Mental health is as crucial as physical health, yet it’s often neglected. When faced with severe mental illness, many wonder if they can check themselves into a mental hospital. Understanding this process can empower individuals to take control of their mental well-being. We offer comprehensive psychiatric and dual-diagnosis outpatient treatment at New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers in Clear Lake, Katy, and The Woodlands. Let’s explore the steps and considerations if you’re considering checking yourself into a mental hospital.
Understanding the Need for Inpatient Mental Health Care
Mental health issues can range from mild to severe. In some cases, outpatient therapy and medication management may suffice. However, there are instances where more intensive care is necessary. Severe depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and psychosis are a few conditions that might require inpatient care. Inpatient mental health treatment provides a safe and structured environment where individuals can receive 24/7 support and monitoring.
Conditions That May Require Inpatient Care
Ever feel so overwhelmed that you wonder if you should check yourself into a psychiatric hospital? If you ask this question, you have probably suffered for a long time. Your struggles may be the result of severe stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or some other mental health crisis.
Here are several mental health conditions that might necessitate inpatient treatment:
- Severe Depression: When depressive symptoms are so intense that they hinder daily functioning or pose a risk of self-harm.
- Anxiety Disorders: Extreme anxiety that leads to panic attacks, severe distress, or avoidance of daily activities.
- Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors: Immediate intervention is critical for anyone experiencing persistent thoughts of suicide or exhibiting self-harm behaviors.
- Psychosis: Symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or severe disconnection from reality that require constant monitoring and specialized treatment.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Severe PTSD symptoms that significantly disrupt daily life and mental stability.
- Substance Abuse and Dual Diagnosis: When substance abuse co-occurs with mental health disorders, inpatient care can address both issues concurrently.
Fortunately, you don’t have to continue to suffer. There is treatment that can help you overcome the problems associated with mental health and substance abuse issues. Inpatient mental health treatment can be a critical step in your journey to recovery, providing the support and resources needed to stabilize your condition and begin the healing process.
Signs You May Need to Go to A Mental Hospital
Recognizing when your mental health condition requires more than outpatient treatment is crucial for ensuring you receive the appropriate level of care. Inpatient treatment provides intensive support and monitoring for severe mental health issues. Here are some signs that you might need to check yourself into a mental hospital, residential treatment program, or another type of inpatient facility:
Recognizing when your mental health condition requires more than outpatient treatment is crucial for ensuring you receive the appropriate level of care. Inpatient treatment provides intensive support and monitoring for severe mental health issues. Here are some signs that you might need to check yourself into a mental hospital, residential treatment program, or another type of inpatient facility:
1. Suicidal Thoughts
When daily activities like work, school, or self-care become unmanageable due to your mental health condition, it may be time to consider inpatient treatment. Symptoms that interfere with your ability to function normally, such as severe fatigue, lack of concentration, or extreme emotional distress, indicate a need for more intensive support. Inpatient treatment offers a structured environment with round-the-clock care, helping you regain stability and functionality through intensive therapeutic interventions, including individualized therapy, group sessions, and skill-building activities.
Learn More About Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts at New Dimensions.
2. Inability to Function
When daily activities like work, school, or self-care become unmanageable due to your mental health condition, it may be time to consider inpatient treatment. Symptoms that interfere with your ability to function normally, such as severe fatigue, lack of concentration, or extreme emotional distress, indicate a need for more intensive support. Inpatient treatment offers a structured environment with round-the-clock care, helping you regain stability and functionality through intensive therapeutic interventions, including individualized therapy, group sessions, and skill-building activities.
3. Severe Mood Swings
Extreme highs and lows that disrupt your ability to maintain relationships and responsibilities are significant indicators that you might need inpatient care. Conditions such as bipolar disorder involve mood swings that can be severe and unpredictable, affecting every aspect of your life. Inpatient care provides continuous monitoring, medication management, and therapeutic support, which can help stabilize mood swings, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall functioning. This environment allows for a comprehensive treatment approach tailored to managing mood disorders effectively.
4. Psychosis
Experiencing symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations, delusions, or a disconnect from reality, requires immediate and intensive treatment. Psychotic symptoms can be frightening and disorienting, severely impacting your ability to function and interact with the world around you. Inpatient facilities are equipped to manage these symptoms with comprehensive care plans that include antipsychotic medications, individual and group therapy, and constant supervision. This intensive treatment setting ensures safety, supports recovery and helps restore a sense of reality and stability.
