Do I need to go to the hospital?

It’s common for people to go to the hospital because of a mental illness. Sometimes people go specifically because of what the hospital has to offer. Other times, it’s just the first place we think of when we are in crisis. Understanding what happens when you check yourself into a hospital can help you decide whether it’s the best option for you right now.

How can the hospital help with mental illness?

There are lots of reasons why people go to the hospital for mental illness. Here are a few:

• To be monitored. Sometimes people experiencing mental illness feel like they can’t trust themselves. Maybe you can’t seem to stop hurting yourself or you are afraid you might hurt someone else. In a hospital, you are constantly being monitored by people who are trained to keep you and those around you safe.
• To escape for a few days. Hospital stays for mental health are usually pretty short (from a few days to a week or two). But if your day-to-day life is stressing you out, a short break can go a long way for your mental health. While you’re at the hospital, meals are prepared for you, your laundry is done for you, and your meds are given to you by nurses at scheduled times. You don’t have to worry about any of that. It leaves time for you to think about what you’ll do once you’re back in the real world… or, you can just take that time to watch TV and lay in bed.
• To get quick, comprehensive medical care. Meeting all your mental health needs can feel like juggling way too many things at once. There’s medication, therapy, lifestyle changes… not to mention your physical health. In a hospital, you can see specialists for all of those things—all in a single day! In the real world, scheduling appointments can be a hassle, and sometimes you need to wait to be seen. But in a hospital setting, you can get it all taken care of at once.
• To set up aftercare. What happens when your hospital stay is done? Well, answering that question is actually part of your stay. If you need medications, you’ll be given refills. The hospital can make management plans like referrals for a therapist, and any other specialists you might need to see.

What other options do I have?

A hospital stay can be helpful in many situations, but it also has its drawbacks. It’s not the best long-term solution—you probably won’t walk away from the hospital completely cured. But it can be a great first step.