How to Admit Yourself to a Mental Hospital

Signs You Need to Go to a Mental Hospital

When mental health worsens and the person becomes a danger to self or others, they can admit themselves to a mental health program.

Sometimes, no matter how we try to manage our mental health issues, there comes a time when we need more help. When symptoms become so severe that you pose a threat to yourself or to others, it is time to check in to a mental hospital.

In most cases, it is better to self-admit instead of waiting until the mental health disorder becomes so bad that you are admitted involuntarily. Feeling like you have no control over your life can be very disheartening. People are more engaged in treatment and have a better attitude if they’ve taken control of their own mental health.

Learn more about the signs of a severe mental health crisis, and why it is better to learn how to admit yourself to a mental hospital and get treatment.

Signs of a Psychiatric Crisis

You may have been treated for a mental health condition for years, or have had a sudden onset of symptoms. Knowing the signs of a mental health crisis is essential. These are the signs and symptoms that alert you to a dangerous condition. A mental health crisis can ramp up and lead to a suicide attempt. If you or a loved one is showing a cluster of these signs, it is time to seek help.

Symptoms of a severe mental health issue include:

• Withdraw; stop communicating; detached.
• Become catatonic.
• Extreme mood swings.
• Sleep disturbance.
• Lack of interest in life.
• Cognitive impairment.
• Neglect personal hygiene.
• Unable to function at even basic daily tasks.
• Aggressive or violent behavior.
• Strange actions.
• Sudden and extreme weight loss or gain.
• Impulsive risky behaviors that endanger the person or others.
• Psychotic symptoms, such as paranoia, hallucinations, or delusions.
• Increased substance abuse.
• Threaten or attempt suicide.

These signs are very telling. A loved one should be able to notice the changes in your mood and behaviors and get you in front of a mental health expert. They will assess your mental state and decide if you need to be admitted into the hospital.

What to Do When in a Mental Health Crisis?

It is always best to address a mental health disorder early on. The earlier you obtain help and treatment, the better the outcome will be. A doctor can guide you toward a mental health provider who can decide on treatment and whether you need a more intensive care plan.

When a mental health issue suddenly worsens or has been ignored, the situation can turn quickly into a crisis. Someone may have something occur, such as a psychotic break, which is a very serious condition. Other severe issues involve violent behavior or suicide attempts.

When you or a loved one is showing the signs of a mental health crisis or breakdown it is crucial that they get help. Most hospital’s E.R. staff members are not trained or equipped to manage a mental health crisis. Sometimes, though, that is the only option. If at all possible, it is best to seek out an inpatient mental health center that offers acute stabilization services.

Why it is Better to Know How to Admit Yourself to A Mental Hospital

Sometimes a person doesn’t have the option to self-admit to treatment. But when they do, there can be many benefits for doing so. These include:

• When you check yourself into a mental hospital you tend to have a better connection with the doctors assigned to you.
• You will have more improvement in your mental health status if you admit yourself to the hospital.
• There is less stigma when you check yourself in, versus involuntary admission.
• You will feel you have more control over your treatment and status.
• You will likely have a shorter stay.
• You will get help sooner if you self-admit.
• You know you can check out when you want to.

It may seem daunting to go to a mental hospital for help. In many cases, though, it is the best option for getting the care you need in a crisis.

What to Expect at a Mental Hospital

A mental health treatment program provides a safe, secure setting for healing. During your stay, you will engage in a series of treatment activities. The first priority is to become stable. The staff will watch you closely and use meds to keep you calm. A psychiatrist will begin meeting with you daily.

Once stable, you begin daily therapy sessions, group sessions, and other holistic methods that help you get better. Meds are reviewed and adjusted as needed. In fact, sometimes it is the medication that led to a mental health crisis event. After you have remained stable for a sustained time, you can step down to a lower level of care.

Stepping Down to Outpatient Care

You will be referred to aftercare services once you are discharged from a treatment program or psychiatric hospital. Case management programs can provide social support and housing after inpatient treatment. There are social work programs that are designed for just this purpose. Services might include:

• Case management.
• Psychotherapy
• Support groups.
• Family-focused support.
• Help with education and employment.
• Medication compliance support.
• Life skills training.

Early intervention will result in the best outcome. If you or your loved one is showing the signs of a serious breakdown or psychotic event, get help sooner rather than later. If you can, have your loved one self-admit to the hospital or treatment center, as there are many benefits. From that point, you will be able to decide on the right care approach for your mental health needs.

Elevation Behavioral Health Residential Mental Health Treatment

Elevation Behavioral Health offers acute stabilization and comprehensive mental health treatment in a small, private setting. If you or a loved one is going through a heightened mental health crisis, do not delay. Give our team a call for prompt guidance at (888) 561-0868.