Logan Reid
There are many reasons why someone may need to go to the hospital, and it is important to know how to prepare for a hospital stay. Whether you are facing an emergency situation, are experiencing a mental health crisis, or are going in for a planned procedure, there are steps you can take to ensure you receive the best care possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mental health crisis | Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, psychotic episodes, hallucinations, inability to perform basic tasks, harmful thoughts about others |
| Physical health crisis | Heart failure, cancer, dementia, Parkinson's disease, difficulty walking, infections, blood clots, venous thromboembolism (VTE) |
| Hospital procedures | Referral, overnight stay, COVID-19 test, face covering, identity bracelet, consent form, locked ward, restricted items, schedule for meals and activities, psychiatric evaluation, treatment plan |
| Support systems | Family, friends, colleagues, health care proxy, advocate, psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, crisis helpline |
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What You'll Learn
Experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek immediate professional help. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
Suicidal ideation is a sudden change in mental status that warrants inpatient treatment. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or if your current treatment is not helping, you may consider checking yourself into a hospital. Psychiatric hospitalization can be helpful if you are finding yourself too ill to carry out essential activities such as eating, bathing, or sleeping properly.
When you voluntarily check yourself into a psychiatric hospital, you have certain rights. You have the right to be completely informed about all tests and treatments you will receive, including their risks and benefits. You also have the right to sign yourself out within two to seven days of your formal request, provided the hospital staff does not believe you are a danger to yourself or others.
During your stay, a psychiatrist will evaluate you to determine an appropriate treatment plan. This involves taking a history, giving a likely diagnosis, and making decisions regarding treatment. The hospital will also set rules to ensure your safety, such as initially placing you in a locked ward and locking away items that could be used for self-harm.
If you are denied coverage for hospitalization by your insurance company, you and your psychiatrist may appeal. It is important to remember that making common suicide methods less accessible leads to an overall reduction in the number of suicides. Talk therapies, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can also help reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
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Hearing voices telling you to commit violence
Hearing voices that tell you to commit violence can be a symptom of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or severe depression. It can also be associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative disorders. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help immediately.
While it may be frightening, telling someone you trust can help ease distress and provide support. Consider confiding in a friend or family member who has offered nonjudgmental support in the past. Knowing that you have support can help you feel less alone. If you are not comfortable speaking to someone in your personal life, a therapist or healthcare professional can provide guidance and support without judgment or immediate diagnosis.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms and feel that you may be a danger to yourself or others, you may consider checking yourself into a psychiatric hospital. Psychiatric hospitalization can provide evaluation and treatment to help stabilize your condition. Remember that hospitalization is not your only option; there are other treatments available, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and hallucination-focused integrative treatment (HIT). These therapies can help reduce hallucinations and increase your sense of control.
In the case that you choose to seek hospitalization, it is important to understand the process. Upon admission, you will be evaluated by a psychiatrist who will determine an appropriate treatment plan. The hospital will set rules to ensure your safety, including initial placement in a locked ward and the removal of potentially harmful items. You have the right to be informed about all tests and treatments you will receive, and you have the right to sign yourself out unless the hospital staff believes you are a danger to yourself or others.
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Requiring detox from drugs or alcohol
If you are seeking to put yourself in the hospital for drug or alcohol detox, it is important to first recognise that this is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign that you are struggling with underlying issues and are using substances as a coping mechanism. Struggling with drug or alcohol misuse is not something to be ashamed of, and it is important to seek professional help to ensure your safety and well-being.
The first step is to reach out to a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or a mental health professional, who can help assess your situation and determine the best course of action. They will need to know how often you have been using substances, the amount you have been taking, and how long you have been struggling with addiction. Be honest and open with them about your substance use, as this will help them provide the best possible care.
Depending on the severity of your addiction, you may be recommended to undergo inpatient or outpatient detox. Inpatient detox provides 24-hour support and monitoring and is typically recommended for people with severe addictions, as withdrawal can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Outpatient detox, on the other hand, allows you to live at home while attending treatment at a hospital or clinic at least five days a week. This option may be recommended if you are not a danger to yourself or others and can stay sober when you return home.
