Jankač, hospital stay or what?

Hi.
Forgive any typos; I'm writing this while completely drained.
I'd prefer to remain anonymous for now, but I need help.
I'll be brief.
I'm young, a patient of a well-known psychiatrist in Chicago, and I've been in therapy for OCD for a long time.
But right now, I'm at a loss. Because of occasional suicidal ideation—which I view critically—my doctor, having never seen me this way before, suggested hospitalization as a last resort. I refused. I'm just trying to hold on.
Frustration with my circumstances triggers depression; there was even one full day where I didn't leave my room, despite knowing how pointless that was.
I feel a desperate need to get away, to find new people and new connections.
Being unemployed only adds to the frustration.
Some might find it ridiculous that I'm posting here.
Recently, I finally broke down and cried in front of my Shrink. I've just had enough.
I have a wonderful family and a great girlfriend, but seeing their worry only makes things harder.
I want to help others, I really do, but I can't seem to help myself.
On top of everything, I've dealt with two incredibly stressful situations recently. I take Fever, though I miss doses sometimes.
There are days when hopelessness and frustration just take over.
Perhaps if I could meet people in similar situations, we could support each other through conversation.
I can't go on like this. I'm exhausted by it all, and I don't want to hurt anyone else. But myself? I don't feel that important; others always come first.
Whatever happens to me doesn't matter much since everything feels like it's falling apart, but the people I love matter.
I can laugh and pretend to be calm just to protect them, but inside, I'm suffering.
That’s the short version of what I can say via email.
I don't want to dive into the details through this medium.
So, I'm asking for advice. Is hospitalization actually an option? Are there groups for young people like me?
Hoping for a quick response.
Sincerely, in sorrow

driftingcobra39. You need to call a Shrink.
A hospital is an option, certainly, but it isn't a cure-all.

If you end up in a standard inpatient program, they basically just provide you with medication and meals, while meaningful dialogue with a doctor remains surprisingly scarce.
Most of your interaction will be with your roommates, and let's just say... people there have all sorts of heavy baggage and very specific diagnoses.
What exactly are you dealing with?

Look, I’m no doctor, so I can't claim to know what would work best for you. Regarding the Fever, how long have you been on it?
Perhaps the current regimen simply isn't hitting the mark?
If things are truly spiraling, consider checking into a facility just to help you weather this particular storm.

Just go to the hospital if your doctor says you need to...

Your Shrink should have the best professional insight into what you're going through—definitely talk to them, since they know your situation better than anyone else
Most people tend to avoid mental health facilities out of pure fear or just because they don't have enough information about how things actually work
I've personally spent time at a day hospital in Baltimore—you should definitely chat with your doctor about whether that’s a good fit for you. If you think you might be dealing with some form of psychosis, check out the first link; if it's something else, take a look at the second one

"The Day Hospital offers the 'Reason and Emotion' program (RIO I and RIO II) specifically designed to treat borderline personality disorders. LTreatment at the Day Hospital takes place every weekday (Monday through Friday) from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The facility achieves its therapeutic goals through both its organized structure and various psychotherapeutic and sociotherapeutic methods, including cognitive-behavioral workshops, group psychotherapy, and creative-recreational therapy.

The therapeutic team consists of three psychiatrist physicians, a group analyst, a family and marriage therapist, an educator specializing in psychoanalytic and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, a registered nurse, and a licensed practical nurse trained as group therapists, along with a psychologist, an occupational therapist, and a social worker.

Before starting treatment at the Day Hospital, it is necessary to undergo an assessment to determine eligibility for the program, which requires a prior appointment. During this assessment, potential group members are given a clear overview of the treatment process, which relies on voluntary participation, cooperation, and motivation, while also preparing them for the group dynamic."

Hannah Edwards12 said:driftingcobra39. You need to call a Shrink.
A hospital is an option, certainly, but it isn't a cure-all.

