Claire Dawson
If you are having suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek immediate help. There are various options for support, including calling a helpline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or going to the emergency room (ER) of your local hospital. At the ER, a mental health professional will assess your suicide risk and determine the level of care you need. This could include inpatient hospitalization, where you will receive 24/7 care and supervision, or intensive outpatient programs, which allow you to continue your daily routine while receiving treatment. It is important to know that hospitalization for suicidal thoughts is not as common as it used to be, and you will only be admitted if you are deemed a clear danger to yourself or others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to seek help | If you are actively thinking about taking your own life, it’s important to seek immediate help. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. |
| Hospitalization | Inpatient hospitalization is there to keep you safe and stabilize you. It involves treatment with medications and forms of therapy, depending on what you need. |
| Evaluation | Mental health evaluations generally take the form of a suicide assessment. A mental health professional will determine the level of care you need. |
| Treatment options | Partial hospitalization treatment, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Residential treatment facilities, Outpatient Treatment |
| Duration of stay | Voluntary stays in the hospital tend to be short. On average, they’re between a few days. |
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What You'll Learn
Seeking immediate help
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek immediate help. This can be a scary step to take, but there are many people who are ready to support you.
If you are in immediate danger of harming yourself or others, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room (ER). There, you will be evaluated by a mental health professional who will determine the level of care you need. Be honest with them about your situation so that they can provide you with the best care. They will ask you questions to assess your mental state and determine your risk of suicide. This may include questions about whether you have a plan, previous attempts or hospitalizations, medications you are taking, and any issues going on in your life.
Based on the evaluation, the mental health professional will recommend the next steps, which may include inpatient hospitalization. Inpatient hospitalization is a short-term treatment that provides 24/7 acute care and support to keep you safe and stabilize your mental health. It involves staying in a hospital or freestanding psychiatric hospital, where you will receive constant supervision and support from professionals. You may lose some freedoms during inpatient treatment, as anything that could be used to harm yourself or others will be taken away.
If you are not in immediate danger, there are other options for seeking help. These include intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization treatment, and outpatient treatment. Intensive outpatient programs allow you to continue your work or school routine while receiving maximum care during your time off. Partial hospitalization treatment consists of individual therapy, psychiatry, group therapy, and recreational therapy. Outpatient treatment typically involves weekly therapy, psychiatry, or group meetings.
Remember, hospitalization for suicidal thoughts is not as common as you may think. Mental health professionals will work with you to understand your reasons for wanting to die, increase your hope and reasons for living, and build up your coping skills. If you are considering hospitalization, speak with your healthcare team to determine if it is the right option for you.
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Mental health evaluations
When an individual presents with suicidal thoughts, a mental health professional will conduct an evaluation to determine the necessary level of care. This evaluation is a complex process that considers various factors, including the individual's mental state, history, and protective factors. One commonly used tool is the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), which helps identify the likelihood of a suicide attempt and the required level of support. The evaluation may also involve a physical examination, including the identification of any medical conditions, drug ingestion, or trauma that could impact the patient's mental state.
During the evaluation, the mental health professional will ask a series of questions to understand the individual's situation better. These questions may include inquiries about previous suicide attempts or thoughts, hospitalizations, medications, and any issues or stressors in their life. It is essential for the individual to be honest and open during this process to ensure they receive the most appropriate care.
Based on the evaluation, the mental health professional will determine the level of care needed. This could range from outpatient treatment, such as weekly therapy or group meetings, to inpatient hospitalization, depending on the individual's risk assessment. Inpatient hospitalization is typically recommended when an individual is at high risk of harming themselves or others and requires 24/7 acute care and supervision. It involves stabilizing the individual, ensuring their safety, and developing a plan for ongoing treatment.
It is important to note that hospitalization is not the only option, and there are various treatment facilities available outside of hospitals. Residential treatment facilities, for example, provide care in a non-hospital setting, often focusing on drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Additionally, voluntary hospitalization in a mental health hospital can be considered, where individuals can receive therapy, medication management, and support while voluntarily seeking help during a mental health crisis.
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Treatment options
Inpatient Hospitalization
Inpatient hospitalization, also known as inpatient psychiatric care, is a form of 24/7 acute care and support for individuals at high risk of harming themselves or others. The goal of inpatient treatment is to provide a safe environment, stabilize the individual, and address their mental health crisis. This often involves removing potential hazards, such as shoelaces or sharp objects, and closely monitoring the patient. Inpatient stays tend to be brief, with the primary focus on stabilization and safety. Treatment may include medication management and various therapies, such as individual, group, or family therapy.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Intensive Outpatient Programs provide intensive care while allowing individuals to reside at home and maintain their work or school routines. This option is suitable for those who are safe enough to be unsupervised but require more support than weekly therapy. IOPs typically involve 3-4 hours of therapy, psychiatry, or group meetings several times a week.
Partial Hospitalization Treatment
Partial hospitalization is a step down from inpatient care, offering a structured program during the day while allowing individuals to return home at night. It often includes a combination of individual therapy, psychiatry, group therapy, psycho-educational groups, and recreational or expressive therapies.
