Hospitals don't help, but this is all my doctor has offered. Are there other options?!
Question: Hospitals don't help, but this is all my doctor has offered. Are there other options.?
My doctor describes me as high functioning patient with severe depression and chronic suicidal behavior. It is extremely frustrating to be in treatment and to have been in every possible facility for the treatment of depression. I do have a fairly good health insurance and have been referred to many doctors, hospitals and outpatient facilities over the past two years. Even a residential treatment facilities which cost more than $30,000 for a 30 day stay. I'm currently with a private psychiatrist that I pay out of pocket because she is one of the best in my area and she will go the extra mile for my well being. I've already been placed into the hospital for failed attempts in which I'm very angry that it has failed. I admit that I've been stupid in thinking that I can do this without leaving a mess for someone to clean up. I'm not going to go into details on my attempt, but it is a miracle that I'm still here. My question is "what realistic options do I have in getting help or am I wasting my time and money.?". Please I really would appreciate serious responses.Health Question & Answer
Answers:
I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with life, and feeling depressed and suicidal.
Because i've been suicidal before, i can relate in some small ways.
I believe that we can't help being depressed, especially if we are clinically depressed. In many cases, as you know, clinical depression is manageable with drug therapy. For some of us, every drug does not work, and we have to alert our doctors if the med doesn't start helping after several weeks -- or if our current med seems to have stopped
working.
I believe that daily exercise really helps because it releases the happy hormone, endorphins, into our systems. For me, i notice that if i stop exercising, and then start again, after several days i do feel somewhat better. And, of course, i always feel better right after exercising. I walk for at least 1/2 hour a day, usually more. and it's free...
I think that, since you have a good psychiatrist, you could ask her the same question -- about the options you have in getting help... you are going to her, that's one source of "help". You didn't say how much time she spends with you -- perhaps you could consider a therapist too.? Your psychiatrist could share her notes with the therapist to get the two of you started in your sessions.
Depression is tough, it's cyclic, and it's an imbalance. However, if we can learn to think differently, push ourselves to do things we might enjoy, take our doctors' advice, and generally put the work and effort it takes to living a more productive life, it does help.
I sure hope you will work toward better things. i'm sending hugs from here.
Health Question & Answer
Because i've been suicidal before, i can relate in some small ways.
I believe that we can't help being depressed, especially if we are clinically depressed. In many cases, as you know, clinical depression is manageable with drug therapy. For some of us, every drug does not work, and we have to alert our doctors if the med doesn't start helping after several weeks -- or if our current med seems to have stopped
working.
I believe that daily exercise really helps because it releases the happy hormone, endorphins, into our systems. For me, i notice that if i stop exercising, and then start again, after several days i do feel somewhat better. And, of course, i always feel better right after exercising. I walk for at least 1/2 hour a day, usually more. and it's free...
I think that, since you have a good psychiatrist, you could ask her the same question -- about the options you have in getting help... you are going to her, that's one source of "help". You didn't say how much time she spends with you -- perhaps you could consider a therapist too.? Your psychiatrist could share her notes with the therapist to get the two of you started in your sessions.
Depression is tough, it's cyclic, and it's an imbalance. However, if we can learn to think differently, push ourselves to do things we might enjoy, take our doctors' advice, and generally put the work and effort it takes to living a more productive life, it does help.
I sure hope you will work toward better things. i'm sending hugs from here.
Health Question & Answer
i worked in a psychiatric hospital for over 30 years. when all else has failed, i have seen ETC work in a lot of cases. if you have been on medication, and therapy , along with medication, and you find it still does not work,.you may perhaps think of this treatment option.short term memory loss is usually a side effect, but it does not last long. today the way they give this type of treatment is a lot more humane when they used to. hope this helps you. good luckHealth Question & Answer
GET A REFERRAL FROM YOUR REGULAR PHYSICAN TO A PSYCHIATRIC WARD AT A TEACHING HOSPITAL ( A UNIVERSITY THAT HAS A EXCELLENT PSYC PROGRAM) AS THEY HAVE MORE MEDICINES AT THEIR DISPOSAL, YOU SHOULD STAY AT THE HOSPITAL FOR A MONTH OR TWO FOR TREATMENT. I WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS- CHICAGO, AS THEY ARE ONE OF THE BEST IN MY AREA FOR YOUR ILLNESS..Health Question & Answer
Sometimes it's hard dealing with these on your own. Sure, there are friends and programs there to help you, but I have found that placing your problems in the hands of Jesus Christ helps a whole lot.
For me all I did was accept him and ask him to forgive me of my sins and bring guidance into my life.
Health Question & Answer
For me all I did was accept him and ask him to forgive me of my sins and bring guidance into my life.
Health Question & Answer
Have you considered Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).? ECT should be considered a first line treatment for major depressive disorder along with SSRIs and has resulted in 87% remission rates. Health Question & Answer