Posted by sooshi on October 31, 2004, at 11:12:46
In reply to What if I went to the ER? *possible trigger*, posted by sdjeff on October 29, 2004, at 22:08:31
Hi sdjeff,
This is what I experienced, and what I have helped two other people in your situation with:
First, try and get your primary physician or psychiatrist to admit you into the ER - tell your doctor you are feeling actively suicidal (even if you aren't) then get him/her to call the hospital and tell them you are coming, then go to the ER.
If this doesn't work, or you don't feel you can work with your doctor, go to the ER yourself, BUT, I can tell you right now, that you MUST tell them that you feeling ACTIVELY SUICIDAL, not just "feeling extremely depressed and like I might hurt myself...". Twice I have been let go from the emergency room when I was "feeling" suicidal and desperately needed help, because I wasn't verbal enough about how bad it was. Even if you AREN'T feeling like you would actually hurt yourself, tell them that you WILL, because if you have no insurance, you're not getting in otherwise.
I don't mean to make it sound scary, I just mean don't let them send you home when you know you shouldn't be sent home. Basically, when they ask you if you feel like you are going to hurt yourself, answer YES, period. Otherwise, a shrink will come see you after you sit there for 3-4 hours, talk to you for 5 mins, write you a 'scrip, then send you back home more depressed than before you went. They HAVE to admit you if you are going to hurt yourself or others. I got the best treatment I ever had in the county hospital, which was also a teaching hospital, so don't even be afraid of that.
Anyway, that's my suggestion. I don't know where you live, but that's how it goes down here in the south. I hope all goes well for you, and keep us posted,
Sooshi
poster:sooshi
thread:408938
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041029/msgs/409545.html