If you end up in a standard inpatient program, they basically just provide you with medication and meals, while meaningful dialogue with a doctor remains surprisingly scarce.
Most of your interaction will be with your roommates, and let's just say... people there have all sorts of heavy baggage and very specific diagnoses.
What exactly are you dealing with?

Look, I’m no doctor, so I can't claim to know what would work best for you. Regarding the Fever, how long have you been on it?
Perhaps the current regimen simply isn't hitting the mark?
If things are truly spiraling, consider checking into a facility just to help you weather this particular storm.

The Shrink won't be available until version 3.9. I'll lose my mind before then.

driftingcobra39 said:The Shrink won't be available until version 3.9. I'll lose my mind before then.

Honestly, I feel the same way about needing an appointment; I’ll probably end up showing up just like you and waiting until they're finally available around the 9th too.
But seriously, if things are actually hitting the fan, don't wait—just head to the ER.

yeli said:If you're in standard inpatient treatment, they handle the meds and the food, but there isn't much actual talking with the Shrink.
It's mostly just talking with your roommates, and there's plenty of stuff going on... most people have more specific diagnoses.
What's your diagnosis?

Mainly OCD. Honestly, who knows? This guy isn't even really trying to nail down a diagnosis. But I'm frustrated, and frankly, I've had enough of life, so I told him about the occasional suicidal thoughts. Unfortunately, that's where things stand. 😢

Look, just head straight to the emergency room; specifically, the crisis stabilization unit. They accept walk-ins without any prior notice or a referral every single day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM—or maybe 9:00 AM depending on the shift—and you’ll be seen by the doctor on duty who can sit down and actually talk to you. From there, they might adjust your current medication regimen or perhaps provide a temporary prescription for something else to bridge the gap until your regular doctor returns from their trip.

Hannah Edwards12 said:Look, just head straight to the emergency room; specifically, the crisis stabilization unit. They accept walk-ins without any prior notice or a referral every single day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM—or maybe 9:00 AM depending on the shift—and you’ll be seen by the doctor on duty who can sit down and actually talk to you. From there, they might adjust your current medication regimen or perhaps provide a temporary prescription for something else to bridge the gap until your regular doctor returns from their trip.

I suppose I’ll have to go... though I've always had an aversion to medication. Does anyone know if they allow phones during a psychiatric evaluation for hospitalization? If they try to take my phone, I might actually have to defend myself...

driftingcobra39 said:I suppose I’ll have to go... though I've always had an aversion to medication. Does anyone know if they allow phones during a psychiatric evaluation for hospitalization? If they try to take my phone, I might actually have to defend myself...

I highly doubt most people here are popping pills just for the sheer fun of it.
Medication isn't a magic wand, certainly, but when a person reaches that state where basic functioning becomes impossible, these drugs can act as a sort of scaffolding—they steady you enough so you can actually begin to tackle your problems, engage in psychotherapy, and essentially reclaim your own will. From there, you gradually taper off under your doctor's guidance.

As for your phone, you're allowed to have it on the ward, though you'll likely be charging it at the nurse's station rather than keeping it on a ledge in your room.
Go ahead and talk to someone in the ER; perhaps a little something could help right now (are you asking about Sulpiride, for instance? It tends to work quickly and acts as a bit of a lifesaver in an acute crisis).
But please, pull yourself together and seek help. If things don't improve in a day or two, will you reach back out to them?
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

driftingcobra39 said:I suppose I’ll have to go... though I've always had an aversion to medication. Does anyone know if they allow phones during a psychiatric evaluation for hospitalization? If they try to take my phone, I might actually have to defend myself...

Don't use words like "suppose." If this is a crisis, grit your teeth and head straight to the emergency room.

And don't worry too much about their assessment of whether you need inpatient care; based on how you're writing right now, I'd say you aren't exactly showing up as a danger to anyone.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/psychiatry/

yeli said:Stop saying "maybe." If it's an emergency, just get on the road.

I'll head out tomorrow. Thanks.