Residential Treatment Facilities
Residential treatment facilities provide care outside of hospitals or medical facilities, often specializing in drug and alcohol rehabilitation ("detox"). These programs can last several weeks or months, focusing on treating underlying mental health issues and promoting long-term recovery.
Voluntary Hospital Stays
Voluntary hospital stays in mental health hospitals can be considered when experiencing a mental health crisis. The goal is to help individuals feel better, stabilize their symptoms, and develop a plan for ongoing treatment. Treatment options may include various therapies, such as medication management and individual or group therapy. Voluntary stays tend to be short, and individuals can typically leave unless they present a clear danger to themselves or others.
Emergency Room (ER) Evaluations
When facing suicidal thoughts, seeking help at an Emergency Room (ER) can be a crucial first step. Mental health professionals at the ER will conduct evaluations, such as suicide risk assessments, to determine the appropriate level of care. This may lead to inpatient hospitalization, outpatient programs, or other specialized treatment options.
It is important to note that treatment options should be tailored to the individual's specific needs, and seeking professional guidance is essential to making informed decisions about the level of care required.
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Inpatient vs outpatient
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek immediate help. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 911, or go to your local Emergency Room (ER). At the ER, you will be evaluated by a mental health professional who will determine the level of care you need. This may include inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Inpatient hospitalization provides 24/7 acute care and support. You will stay at the facility, which could be a floor of a regular hospital or a freestanding psychiatric hospital. Inpatient treatment is typically recommended when an individual is at high risk of harming themselves or others. During inpatient treatment, you will have limited freedom and access to items that could be used for self-harm. The goal of inpatient treatment is to stabilize your mental health and keep you safe.
Outpatient treatment allows individuals to continue their daily routines, such as work or school, while receiving care. This may include intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or regular outpatient therapy. Intensive outpatient programs provide a higher level of care, typically consisting of 3-4 hours of therapy and group sessions 3-4 times a week. Regular outpatient treatment involves weekly therapy or group meetings. Outpatient treatment is often recommended for individuals who are safe but experiencing suicidal thoughts and do not require the intensity of an IOP.
The decision to pursue inpatient or outpatient treatment depends on the individual's specific needs and the severity of their symptoms. It is important to seek help and work with mental health professionals to determine the best course of treatment.
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Life after discharge
Follow-up Care and Support:
After being discharged, it is crucial to have a robust follow-up plan in place. This typically involves regular appointments with mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists. These professionals will monitor your progress, provide ongoing therapy, and adjust medications if necessary. They will also help you process your hospital experience and work on relapse prevention strategies.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP):
Intensive Outpatient Programs offer a step-down level of care. They usually involve 3-4 hours of therapy and support, 3-4 times a week, while allowing you to continue living at home. IOPs can include individual therapy, group therapy, psycho-educational groups, and recreational therapy. This type of program provides a structured routine and intensive support while giving you the freedom to maintain your daily responsibilities, such as work or school.
Outpatient Treatment:
Outpatient treatment is typically a step-down from IOP and involves weekly therapy sessions with a therapist or psychiatrist. This may include individual therapy, group therapy, or a combination of both. Outpatient treatment helps you continue your recovery journey by providing ongoing support and guidance while reintegrating into your daily life.
Residential Treatment Facilities:
For some individuals, transitioning directly from inpatient hospitalization to outpatient care may not be feasible. In such cases, residential treatment facilities can provide a bridge between these levels of care. These facilities offer care outside of a hospital setting, often focusing on drug and alcohol rehabilitation or providing a more long-term structured environment for mental health recovery.
Managing Triggers and Relapse Prevention:
Building a Support Network:
Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, and peers who understand your struggles is essential. Consider joining support groups or peer support networks where you can connect with others who have had similar experiences. These connections can provide ongoing encouragement, understanding, and a sense of belonging during your recovery journey.
Remember, life after discharge is a gradual process of healing and growth. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories, and continue seeking help and support as needed.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're having suicidal thoughts, it's important to seek help immediately. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call an emergency service like 911, or go to your local Emergency Room (ER).
At the ER, you'll be evaluated by a mental health professional who will determine the level of care you need. They will ask you questions to assess your suicide risk, including whether you have a plan, previous attempts, thoughts, hospitalizations, medications, and any issues in your life. Be honest with the evaluator so they can get you the help you need.
Hospitalization for suicidal thoughts can be voluntary or involuntary. If your emotional state is such that you cannot make decisions on your own, a health professional may decide for you. However, it's harder to get hospitalized than you may realize. If your suicidal thoughts are vague and you have no intent or plan, no prior attempts, and a strong support system, hospitalization may not be necessary.
There are several alternatives to hospitalization, including Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and outpatient treatment. IOPs allow you to continue your work or school routine while receiving intensive care during your time off. Outpatient treatment typically involves weekly therapy, psychiatry, or group meetings.
Inpatient hospitalization is meant to keep you safe and stabilize your mental health. You will likely be admitted to a psychiatric hospital or a behavioural health hospital, where you'll receive constant supervision and support from mental health professionals. Treatment often includes medication and various forms of therapy.
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