I have major depressive disorder.
Why is it that my brother who abuses drugs has a place to go for weeks at a time to learn how to function and cope with his "illness"?
Is there such a place for depressed people?
I know psych wards are basically a 72 hour sham, and really don't help people in my situation much.
"mental homes" don't exist anymore for the most part. My aunt is schitzophrenic and there was nowhere for her to go to be taken care of (she needed more care than the family could offer -she's 45 years old and has suffered for over 20 years) - so her daughter pays for her to live in a nursing home.
I live in ILLINOIS and i've heard we have some pretty terrible mental health support in comparison to other states.
Is what I'm describing like an outpatient program maybe? I just feel like a month long escape to a place to work on ME and my issues and to really focus on treatment and getting counseling one on one daily and group sessions -- it sounds like maybe it would be comforting and helpful....
just rambling really. ranting actually.
REHAB for drug addiction is a lot more 'acceptable' in society than a stint in a psych ward. Ya know?
please correct me, inform me, inspire me, enlighten me on this subject please.
Why is it that my brother who abuses drugs has a place to go for weeks at a time to learn how to function and cope with his "illness"?
Is there such a place for depressed people?
I know psych wards are basically a 72 hour sham, and really don't help people in my situation much.
"mental homes" don't exist anymore for the most part. My aunt is schitzophrenic and there was nowhere for her to go to be taken care of (she needed more care than the family could offer -she's 45 years old and has suffered for over 20 years) - so her daughter pays for her to live in a nursing home.
I live in ILLINOIS and i've heard we have some pretty terrible mental health support in comparison to other states.
Is what I'm describing like an outpatient program maybe? I just feel like a month long escape to a place to work on ME and my issues and to really focus on treatment and getting counseling one on one daily and group sessions -- it sounds like maybe it would be comforting and helpful....
just rambling really. ranting actually.
REHAB for drug addiction is a lot more 'acceptable' in society than a stint in a psych ward. Ya know?
please correct me, inform me, inspire me, enlighten me on this subject please.
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Answers
Have you tried Thresholds in Chicago? Another place to ask is the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA).
Good luck! I too know the worthlessness of most hospitals for psych disorders.
Sadiqah
Hi there, also APA at www.apa.org can be beneficial.
Psych wards are not always a sham, and a lot of times, if you are too severely depressed, you can be in there a lot longer than 72 hours.
Insurance has a lot to do with those 3 days. I hope the best for you.
Best,
Clyde
starskynight, I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling so sad and hopeless. It's true that most hospital stays are for stablizing the patient on medications, but they also give the patient time to develop a plan for outpatient therapy.
You can begin outpatient therapy right now. Find a clinical psychologist, or contact your local mental health clinic, and make an appointment.
Depression doesn't go away on it's own, as you have found out. It will take longer than a month, whether you are in hospital or not. While depression is a medical disorder, there are many psychological/mental/emotional thought patterns that contribute to the disorder. Learning how to approach problems and ill feelings will help lift this darkness. It will also help you keep the hopeless feelings at bay in the future.
good wishes
drjean