Mental hospital - an option?

[Persephone3576]

I'm seriously considering entering a mental hospital. I can't sleep or eat, I've lost a bunch of weight, I'm scared to have my daughter for fear I can't take care of her, and I am spending most of my time at work either dozing off or getting online to seek help for my anxiety. I've been taking Zoloft for two weeks now, but I only feel worse (please see my other post about that). I've been getting more and more desperate and I'm not sure what that will lead to. I am afraid of what will happen when I go up on my dose (only at 12.5 mg) and my doc wants me to wait another week just to try. I can't stand the thought of trying to keep going for three more weeks before I *might* start to feel some relief. I've already been through almost two months of hell. I just feel like I should be doing more to help myself get better, but I have work and regular life getting in the way.

Has anyone gone into a facility or day treatment? Did it help? Was it worth the expense?

[Persephone3576]

Thank you for your comment. I never thought about it from your perspective either! I second Echkart Tolle's book. It is awesome, and I have turned to it in this crisis. I have heard of Susan Jeffers, although I have not heard her cd. I'll have to look into it.

Just to update everyone, I stayed at my ex's last night and although I still woke up a lot, I did not feel panicked and alone. I will stay there again tonight. And today I got the best news ever: my best friend from college is flying up on Saturday and will stay with me for six days. I just can't believe it. She is such a great friend, and it will help immensely having her here.

No hospital for me!

[DJ873]

I want to cry reading your story, mainly because I like many can relate. There are times we give our complete being over to our thoughts, and focus on those thoughts that mess us up. I gave up so much because of this disorder, mainly my freedom and independence all because I let my fears and thoughts rule my life. What I found ironic is that you are considering what is my deepest fear, being in a mental hospital. I never thought of it as something that might help, more of a confirmation that I am nuts. So thank you for a different perspective. I have been getting alot better using Eckhart Tolle's power of now book and meditating from a Jon Kabitt-Zinn cd. I also really like the Susan Jeffers feel the fear and do it anyway cd. Anyway, I think you have come to a good forum for support as we all travel through this journey.

[turkee23]

good keep your head up. staying with someone is a good idea. please keep us updated. im on here allday everyday and im always looking for someone to talk to. tomorrow im going up in my dose....kinda nervous!

[Persephone3576]

Thank you, everyone. I saw my old therapist, and she's going to help me by seeing me every day. She also advised me not to be alone right now, so i'm going to stay at my ex-husband's house. I know, weird, but my daughter is there and we're friends, and he suffers from depression, so he gets it.

I'm basically creating my own mental hospital, with structure, meds, check'ins, and constant supervision. Luckily, I have an awesome therapist who is helping me and awesome friends, too.

I picked up my prescription for Xanax today to replace the Klonopin, so hopefully I can sleep tonight. That will probably make things look much better, too. And I'm canceling my trip to the Bahamas right now. I feel okay about that.

[aheart]

Hello sweetie I'm sorry you are in crisis right now but it can and will get better. I doubt very much if they would admit you to a mental hospital, but trust me that's a good thing!
I think if they did let you in you would probably want out very quickly and you would most likely be on a 72 hr. hold for evaluation and could not leave. The one thing about axiety that you must know is that's its a big bully that can scare you to death (not literally) but does not have to. Once you understand more about anxiety it will take the power out of it for you, along with becoming really good at learning to relax on demand so to speak, (When you need it)  I don't think you have a major mental disorder and I believe that along with your doctors and a good relaxation program, you will conquer this! Know that! I'm sorry you have to be alone right now but you have a support team right here and someone is usually around to help. I will help you if I am around. If you have a belief system (God) that can do wonders too! Meds, support & belief in a higher power can help you-Have a better day hon and stay strong!

[erin626]

I went to a psychiatric hospital here in Pittsburgh last year and it was a big mistake. They honestly did nothing to help my anxiety. They had two psych doctors come to down to the ER and meet with me and talk with me and then sent me on my way. Maybe the mental hospital in your area is better but to me it seemed that they were more concerned with substance abuse cases and major mental disorders than they were with anxiety. I got the "calm down and just relax and you'll be ok" Meanwhile i literally hadn't slept in 72 hours and hadn't eaten in that 72 hours either. It was awful. I had to quit my job and couldn't do anything by myself. My therapist was much more helpful than the mental hospital was.

[Persephone3576]

Yes, I am seeing a psychiatrist who also does therapy. But we haven't been able to do much therapy cuz we always talk about my meds. I am seeing a different/my old therapist today, because she is more of a social worker/counselor. I'm hoping she can help me figure out what to do. I trust her better.

I have GAD.

[rls27]

Have you been seeing a therapist? You may want to start with finding a psychologist in your area first. Taking meds strictly by a family physician's prescription may help you weather the anxiety storm, but it won't help to actually treat the anxiety and what is really troubling you.

What type of anxiety are you suffering from?

[turkee23]

im so sorry, try n stay strong

[Persephone3576]

I was gonna go to my mom's for a couple of weeks, maybe this weekend (would have to get flights). But my doc said he didn't want me changing my meds while I'm out of town. So I'd have to come back and face that alone. She can't come back with me because she works full time. So I feel totally stuck and desperate.

[turkee23]

oh my im so sorry your having such a rough time.

i dont know about going for a day treatment or anything, i know that the mental health place by my house cosys 1500 a day if you want treatment, and the only way you dont pay is if the police bring you.

have you talked to your dr about it? maybe they can get you in there for the day with his permission and they wont charge you.
tomorrow is my 2 weeks mark but im taking 25 mgs and will start taking 50 tomorrow

the sleeping is hard but i been taking a xanax everynight to make sure i fall asleep, i used to nap every afternoon but thats gone out the window. i can also eat, but i have also lost 20 lbs, i had surgery right before i started taking the zoloft so no tellling which one is responsible for it. obvisously your REALLY sesnitive to meds.have you tried others besides zoloft?i think getting to your moms for a while so she can help you and your daughter is a GREAT idea....when are you doing that?