Posted by Noa on November 1, 1999, at 19:06:19
In reply to Re: hospitalization, posted by Ruth on November 1, 1999, at 18:53:34
I agree with what Ruth said about the relief from some of the pressure that comes with a more intensive treatment modality, such as hospitalization. When I was really in the throes of the worst depression a couple of months ago, and was seriously suicidal, my therapist's "take charge" approach helped a lot. We made a contract that I would not harm myself, and if I felt I might, I would go into the hospital. It felt like handing over some responsibility for clear thinking, with, of course, the recognition that I WASN'T thinking clearly. It was like suspending my confused thinking and letting the therapist navigate for a while, until I could do it for myself. For me this meant seeing the pdoc immediately and getting an increase in meds. The contingency was that if that didn't work, there would be another med to try, or perhaps hospitalization if needed. The increased dose worked, albeit with some annoying "side" effects, but I started to feel better. Still struggling, but there is no comparison between the depressed feelings I have now and that awful, deep, dark hole I was in a couple of months ago when I really came to beleive that death was the only answer. So, don't rule out hospitalization--it could really help. Keep it as part of your crisis plan with your shrink.
poster:Noa
thread:13880
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991028/msgs/14392.html