Should I admit myself into a psychiatric hospital?

As I write this blog from a psychiatric hospital, I remember looking up this question a few months before I actually became a patient and in reality I'd looked it up every time I felt really down and out. Never in my researches, did anything make me take that step and I felt like they all repeated the same things. I'm going to try my best to give you a good and honest answer.

First response

My first respond would be: if you looked it up, then you should do it! I know it's more complicated than that but if you're feeling so unwell that you're considering going to the hospital, maybe you should just go. What held me back was feeling like I wasn't unwell enough and I'd be taking someone's place. In the end, it was a breakdown that sent me to the hospital in a hurry. If I had taken the step earlier, maybe I would've handled things differently and I would have felt better faster. So really, if you're thinking about it, you should just take the step and go.

However...

However there are some things you should consider. To me any reason you think you should go to a mental health hospital is 100% valid, whatever the intensity, but I do think that some cases should consider another option.

In the case you're really drowning and can't seem to get your head above the water or are going totally crazy, then you should go directly to the hospital.

But if you're kind of burnt out and can still do some things and pull yourself up, then I suggest going with something more relaxing. Some hospitals can be very overwhelming at times with a lot happening all the time and you don't get much freedom or autonomy. So if your head is still kind of above the water I suggest you go to a clinic or on some (spiritual) retreat. Some clinics can be expensive but if you're in need of something relaxing while still making progress, it's worth the money (if you can afford it). Otherwise there are a lot of retreats or trips you can do to clear your mind, relax and make progress with your mental health. These kinds of options are good because you get a lot of freedom and still do a lot yourself so it doesn't feel like you're at the hospital.

In any case, you should go somewhere, wether it be hospital or clinic, if you researched this question.

Last word

At first I wanted to add a "what to expect" part but I realised that subject is a blog on its own. So stay tuned for that blog, I hope this helped you in some way. Take care of yourself.