Inpatient Treatment For Depression: Who's A Candidate?

Due to the still-existing stigma relating to mental illness in general and inpatient treatment for mental illness in particular, pursuing this kind of treatment can be difficult even for people who may fully recognize that they could benefit from it. In addition, not knowing what to expect from inpatient treatment, the prospect can be rather frightening as well — checking into a mental health facility may feel more like entering prison than anything else.

You may strongly benefit from voluntary inpatient treatment for depression under any of these circumstances, however:

• You are going to try a new medication for your depression, for which you would benefit from round-the-clock monitoring.
• You are actively suicidal or simply unable to go on functioning.
• You are hoping to try out treatments that are offered only in the context of inpatient care, such as electroconvulsive therapy or intensive talk therapy programs.

Depending on the reason for inpatient treatment, your stay may be as short as three days, or you may opt to remain in inpatient care for several months. Inpatient care for depression offers those who need it the ability to escape from daily life for a while. Above all, it can offer the right person the chance to make getting better than sole focus, their full-time job, for a while. It offers them the chance to receive intensive one-on-one and group treatment for depression, attempt new medications in the safest possible environment, and to remove the challenges of daily triggers from their treatment plan. 

What Do I Need To Know Before Seeking Inpatient Care For Depression?

Depending on your jurisdiction, there are many questions to ask before you consider checking into an inpatient treatment program for depression. Some of those may include:

• Which facilities offer inpatient treatment for depression? What programs do they offer?
• What rights do those who voluntarily seek inpatient treatment for depression have once they enter such a facility? Will they be able to check themselves out at any time? (Often, that is not the case.) How often can loved-ones visit? What is the general atmosphere of the facility? How are days organized within the facility? What is the percentage of voluntary patients, as opposed to those who were committed against their will?
• Which programs might be covered by your insurance policy, or if paying privately, what will the total cost of the program be?
• Will you be able to receive sick leave from work, if working?

READ Treat Depression Naturally: Natural and Herbal Remedies for Depression

A good inpatient treatment program is one in which you are respected and can work towards healing. Through inpatient care, you may learn essential coping techniques you can apply a lifetime, deal with underlying difficulties you have been struggling with, and benefit from treatments that would not otherwise be available. Though entering inpatient care is a radical step, it is the right one for some people, and one that should not be discarded before exploring it.