During the detox process, you will slowly reduce or stop your substance use under the supervision of medical professionals. This process can be uncomfortable and may involve withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, severe dehydration, fever, hallucinations, and restlessness. Medical professionals can help manage these symptoms and provide medications to keep you comfortable. The length of detox will vary depending on the type of drug and the length of use, but it can take days, weeks, or even months to fully withdraw from certain substances.
Remember, detox is just the first step towards recovery. It is important to address the underlying causes of your addiction and to seek long-term support through outpatient visits or support groups to help you maintain your sobriety and prevent relapse. Recovery is a process, and it is crucial to have ongoing support and treatment to manage cravings and cope with triggers.
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Having a chronic health condition
If you have a chronic health condition, it is important to plan ahead for hospitalization. Create an "in-case-of-hospitalization" plan with your doctor, which will be personalized for your needs. This will help your hospital stay go more smoothly and reduce the risk of post-hospital syndrome. Post-hospital syndrome can cause lingering issues such as fatigue, reduced strength, foggy thinking, and constipation, and it can last up to seven weeks after discharge.
As someone with a chronic illness, you may have a team of providers caring for you, including your primary care physician, specialists, therapists, and specialized nurses. Consider the hospital to be another member of your care team. The more often a hospital is involved in your care, the more information they will have about you, which will help them better understand your situation and provide appropriate care.
It is important to enlist a family member, friend, or colleague as an advocate to help with care and support during your hospital stay. This person can be your health care proxy, with the legal standing to communicate your healthcare preferences to the medical team if you are unable to do so yourself. Ensure you discuss your medical care preferences with your health care proxy in advance.
Keep an updated list of the medications you take and bring it with you to the hospital. Regularly review your medication lists with your doctors, both before and during your hospital stay. Additionally, make sure to plan for ways to keep in touch with your support network during your hospitalization.
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Experiencing psychotic thinking or episodes
Psychosis refers to a collection of symptoms that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality. During a psychotic episode, a person's thoughts and perceptions are disrupted, and they may have difficulty recognising what is real and what is not. This can include hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations are disturbances in sensory perception, where the affected person may see, hear, smell, taste, or feel things that are not real. Delusions are false beliefs or interpretations that are not based on reality. For example, a person might believe they have magical powers or that they are being controlled by outside forces. Other symptoms of psychosis include confused thinking or speech, suspiciousness, paranoia, and unease with other people.
If you are experiencing psychotic symptoms, it is important to seek help from a trained, qualified medical provider, as early treatment can improve outcomes. You should see your general practitioner (GP) or primary care provider, who can refer you to a mental health specialist for further assessment and treatment. Antipsychotic medications are commonly used to treat psychosis, but other medications such as antidepressants or lithium may also be prescribed. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can also be helpful. In severe cases, inpatient treatment in a hospital or specialist facility may be necessary, especially if the person is a danger to themselves or others.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, it is important to call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room. In the US, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis line. In the UK, you can call the Samaritans at 116 123 for support. It is important to remember that psychosis is a treatable condition, and with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, recovery is possible.
It is worth noting that people with psychotic symptoms may not be aware that anything is wrong. If you are concerned about someone who may be experiencing psychosis, you can try to encourage them to seek help and offer emotional support. It is important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding, as psychosis can be a frightening and confusing experience. Educating yourself about psychosis and how to help can also be beneficial. Remember that you are not alone, and many people in your community have likely dealt with similar issues.
While this information provides guidance on seeking hospitalisation for psychotic episodes, it is important to prioritise your safety and well-being above all else. If you feel that you or someone you know is in danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, don't hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can check yourself into a psychiatric hospital. If you are a danger to yourself or others, call 911 or your country's emergency number. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for support and assistance.
A member of staff will welcome you and explain the processes and what to expect. You will be given an identity bracelet to wear at all times. A psychiatrist will evaluate you to determine an appropriate treatment plan. The hospital will set rules to ensure your safety, including locking away certain items that you could use to harm yourself.
If you have a chronic health condition, create an "in-case-of-hospitalization plan" with your doctor. Before being admitted, request a list of doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers who will be caring for you. Have a current list of your medications available and bring it with you to the hospital.