5. Substance Abuse or Addiction
When addiction or alcoholism exacerbates mental health disorders, dual diagnosis treatment in an inpatient facility might be needed. Inpatient care can address both substance abuse and underlying mental health issues concurrently, providing a holistic approach to recovery. This integrated treatment approach ensures that both conditions are treated simultaneously, improving overall outcomes.
Learn More About Addiction Treatment Programs at New Dimensions
6. Severe Depression
Severe depression is one of the most common reasons that people check themselves into a mental hospital. When someone is struggling with depression, they begin to feel hopeless and overwhelmed. They frequently have suicidal thoughts, are unable to concentrate, and begin to lose interest in all activities.
Learn More About Depression Treatment at New Dimensions.
7. Severe Panic Attacks
Severe anxiety and recurrent panic attacks can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to function normally. Panic attacks often come on suddenly and involve intense fear and physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. When anxiety becomes relentless, and panic attacks are frequent, individuals may feel desperate for relief and unable to manage their condition. Inpatient treatment can provide a safe and controlled environment to stabilize anxiety levels, develop coping strategies, and receive comprehensive care.
Learn More About Treatment for Panic Disorder At New Dimensions in Greater Houston.
8. Nervous Breakdown
A nervous breakdown, also known as a mental or emotional breakdown, is not a clinical term but commonly describes a period of intense mental distress. This condition often results from a combination of severe depression and anxiety, leading to an inability to function in daily life. Symptoms might include overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, extreme fatigue, and an inability to cope with routine tasks. A nervous breakdown typically signifies a crisis that requires intensive treatment, often provided in an inpatient setting where individuals can receive continuous support and care.
9. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder, formerly known as Manic Depression, is characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can severely disrupt a person’s functioning ability, affecting relationships, job performance, and daily activities. During manic phases, individuals might experience excessive energy, reduced need for sleep, and impulsive behavior, while depressive episodes can lead to profound sadness, lethargy, and suicidal thoughts. Inpatient treatment can help manage these mood swings through medication, therapy, and close monitoring.
Learn More About Bipolar Disorder Treatment at New Dimensions.
10. Hallucinations or Delusions
Hallucinations or delusions are serious symptoms often associated with Schizophrenia or other forms of psychosis. Hallucinations involve sensing things that are not present, such as hearing voices or seeing things others do not see. Delusions are strong beliefs in things that are not real or true, such as believing in false conspiracies or having an inflated sense of importance. These symptoms can significantly impair an individual’s ability to function and can be frightening and disorienting. Inpatient hospitalization is often necessary to provide intensive treatment, including antipsychotic medications and therapeutic interventions, to help manage and reduce these symptoms.
11. Homicidal Thoughts
If you have severe homicidal thoughts, it indicates a critical level of distress that poses a danger to yourself and others. Homicidal ideation involves having persistent thoughts or plans about harming others. This severe symptom requires immediate intervention to ensure safety. Inpatient hospitalization provides a secure environment where you can receive intensive psychiatric care and monitoring, reducing the risk of harm and addressing the underlying issues contributing to these thoughts.
12. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be debilitating, affecting individuals who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events such as violence, natural disasters, or military combat. Symptoms of PTSD include frequent flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. These overwhelming feelings can create a mental health crisis that makes it difficult to function in everyday life. Inpatient treatment offers a structured and supportive environment to help individuals process trauma, develop coping mechanisms, and receive specialized care through therapy and medication management.
Learn More About PTSD Treatment at New Dimensions.
Inpatient treatment can provide the critical support and resources needed to manage severe mental health issues effectively. If you or a loved one is experiencing these signs, seeking inpatient care may be necessary for recovery and long-term stability.
Steps to Check Yourself into a Mental Health Hospital
Deciding to check yourself into a mental hospital can be a daunting but necessary step towards recovery. Understanding the process can help ease some of the anxiety associated with this decision. Here are some steps to guide you through what it might look like to seek inpatient mental health care during a crisis.
1. Acknowledge the Need for Help
The first step is recognizing that you need help. This acknowledgment is a brave and necessary step towards recovery. Admitting to yourself and others that you are struggling is not a sign of weakness but rather a critical move towards getting the support you need.
2. Contact a Mental Health Professional
Contact a healthcare professional who can provide a referral and guide you through this experience. This can be an existing healthcare provider like your primary care doctor or therapist. New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers offer outpatient psychiatry and mental health services, but we can also guide you to appropriate inpatient facilities if a higher level of care is needed.
