What type of hospital do suicidal people go to?
I was taken by ambulance to the closest hospital and taken through the ER. I was sent to the psych ward where they took everything but my clothing. I saw a psychiatrist who decided I needed to stay for awhile and I was left in a small room for 12 hours crying. After the 12 hours, I was moved to a room with 3 other people and given what I believe was Trazodone and Benadryl to sleep. A blood test was forced on me and I was told if I didn't comply, I would be strapped down. I was told they could keep me for up to 72 hours but luckily I was released in 36 hours because I was well behaved.
How long do you have to stay in the hospital for a suicide attempt?
Well, I can't fully answer all of your questions because my therapist sent me to the hospital just because she was afraid my depression was leading me to possible suicide very fast, so I wasn't caught dying or anything. But they had me under suicide watch, which was where they had a nurse or doctor that constantly had their eye on me and all of my words/actions for 24 to 72 hours. I couldn't do ANYTHING thing alone, and if I was allowed to be alone (say to go use the bathroom) they stood outside the door and timed me (you have time limits for all private activities). And if you don't seem to be improving, they will extend your stay. If you are found, you will most likely (90% chance) be sent to a psych ward/mental health center for intensive care. Which was like lockdown and made me want to kill myself more. And you can't check yourself out or go home. Only the doctor/psychiatrist, who you see for like 10 min a day and don't hardly talk to, can discharge you from the hospital and it's infuriating because they go by the nurse's notes and make their decision without even knowing or hardly talking to you. The places I went to had no outside and you had to sit in one room for 16-18 hours a day with no physical activity and a bunch of nutcases and drug addicts. Coloring books and tv became my best friend because there are no real books or any kind of activity. Some places, most actually, don't even allow smoke breaks. Oh, and did I mention I got the numbers of 3 male employees by the day I had left and I was only there for a week? Some dedicated employees, especially considering I was 19 and under suicide watch. And yes, if you purposely hurt yourself for any reason they can call it a suicide attempt and you're shipped away.
Legally...How long can a hospital keep you after a failed suicide attempt?
I'm not sure about where you live, but in California there is a legal 72 hour hold. If you hurt yourself again within that hold, it starts over. Once the 72 hours are up, the doctor decides whether they want you to stay for a few or several more days. If you're over 18, i believe you have the right to choose whether you want to stay or go, but if you're a minor it's your parents decision. Usually they keep you longer than the 72 hours, though.
What goes on during a hospital suicide watch?
I was allowed to have visitors during one-on-one (which is a higher level of safety... usually called for when a person on impatient attempts to harm themselves). I had a staff member with me (obviously)... Honestly, I think the treatment team (ergo the Dr) makes the final call as to whether you can have visitors or not. I would think it's generally in the patient's interest to have visitors... It's very depressing in a mental hospital. But, if the patient is too unstable... there might not be another choice in the matter. On a more negative note, sometimes the patient doesn't want to see people or have them see them in that manner (I've been there as well). I'm not familiar with a prison suicide watch. As a 'normal' psych patient (wrong word), your shoe laces are removed, belts, jewerly (sometimes), etc. You can't shave until you reach a certain level. The one hospital I was at, you could go outside with the smokers... but not if you were 302'd. Policies vary (especially if you're talking about a unit within a normal hospital... vs. a private psychiatric facility). Hospitals also tend to have a visitor limit... although they MAY be flexible with it. My visitors could bring food... but not in cans or glass bottles. Hospital staff are supposed to check whatever bags you bring for the patient... for safety purposes... and the bags are NEVER to be given to the patient. If you are in doubt, don't bring it. My best advice to you, is to contact that particular hospital. Ask to speak with a staff member from the psych unit (Behavioral, etc.). They can and should be able to answer all questions for you.
Self harm, suicide will a psychiatrist put me in hospital!?
hi im 19, i have really low self asteem and low confidence, i have been depressed for 2 years, i self harm and have suicidle thoughts, my doctor referred me to see a psychiatrist for depression and anxiety and am goin next week. i am really nervous and dont know what to expect, what sort of things will they ask me? will i have to fill out loads of paperwork questions and stuff. will he refere me to a hospital!?