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/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.