3. Visit the Emergency Room (ER)
If you are in an immediate crisis and need urgent care, go to the nearest emergency room. At the ER, you will undergo triage, where medical professionals will quickly assess the severity of your condition. This step ensures that you receive immediate attention, especially if you are at risk of harming yourself or others.
4. Evaluation by a Mental Health Professional
A psychiatrist or another mental health professional will evaluate you in the ER. This more thorough evaluation aims to understand your mental health condition, symptoms, and immediate needs. Based on their assessment, the professional will decide if inpatient care is necessary.
5. Stabilization
If you are in acute distress, the ER team will provide immediate care to stabilize your condition. This might include administering medication, offering therapeutic interventions, or other measures to ensure your safety. Stabilization is critical before transferring you to an inpatient facility.
6. Transfer to a Psychiatric Facility
If the ER evaluation indicates inpatient care is necessary, the ER will coordinate your transfer to a psychiatric hospital. This transfer can involve arranging ambulance services and ensuring the receiving facility is prepared for your arrival. The goal is to provide a seamless transition to a higher level of care.
7 . Assessment
You will undergo an initial assessment upon arrival and check-in at the psychiatric facility. This comprehensive evaluation helps the medical and treatment team understand your needs and develop an effective treatment plan. The evaluation typically includes reviewing your medical history, current symptoms, and any previous treatment you have received.
8. Health Insurance and Financial Considerations
It is crucial to understand how your health insurance will cover your treatment. Contact your insurance provider to verify the covered services and out-of-pocket expenses you might incur. Many psychiatric facilities have financial counselors who can assist you with insurance verification and discuss payment options to ensure you receive the necessary care without financial stress.
9. Admission
If the assessment indicates inpatient care is necessary, you will be admitted. Your length of stay will depend on your condition, progress, and treatment plan. Admission involves settling into the facility, understanding the rules and routines, and beginning your journey toward recovery.
10. Treatment Plan
A personalized treatment plan will be developed based on your unique circumstances. This plan may include medication management, individual psychotherapy, group therapy, support groups, and other therapeutic interventions tailored to your needs. The goal is to provide comprehensive care that helps you stabilize and start the recovery process.
What to Expect During an Inpatient Stay
1. Safety and Structure
Inpatient mental health facilities are meticulously designed to provide a safe and structured environment conducive to recovery. You will have a daily schedule filled with various therapeutic activities aimed at addressing your mental health needs. This schedule typically includes:
- Therapeutic Activities: Engaging in activities that promote mental and emotional well-being.
- Group Therapy Sessions: Participating in group discussions facilitated by a therapist, where you can share experiences and gain insights from others.
- Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions with a therapist to focus on personal issues and develop coping strategies.
2. What To Bring
Inpatient facilities have strict rules about what personal items patients can bring to ensure their safety. Items such as shoelaces, belts, razors, and other potentially harmful objects are generally prohibited. The staff usually holds these items securely, or you may be asked to send them home with a family member. This policy helps prevent self-harm and harm to others.
3. Rooming
Upon admission, you will be assigned a room, which you may share with another patient. The environment is designed to be both safe and supportive, promoting a sense of community and mutual support among patients. Shared rooms provide opportunities for companionship and peer support during your stay.
4. Daily Schedule
Inpatient psychiatric facilities and programs typically follow a structured daily schedule that provides stability and routine during your hospital stay. This schedule typically includes:
- Therapy Sessions: Regular sessions with therapists to work on treatment goals.
- Group Activities: Activities designed to foster social interaction and support.
- Meal Times: Nutritious meals are provided at scheduled times to ensure proper nutrition.
- Recreational Periods: Time allocated for recreational activities to help relieve stress and promote physical health.
5. Therapy and Counseling
Therapeutic interventions are a cornerstone of inpatient care. During your stay, you will participate in various forms of therapy, including:
- Individual Therapy: Personalized sessions with a therapist to address specific issues and develop coping mechanisms.
- Group Therapy: Sessions that allow you to interact with others facing similar challenges, providing mutual support and shared learning.
- Family Therapy: When appropriate, involve family members in therapy sessions to address family dynamics and support systems.
6. Medications
If medication is part of your treatment plan, the medical team will ensure you receive the appropriate medications. They will also monitor the effects of these medications and make adjustments as needed to optimize your treatment.
7. Peer Support
Being in an inpatient facility means being surrounded by others experiencing similar challenges. This environment fosters a sense of community and support. Group therapy sessions and shared activities allow you to build connections, share experiences, and support each other through recovery.
