Claire Dawson
Being admitted to a psychiatric hospital can be a frightening experience, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many people seek inpatient mental health treatment every year, and there are dedicated professionals available to provide support and care tailored to your needs. While it can be intimidating, knowing what to expect can help you cope with your hospitalisation. This includes understanding your rights as a patient, the types of treatment available, and how to manage the transition to outpatient care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to go to a psychiatric hospital | Consider going to a psychiatric hospital if you are having suicidal thoughts, experiencing paranoia, feeling the urge to self-harm, or are at risk of harming yourself or others. |
| Admission process | Talk to your healthcare team, therapist, psychiatrist, or primary care provider about whether inpatient hospitalization is right for you. Most mental health hospitals require a referral from a healthcare professional or mental healthcare team. |
| Types of treatment | Inpatient hospitalization, outpatient therapy, talking therapies, medication, detoxification, etc. |
| Rules and restrictions | Locked wards, restricted freedom, confiscation of potentially harmful items, scheduled meals, treatments, activities, and bedtime. |
| Support from visitors | Visitors are a source of support and can help brighten the patient's day and normalize the experience of being in a psychiatric hospital. |
| How to treat patients | Treat mental illness the same as physical illness. Show compassion, love, support, humour, and genuine, non-judgmental interest in what they are experiencing. |
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What You'll Learn
- Recognise the signs: suicidal thoughts, paranoia, self-harm, psychosis, etc
- Seek help: contact a healthcare professional or a helpline
- Understand the process: evaluation, treatment, medication, therapy, etc
- Know your rights: voluntary vs involuntary, freedom of movement, etc
- Expect support: from professionals, friends, and family
Recognise the signs: suicidal thoughts, paranoia, self-harm, psychosis, etc
Recognise the signs
Suicidal thoughts
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it is important to reach out for help. Warning signs may include changes in behaviour that intensify or do not go away, such as increased substance misuse, sleeping issues, withdrawing from social activities, or giving away prized possessions.
Paranoia
Paranoia is the feeling that you are being threatened or that people are acting against you, despite a lack of evidence. While everyone experiences anxious thoughts from time to time, clinical paranoia is more severe and can be a symptom of an anxiety disorder. People with paranoia may have false beliefs that random events are connected to them or that others are trying to harm them.
Self-harm
Self-harm refers to hurting oneself as a way of coping with difficult emotions, painful memories, or overwhelming situations. It is important to recognise that self-harm is not limited to a specific group of people and can affect individuals from all backgrounds. If you or someone you know is self-harming, ensure that you know how to care for any injuries and seek medical attention if needed.
Psychosis
Psychosis refers to a collection of symptoms that affect the mind, including disruptions in thoughts and perceptions. People experiencing psychosis may have difficulty recognising what is real and what is not. They may experience delusions, hallucinations, incoherent speech, and behaviour that is inappropriate for the situation. It is often a symptom of a mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression.
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Seek help: contact a healthcare professional or a helpline
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, staying in a psychiatric hospital might be the best way to keep you safe and provide you with the level of treatment you need. You may be in crisis and need help if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, paranoia, self-harm, or a sudden change in mental status. Other reasons to seek help include hallucinations, especially those that instruct violence, and the need to detox from drugs or alcohol.
If you are considering a mental health hospital stay, talk to your healthcare team about whether this is right for you. Most treatments for mental health issues are voluntary, meaning you choose to seek help. If you already have a therapist or psychiatrist, they can help you determine the best type of treatment for you. Your primary care provider can also advise on treatment options and refer you to a mental health hospital. Some psychiatric hospitals have their own intake centres.
If you are in immediate danger, don't wait. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are in the US, you can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or the Utah Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) to speak to a certified crisis worker. You can also text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
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Understand the process: evaluation, treatment, medication, therapy, etc
Psychiatric hospitals, also known as psychiatric wards or psych wards, are dedicated to mental healthcare. They offer a range of care options, from inpatient to outpatient and day-treatment programs. Psychiatric wards are designed to provide intense care for patients whose needs cannot be met in an outpatient setting. These wards offer 24-hour observation, care, and treatment by psychiatrists, licensed therapists, and other trained professionals.
