Psychiatric Hospital

[Triton]

I'm just barely a teen, I guess I'm cutting it kinda close here

Hi - So... I was thinking of admitting myself to some sort of psychiatric facility. I wanted to know if anyone here had been to one before?

The past few months, I think my mental health has been deteriorating to a dangerous point. I've just been breaking down. It seems I spend more time thinking about suicide than not, I lay in bed for 16 hours a day, among other problems. I'm probably the least independent person ever, so I'm literally terrified of going, despite the fact that I know I need some sort of extreme professional help because of how screwed up my life is. Is it put on my permanent file? One of my biggest fears is that it will come back to haunt me in the future. I'm 19 - legally I'm adult, do I have complete say in this over my parents? I live with my mom, and despite the fact that she would notice if I was simply gone, I really don't want her to find out. I know it sounds stupid, but the guilt and shame, that I have these problems has been preventing me from seeking the help through my family.

[LeapOfFayth]

If by permanent file you mean your medical records then yes, it goes on there. However nobody is going to go, hmm so you're crazy eh? It won't even be brought up unless its relevant. And since you're an adult you have all the say about you being in the hospital since you would be voluntary, your mom wouldn't have to know but why wouldn't you want her to? Change starts at home, and she's your home right now.

I've been admitted more than a few times to a few different places, its not that bad. Really though, why not tell your family? And why do you think you need extreme help?

[La Tortuga Manuelita]

If you feel going to an institution is what you need, then go for it! They are there to help, and if you go in voluntarily you will be able to leave if you feel it is not helping you or you don't feel comfortable there. Also, don't feel ashamed about telling your family. We all have problems and need help sometimes in one form or another, and you should feel proud of yourself for recognizing that you need help right now.

[Schiz]

Whatever fear you have of it coming back to haunt you far outweighs the risks of staying like this. For instance, if you're thinking about suicide, how is the possibility of it coming back to bite you worse than not living?

Besides, that's even assuming it will, which it won't. It's not a criminal record.

[Whisperer]

Even if it is on your medical record. NOBODY can judge you from being there. What I mean is, legally you still have the same chance of being accepted for a job position as any other person. The only thing you can't do is join the army.

[Dream]

It will go on your medical records, and it is more heavily stigmatized than if you had been put in prison (but not as bad as being an ex-druggie) when applying for jobs and among people in general. Or so says my social psych prof/textbook.

I would recommend seeking help from a professional but not in a psychiatric hospital. I personally wouldn't recommend committing yourself unless you think you're experiencing psychosis and are dangerous to yourself/others or unless it is the very last resort to save your life.

[Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Dream

It will go on your medical records, and it is more heavily stigmatized than if you had been put in prison (but not as bad as being an ex-druggie) when applying for jobs and among people in general. Or so says my social psych prof/textbook.

Legally, at least in the US, they can't use it against you. Plus for some jobs they don't even need your medical records.