What Happens When You Are Hospitalized for Depression

What Happens When You Are Hospitalized for Depression Depression Treatment Print What Happens When You Are Hospitalized for Depression? How to Know When Its Time to Check Yourself In By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids Eric Audras / Getty Images If youre experiencing severe depression symptoms, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or your treatment just isnt helping, you may consider checking yourself into a hospital. Although this can be a frightening thought, you may find it less intimidating if you know what to expect from the process. When You Should Go to a Hospital You may choose to be hospitalized if youre having symptoms that are putting you or others at risks,  such as suicidal urges, mania, or psychosis. Hospitalization can also be helpful if youre finding yourself too ill to eat, bathe, or sleep properly. In addition, your doctor may recommend hospitalization when youre making major changes in your treatment plan that require close supervision. Hospitalization is appropriate any time you need a safe place in which to receive intensive treatment until your symptoms stabilize. Before Youre Admitted Because youre probably feeling overwhelmed right now, you may want to ask a friend or family member to help you through the process of checking into the hospital and filling out paperwork. If possible, you or they should call ahead of time to find out about the hospitals rules and procedures and ask about what items you should bring with you. Information about visiting hours and telephone access will also be helpful. What Happens When Youre Admitted One of the first things that will happen is that you will be evaluated by a psychiatrist in order to determine an appropriate treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Your treatment plan will probably involve work with a variety of mental health professionals, such as a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist, nurses, social workers, and activity and rehabilitation therapists. You will most likely participate in individual therapy, group therapy, or family therapy during your stay. In addition, you will probably receive one or more psychiatric medicines.?? At this time, hospital staff will also take care of getting approval for your stay from your insurance provider. Your insurance company will periodically evaluate your progress during your stay to determine if you need additional time in the hospital. In the event that you are denied by your insurance company, you and your psychiatrist may appeal. Your Rights as a Patient Note that the criteria and rules surrounding voluntary hospitalization (you check yourself in) differ greatly from involuntary hospitalization (someone else checks you in). In the case that you sign yourself into a hospital, you also have the right to sign yourself back out.?? The exception to this rule, however, is if the hospital staff believes you are a danger to yourself or others. If you are not a danger to anyone, the hospital must release you within two to seven days, depending on the laws in your particular state.?? If you experience any problems with getting the hospital to release you, you should contact your states protection and advocacy agency. While you are at the hospital, you also have the right to be completely informed about all tests and treatments you will be receiving, including the risks and benefits. You have the right to refuse any tests or treatments that you feel are unnecessary or unsafe. In addition, you may refuse to participate in experimental treatment or training sessions involving students or observers. What Hospital Rules to Expect Even though you may have been hospitalized of your own free will, the hospital will set rules to ensure your safety. These rules may include: Initially being in a locked ward that you cannot leave at will  Certain items that you could potentially use to harm yourself (for example, belts, razors, and shoelaces) being locked awayFollowing a schedule for your meals, treatments, activities, and bedtimeSharing a room with someone else Also expect to interact with several different staff members, some of whom may periodically check on you or interview you to assess your status. Who Will Be Informed About Your Hospital Stay With the exception of your insurance company, no one will be told about your hospitalization without your permission.?? What Happens After Youre Discharged After you are discharged from the hospital, your doctor may recommend a day-treatment program. This type of program will provide you with many of the benefits that you received during your hospitalization, such as psychotherapy and other services, but you may return home at night and on the weekends. Continuing Your Recovery Treatment for depression doesnt end with hospitalization. Steps that you can take to ensure your continued recovery include:?? Keeping all your doctor appointmentsTaking your medications as prescribedFinding a support groupTaking care of yourself by eating well, exercising, and getting plenty of sleepLearning techniques to reduce stressBeing gentle with yourself and realizing that you are a work-in-progress Find Out If Online Therapy Is Right for You Preparing for a Future Crisis Because depression tends to be a chronic illness, its wise to have a plan of action should you ever need to be hospitalized again. This plan should include the following: Your doctors name and contact informationContact information for trusted friends, family, or support group membersInformation about any other health issues you might have, including a list of all medications that you takeA list of any allergiesA list of any medications you cannot takeYour insurance informationThe name of the hospital where you prefer to be treated You may also wish to have an attorney prepare an advance directive and medical power of attorney for you if you wish to give a trusted person the authority to act on your behalf in making medical decisions.?? This will ensure that your will is carried out should you become too ill to make your own decisions. What Are Your Rights When Youre Depressed?