Knowing when to commit yourself or a loved one to the hospital to be treated for severe depression can be a very gray matter. I wish there was a set of directions much like those when you are in labor: if contractions come within five minutes of each other and last a minute long, pack your bags. Some physicians will make the decision for you, but usually it is up to you. Here are few guidelines.
1. When you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else.
If you are very suicidal and have gone as far as making plans, you should be in a safe place where you don’t have to rely on sheer willpower, because all of us who have experienced severe depression know that will power eventually caves. The pain is just too intense. Likewise if you are with young children or other people you could harm in a fit of rage, if you don’t have full control over your emotions, you should admit yourself into the hospital.
2. When you need to be treated aggressively.
You can be treated more aggressively in the hospital because of the close monitoring. Your doctor can change meds–try new combinations, etc.—in a fashion that would take weeks or even months with outpatient care. Because the support staff offers round-the-clock care, any unfavorable reactions of drugs are caught immediately. This can give your recovery a much-needed jumpstart.