Evaluation
The first step in a psychiatric hospital is typically a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine the best course of treatment. This involves mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or clinical social workers, collecting detailed information about an individual's medical history, developmental history, psychosocial history, and environmental stressors. The evaluation includes interviews, questionnaires, observation, and sometimes a physical examination. A crucial aspect is assessing the patient's risk of harm to themselves or others, especially in cases of severe depression, psychosis, or impulsivity.
Treatment
Psychiatric hospitals provide 24-hour care, supervision, and treatment by psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and group therapists. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. In addition to traditional psychiatric treatments, psychiatric hospitals may offer art therapy, music therapy, recreational therapy, and pet therapy to promote mental well-being.
Medication
Medications play a crucial role in treating mental disorders and are often used alongside other treatments like psychotherapy and brain stimulation therapy. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, pain, and insomnia. Anti-anxiety medications help reduce symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, extreme fear, and worry. It's important to closely monitor individuals taking antidepressants, especially children, teenagers, and young adults, as there may be an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviour. Other medications, like Esketamine, a nasal spray, are used for treatment-resistant depression.
Therapy
Therapy is a vital component of treatment in psychiatric hospitals. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), supportive psychotherapy, and family therapy are some common approaches. Group therapy and individual therapy sessions are also offered, focusing on education, support, and behavioural changes.
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Know your rights: voluntary vs involuntary, freedom of movement, etc
In a mental health crisis, you can request a voluntary admission to a psychiatric hospital. This gives you more control over your care and duration of stay. You will meet with a mental health professional who will assess your condition and help you through the process. You will also have to sign consent forms outlining your treatment plan and conditions for discharge.
Voluntary patients can request to leave at any time, but the hospital has up to 72 hours to assess the request. If the patient is no longer safe to leave, staff may initiate an involuntary hold. This means the patient will be confined for as long as necessary for treatment, and a release may come after later hearings.
Involuntary commitment occurs when someone is admitted against their will due to an immediate risk to themselves or others. In most states, a court order is required to force someone into inpatient care against their will. The patient has a right to legal counsel during the hearing, and the court usually appoints an attorney.
It's important to note that mental illness alone is not grounds for involuntary commitment. There must also be a threat of harm to oneself or others, or a grave disability that prevents one from handling basic needs such as food, bathing, and shelter.
Patients have the right to be treated ethically during involuntary psychiatric treatment. This includes respecting their fundamental rights, such as freedom of choice and movement, autonomy, and physical integrity.
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Expect support: from professionals, friends, and family
Expect support from professionals, friends, and family.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, staying in a psychiatric hospital might be the best way to keep you safe and provide you with the level of treatment you need. Psychiatric hospitals are staffed with teams of dedicated professionals who can provide you with support and care tailored to your needs. These professionals are trained in various areas of mental health care and can provide comprehensive services to address your specific situation. You will likely participate in individual, group, or family therapy during your stay, and you will probably receive one or more psychiatric medications. If you are being treated for a substance use problem, an addiction professional will supervise the detoxification process.
Your friends and family can also provide support during your time in a psychiatric hospital. Visitors are a source of support and they break up the monotony of the daily hospital routine. They can send cards or flowers to let you know they are thinking of you. It is important to treat mental illness the same as physical illness and to show the patient compassion, unwavering love, and support.
Remember that seeking help from a psychiatric hospital is a voluntary decision, and you can choose to leave at any time. If you are unsure about whether hospitalization is right for you, it is always a good idea to talk to your healthcare team, therapist, or psychiatrist about your options. They can help you determine the best course of treatment and provide referrals if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, paranoia, self-harm, or a sudden change in mental status, you should check yourself into a psychiatric hospital.
You will likely participate in individual, group, or family therapy, and receive psychiatric medication. A psychiatrist will evaluate you to determine a treatment plan. The hospital will set rules to ensure your safety, such as locking away items that could be used for self-harm and following a schedule for meals, treatments, activities, and bedtime.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If not, talk to your healthcare team about whether staying in a psychiatric hospital is right for you. You will likely need a referral from a healthcare professional or mental healthcare team.
Visitors are a source of support and can brighten the patient's day. Send cards or flowers to let them know you are thinking of them, and ask if they need anything like magazines or their favourite snacks. Treat their mental illness the same as physical illness, with compassion, love, support, and humour.
