In Ep. 008 “Hospitalization for Suicide” we discuss important information when considering mental health treatment centers for someone who is at the bottom of “The Ramp” to suicide. Hospitalizing a loved one against their wishes is likely to result in you feeling guilty about the decision. Even when hospitalization is absolutely the right call, you may ask yourself questions like:
- Did I make the right decision?
- Will it be a terrible experience for them?
- What will be the future consequences of the hospitalization?
- Will they be angry at me for doing it?
Typically, psychiatric hospitalization occurs when there is:
- A significant risk that the person will make a suicide attempt,
- Someone else’s life appears to be in danger, or
- The person is unable to make good and reasonable decisions for themselves.
In particular, involuntary hospitalization of a loved one should only be done if there are grave concerns about the person’s condition.
Parents of minors who are severely depressed, threatening suicide, or seem unable to make rational decisions may have to hospitalize their child. Similarly, an adult who is at risk for suicide or who is not in contact with reality may need a family member to assist them. Such a person may really need the intensive care of a hospital environment.
Behavioral health facilities today are generally quiet, pleasant settings. They are not asylums where people are locked up like prisoners. They feature group meetings, interactions with counselors, recreational activities, and meetings with a psychiatrist. Restrictions on patients are limited to those necessary to maintain the safety of the community. Hospital stays are usually brief, a week or so–just long enough for the patient’s condition to improve.
What about their record?
You may fear that by hospitalizing a loved one you are potentially ruining their life. What happens when there is a hospitalization on their “record”? As an initial matter, medical records are generally private. Importantly, federal laws prohibit discrimination against people because of an illness, including mental illness. Prior hospitalization generally will not prevent a person from attending college or getting a job. On the other hand, it is true that previous hospitalization could make some positions less available. These might include:
- Pilots
- Military
- Law Enforcement
What if they’re angry with me?
Your child or loved one may indeed be angry if you force hospitalization on them, but consider the alternative. What may happen if your loved one in acute distress does NOT go to the hospital? The threat of suicide must be taken seriously. A person who is contemplating suicide needs care, connection, and oversight. Sometimes, this is more than you can provide within the home.
In Closing…
If you are thinking of hospitalizing a loved one against their wishes, you are likely to question your decision. Nonetheless, sometimes, such an action is necessary. If you are wrestling with this difficult choice, reach out to a mental heath professional for their expertise and guidance.