Transitioning to Outpatient Care After an Inpatient Stay
Once your condition stabilizes, transitioning to outpatient care should be the next step. Research and experience support that individuals receiving timely outpatient care following an inpatient stay are associated with reduced suicide risk, particularly in children and adolescents. New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers offer various outpatient services to support your continued recovery. These services include:
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) in Katy, Clear Lake, & The Woodlands
New Dimensions’ partial hospitalization programs (PHP) offer individuals a highly structured and supportive environment for intensive treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. The program provides up to 5 hours of treatment five days a week. Treatment includes interactive group sessions, skills-based psychotherapy groups, educational programs, personalized treatment plans, and medication evaluation. Family therapy is included in the PHP program to encourage family participation in their individual family member’s recovery.
The partial hospitalization program is designed to assist those individuals stepping down from a higher level of care, such as inpatient hospitalization or residential treatment. It is also ideal for those clients requiring a higher level of care beyond individual therapy once a week but who want to attend a structured outpatient program and return to their home in the evening.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) in Clear Lake, Katy, & The Woodlands
The intensive outpatient programs (IOP) at New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers in Greater Houston provide support with less structure than a PHP. The intensive outpatient program provides more intensive therapy than a therapist or psychiatrist can provide in a once-a-week meeting.
For individuals leaving a residential treatment center, inpatient psychiatric facility, or partial hospitalization level of care, IOP provides an outpatient setting that assists the individual in transitioning to daily living. Individuals receive 9-12 hours of group sessions five days a week. Treatment includes group psychotherapy and educational sessions focused on mental health awareness, practical coping skills, anger management, medication management, and sobriety recovery and maintenance. Family therapy is integrated into the Intensive Outpatient Program, so family members can become part of the individual’s well-being and success.
With IOP, individuals can access the support they need while maintaining their daily commitments. We facilitate meaningful progress in a convenient outpatient setting through group therapy, counseling, and personalized treatment plans.
Transitioning to outpatient care allows you to apply the skills and strategies learned during inpatient treatment to your daily life, helping to ensure a successful and sustained recovery.
New Dimensions Provides an Alternative to Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization
Because the criteria for admission into an inpatient hospital are restrictive, many people don’t qualify for admission into an inpatient psychiatric hospital.
Fortunately, other treatment options can help you get through the crisis and alleviate your suffering. New Dimensions provides partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment to adults and adolescents in crisis.
Our programs are designed to provide highly focused treatment to help you overcome problems associated with depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, anger, stress, substance abuse, or other emotional or behavioral issues.
Advantages of New Dimensions Programs
- Receive Intensive Treatment While Being Home at Night: Our programs provide comprehensive care while staying home.
- Medication Management: Our psychiatrists will help manage your medication needs if required.
- Individualized Treatment: Tailored treatment plans to address your unique needs.
- Family-Oriented Adolescent Program: We involve families in the treatment process to support adolescents effectively.
- After-School Program for Adolescents: Allows teenagers to remain in school while receiving treatment.
- Evening Adult Substance Abuse Program: Enables you to continue working while participating.
- Develop Coping Tools: We help you build skills to manage stressors once you leave the program.
The Role of Family and Friends
Having a solid support system is vital for recovery. Encourage your family and friends to be involved in your treatment process. They can provide emotional support, help you stay motivated, and participate in family therapy sessions if needed.
Overcoming Stigma
One of the barriers to seeking mental health care is the stigma associated with it. It’s essential to recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Cognitive and behavioral health is as important as physical health, and addressing it is crucial for overall well-being.
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or problems, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complimentary assessment or learn more about our programs, contact us at 800-685-9796.
New Dimensions Services
Our affiliate, MHThrive, provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also offer telehealth therapy for anyone who resides in the State. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit MHThrive to learn more.
Begin Intensive Treatment With New Dimensions
Checking yourself into a mental hospital can be a life-saving decision. It provides the intensive care and support needed to manage severe mental health issues. At New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers, we are committed to supporting individuals through every stage of their mental health journey. Whether you need inpatient care or are transitioning to outpatient services, our team is here to help you achieve lasting recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contact New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers today to learn more about our services and how we can support your journey to mental wellness.
