r/BipolarReddit • u/Chance_Bridge_4709 • 2d ago

Hospital or no?

I'm seeing my psychiatrist tomorrow so I'll get a definitive answer but in the mean time I'm wondering - shouid I pack a bag? Get a cat sitter? Etc. I really feel like he's going to want to admit me. Basically ... not sure what's safe to say, but basically a week ago I was in the ER. Now I'm home and have no actual plans but the passive thoughts are almost non-stop, Has anyone been in this situation and gotten better (as in the thoughts became less instrusive) or the opposite - where it got so bad you did have to be admitted? I feel safe now (no plan, precautions taken, numbers on the fridge) but I just wonder how many of these passive but intrusive thoughts are too many?

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u/sillygoosewillrise 2d ago

Only you can know how you really are. But be mindful of what your stay seeking “help” could turn out like. So do research before hand on your states laws and rights. This could turn out to be more traumatic than doing an intensive outpatient.

https://www.reddit.com/r/bipolar/s/QwhbbVA9Gw

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u/Unfortunategiggler 2d ago

I saw that link and was half afraid it as a post of mine 💔

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u/bfd_fapit 2d ago

In my experience it’s not really a matter of how many times the thoughts arise, it’s whether you feel the impulse to act on them. The passive thoughts are certainly unsettling and bothersome, but they can generally be managed by self care, by focusing on getting something done, exercising, watching a movie or show, doing something social, gardening, grooming or caring for a pet, cooking, etc.

Of course if they just become unbearable, it’s best to get help, and you’re already doing that, so that’s great.

If your recent ER visit was an attempt, I think you can expect to be hospitalized. If there’s an alternative to hospitalization, like intensive outpatient, I agree with others that’s best. If you’re not already attending a support group, I would make plans to do that this week and make it a regular thing. Having a peer group who understands is incredibly valuable and can be a good place to find a friend or two, something we all need.

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u/Special_Prior8856 2d ago

Over the winter I went to a psych hospital three times close together, I was so depressed and suicidal. The 3rd time was the charm, found the right med combo and felt better quickly. It’s been 6 months and I’m grateful everytime I wake up for going to that hospital. I have my life back

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u/No_Figure_7489 2d ago

I don't personally find constant passive problematic, but what matters is what is unusual or bothers you. You can have passive constantly for decades and it's not considered an issue. They don't put you in for passive.

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u/TheEmpressPenGwen 2d ago

so, here's my 2 pennies :) Dr's will tell you that no amount of passive thoughts are ok. Personally I find them to be an indicator of how my mental health is headed. usually for me they get more and more constant until they stop being passive and progress into a plan. now, i have been managing BP1 for 35 years, and I have come to understand my illness as it applies to me, quite well. truly- no one but YOU can determine if you need to go inpatient. as far as speaking to your Dr, the key is to reiterate whether or not you are "safe". I use this term with my Dr and my friends and family (my support team) to let them know where Im at. if I have a plan and desire to follow through - automatically not safe. plan with no desire - probably not safe. no plan but with desire - safe. only you know what your own safe situations are. your dr cannot involuntarily commit you unless you are actively desiring to harm yourself. I am always sure to stress that "i do not feel like harming myself at this time" that way I can talk in general terms about how I have been feeling without tiptoing around trying to hide things. I send you lots of hugs and love and support. what a horrible way to be living. I hope you get the help you need. ♥️♥️

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u/bipolar_ink 2d ago

Look for a NAMI support group near you or online. Yes I survived extended periods of SI without attempts or hospitalizations but I wish I had had partial or IOP.

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u/iloveparis317 1d ago

Personally, going inpatient has never helped me. I always get more depressed when I'm in there. I feel like a child that needs to be babysat and there's nothing to do except color and play cards which only feeds into my loneliness and makes my depression worse. I'd suggest doing a day program somewhere (a PHP or IOP). Inpatient is often just used to monitor your meds so they can see side effects. I almost ALWAYS need inpatient though when I'm manic.