unfortunate that people experience problems like this during the holidays, but that is the way it goes! You need to talk to your parents again about how you are feeling!

Good luck to you- Merry Christmas!

Answer 7

everyone else seems to have answered your question as to when... but heres kind of what to expect after you go....(at least what happend to me when i went through this)

they will 51-50 you. which means that they will put you on a 72hr phyc hold because you are "a danger to yourself and to others." once you are realeased from that hold, your kind of right back where you started (provided that you didnt do anything crazy while you were in there. ) They send you off with some refferals to a phycaiatrist. (sorry, bad spelling!) My advice is to ask for a referal from your phycologist to a phyciatrist (from a councler to a doctor) so that you can discuss mabye medicating youself. its worth a shot!

Also, you cannot be fired from your job. You can take what is called a "temporary leave of absence" for personal reasons. you can bring a note from the doctor if your employer requires it. You don't have to tell them where you were or why.

whatever you do, dont go at this alone. you need proffessional help. And I know it doesn't seem like it now, but your only 18, and things will get better. As some one whos been through this, belive me!!

Good luck!!

Answer 8

I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling. Life is hard enough as it is and when you add this into it, it doesn't help. Your psychiatrist did not tell you to go to when you felt unsafe because she had to, she said it because it's the right thing to do. If you're thinking about harming yourself in any way or having the feelings of no longer wanting to live, you need to get help as soon as possible. It's important to get help and get this taken care of as early as possible before it gets too severe and you suffer more than you have to. If you need to talk or you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask. Hope you start feeling better soon!

Answer 9

Firstly I think your dad was a dick for saying something so mean. You should concider going to an actual facility to seek help when you start taking actions that will cause you harm. Until then it's kind of a grin and bare it deal. If you go over the cognitive exercises your therapist gave you (if they didn't ask for some) then you wont get to the point where you have to go to the hospital. But do go if you find your self taking actions that would harm you or another person.

Answer 10

I know how you feel. I went through a major depression a few years ago. I felt exactly the same way-I didn't have the energy to even think about killing myself but I didn't want to live anymore. Usually if you call your psychiatrist office they (or a recording) will give you an emergency number that you can call to page your doctor. It may help just to talk to your doctor for a few minutes and she/he can tell you if it's necessary to go to the hospital.

Good luck!