Emergency Resources and Contact Information
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, it’s important to seek help immediately. Here are some resources and contact information for emergencies:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Phone Number: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- Text: Text “HELLO” to 741741
- Website: suicidepreventionlifeline.org
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, accessible, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Texas Mental Health Hospitals and Resources
If you are actively suicidal or homicidal, inpatient hospitalization may save your life. Most inpatient treatment programs are short-term focused, so treatment usually lasts less than a week. If you are looking for inpatient mental hospitals in Houston and other parts of Texas, visit our website to view our 2024 local mental health resource guides.
References
- Nathan, R., Gabbay, M., Boyle, S., Elliott, P., Giebel, C., O’Loughlin, C., Wilson, P., & Saini, P. (2021). Use of Acute Psychiatric Hospitalisation: A Study of the Factors Influencing Decisions to Arrange Acute Admission to Inpatient Mental Health Facilities. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 696478. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.696478. Accessed from: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.696478/full
- Fontanella CA, Warner LA, Steelesmith DL, Brock G, Bridge JA, Campo JV. Association of Timely Outpatient Mental Health Services for Youths After Psychiatric Hospitalization With Risk of Death by Suicide. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(8):e2012887. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.12887. Accessed from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/article-abstract/2769145
- Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P. A., Bruce, M. L., Koch, J. R., Laska, E. M., Leaf, P. J., Manderscheid, R. W., Rosenheck, R. A., Walters, E. E., & Wang, P. S. (2001). The prevalence and correlates of untreated serious mental illness. Health services research, 36(6 Pt 1), 987–1007. Accessed from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1089274/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. When Should I Check Myself into a Mental Hospital?
While most people can get the help that they need by working with a therapist or psychiatrist or attending an IOP or PHP, some people need inpatient treatment. If you are suicidal or homicidal, you should check yourself into a mental hospital. If you are actively hallucinating or if you are unable to get your mood swings under control in an outpatient setting, then inpatient treatment is probably appropriate. If you are also unable to break the cycle of addiction in an outpatient setting, then inpatient treatment is perhaps necessary. If you are unsure if you meet the criteria for an inpatient hospitalization, contact a local mental health professional or hospital, and they will assess your current needs and make the appropriate recommendations.
2. Is it normal to want to go to a mental hospital?
Yes, it is normal to consider going to a mental hospital if you are experiencing severe mental health issues. Seeking help from a mental hospital can be a critical step toward recovery for individuals facing intense emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, severe depression, or other serious mental health conditions. Recognizing the need for professional support and a structured environment for treatment is a sign of strength and a proactive approach to managing your mental health.
3. What to say to a person in a mental hospital?
When speaking to a person in a mental hospital, it’s important to be supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental. Here are some things you can say:
- Express Care: “I care about you and am here for you.”
- Acknowledge Their Struggle: “I understand that you’re going through a tough time.”
- Offer Support: “Is there anything I can do to help or make you more comfortable?”
- Encourage Open Communication: “I’m here to listen whenever you want to talk.”
- Show Understanding: “It’s okay to take the time you need to get better.”
Avoid making dismissive comments or offering unsolicited advice. Your presence and willingness to listen can be incredibly comforting.
4. How to deal with poor mental health?
Dealing with poor mental health involves several strategies and seeking appropriate support. Here are some steps you can take:
- Seek Professional Help: Consult a mental health professional, such as a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. They can diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Medication: If prescribed by a healthcare professional, medication can help manage symptoms of mental health conditions.
- Therapy: To address underlying issues and develop coping strategies, engage in different types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, or group therapy.
- Self-Care: Practice self-care by engaging in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
- Support System: Build a strong support system by staying connected with friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your feelings and experiences with trusted individuals can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Lifestyle Changes: Make positive changes to reduce stress, such as managing work-life balance, setting realistic goals, and avoiding alcohol and drugs.
- Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques to stay present and manage anxiety.
- Education: Educate yourself about your condition to better understand your symptoms and treatment options.
5. What is a serious mental illness?
A serious mental illness (SMI) is a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder that significantly interferes with or limits one or more major life activities. Examples of serious mental illnesses include:
- Schizophrenia: A disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and impaired cognitive function.
- Bipolar Disorder: A condition involving extreme mood swings, including manic episodes (highs) and depressive episodes (lows).
- Major Depressive Disorder: A severe form of depression that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.
- Severe Anxiety Disorders: Disorders such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that cause significant distress and impair daily functioning.
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): A disorder characterized by instability in moods, behavior, self-image, and functioning, often resulting in impulsive actions and unstable relationships.
Serious mental illnesses often require comprehensive treatment plans that may include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.