As per the World Health Organisation, nearly a billion people struggled with their mental health by 2019. Mental health conditions can be debilitating, and they can affect a person’s life in a myriad of ways. Therapy and medication are common forms of treatment, but there are times when a mental health disorder becomes so severe that those treatment options are not enough.
In cases such as that, a residential treatment programme may be necessary. But many people may not know when to seek inpatient mental health treatment. However, some signs may indicate that the highest level of care is needed.
When Should Someone Seek Inpatient Mental Health Treatment?
Severe mental health issues can often drive a person to a point where they need an inpatient stay at a specialised treatment facility. But how can a person know when to seek that treatment? The time that these signs are present is when to seek inpatient mental health treatment. These signs include:
Self-Harm or Suicidal Ideation
One of the most telling indicators of the need for inpatient care is when a person puts their physical health at risk because of their symptoms. They may harm themselves or have suicidal thoughts.
Inpatient treatment provides a secure environment where a person experiencing a mental health crisis can be protected from themselves and receive round-the-clock support for their symptoms.
Danger to Others
Similar to the above, inpatient treatment may be needed if a person becomes a danger to others. It should be noted that those who struggle with their mental health are more likely to hurt themselves or be hurt than they are to hurt others.
With that said, there are rare cases where people experiencing an acute mental crisis may be a danger to the people around them. By being in a treatment centre, a person can receive treatment to manage their symptoms enough not to threaten or endanger others.
Lack of Self-Care
Most people who struggle with their mental health can manage their symptoms and live full lives. They can live independently and maintain jobs, houses, and families. But there are cases when their symptoms can get bad enough that they can no longer take care of themselves.
In some cases, symptoms can cause a person to lose relationships, jobs, and homes. By going to an inpatient centre, patients can learn how to manage their symptoms and regain their lives.
Failure of Outpatient Treatment
As previously noted, a treatment plan for a person with a mental health disorder will be outpatient therapy and medication. But there are cases wherein a person’s symptoms can worsen to the point that outpatient treatment becomes insufficient.
When a person’s mental state deteriorates to the point that outpatient care fails, they will have no choice but to seek an inpatient facility. Otherwise, they may hurt themselves or become a danger to others.
Co-Occurring Disorder
Another sign that someone should seek out residential mental health services is when they have a co-occurring disorder. Often, this is a substance or behavioural addiction, as it’s not uncommon for people to self-medicate with illicit substances or behaviours such as excessive gambling.
Two co-occurring behavioural health conditions can interact in ways that can enhance and worsen each other. Intensive care in inpatient care will invariably be needed to help people address their conditions.
What Is Inpatient Mental Health Treatment and What to Expect?
Inpatient mental health treatment is a form of treatment wherein a person, often voluntarily, checks themselves into a specialised facility to receive intensive care for their mental health issues. It is the highest level of care available for mental health disorders.
Patients can expect a number of things from inpatient care. It usually starts with a thorough assessment, which is when an intake team or a singular mental health professional assesses the patient’s mental health history, current concerns, and recovery goals.
In residential care, patients live at the facility. The length of stay is usually a month, but some people may need to stay for longer. Treatment often includes a combination of individual and group therapy.
What Conditions May Need Inpatient Care?
Several conditions can be treated with a residential programme. Some of the most common conditions that can drive a person to inpatient treatment include:
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are characterised by a constant and often irrational sense of worry. People with these disorders may get to a point where they won’t even be able to leave the house.
Depression
Depressive disorders are characterised by persistent and sometimes baseless feelings of sadness and emptiness. These disorders can be particularly dangerous as they can lead to suicidal ideation in extreme cases.
Burnout
Burnout is when a person goes through so much stress for so long that they are emotionally, mentally, and physically drained. Burnout can lead to low self-esteem, changes in appetite, disturbed sleep, and it can contribute to underlying disorders.
Trauma
When a person goes through something traumatic, like a war or an accident, they may develop post-traumatic stress disorder and need treatment for it. Inpatient treatment can help people learn how to manage their trauma.
How To Find an Inpatient Programme
When should you seek inpatient mental health treatment, and how? Finding the right inpatient programme will be an important part of recovery. Many people who struggle with their mental health will often see a therapist or find some other outpatient resource first, and they may be able to get referrals or recommendations for finding a programme that will fit their needs.
There are also cases where a person in an acute crisis will have no choice but to go to a hospital emergency department. Once stabilised, they can be recommended a treatment plan that includes resources such as inpatient centres. Similarly, some helplines can help a person in crisis and direct them to resources that can help them.
Patients who are aware of their mental health needs can also research facilities nearby or abroad that may be able to fit their needs.
Inpatient Mental Health Care Can Improve Your Life
Many people may not know when to seek inpatient mental health treatment, but that treatment can be profoundly beneficial for a person’s symptoms. The treatment found at the Orchid can often be instrumental in helping someone develop healthy coping skills, and the round-the-clock staff can help keep a person secure.
If you or a loved one is struggling with severe mental health conditions, then recovery is a phone call or an email away.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you be hospitalised for mental health?
When a person becomes a danger to themselves or others, they may need to be hospitalised.
Should I go to the hospital if I am having a mental breakdown?
A person who is having a mental breakdown and is unable to function normally should seek help from accredited medical facilities such as hospital psych wards.
Is my body shutting down from stress?
Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to burnout, which can result in symptoms like fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
What qualifies as a mental health crisis?
A mental health crisis is characterised by extreme physical and emotional stress, difficulty coping with that stress, and being unable to function normally.
What does a severe mental breakdown look like?
People who have a mental breakdown may exhibit symptoms such as mood swings, panic attacks, feelings of hopelessness, and even physical symptoms such as chest pains.
