Recognizing the Signs: When It’s Time to Seek Inpatient Mental Health Care

Knowing you need help, then actually asking for it, can be one of the most challenging things you’ll ever do. It can be difficult to come to terms with the idea that you — and your mental health — need expert intervention, so taking the step to seek inpatient mental healthcare isn’t easy.

If you’ve ever wondered if you should go to a psychiatric or mental health hospital, knowing the signs, understanding what this intensive form of care entails, and finding the courage to take action can help you decide. Inpatient care is a proactive, often life-saving act that can give you the support you need during a mental health crisis.

A mental health hospital stay may be required when the situation becomes unmanageable. Keep reading to learn more about the signs you need to go to a psychiatric hospital and what you should do next.

Understanding Inpatient Mental Health Care

It’s important to understand that inpatient mental health care isn’t about failure. Psychiatric hospitals play a vital role in providing the care needed for serious mental health conditions. It’s about finding an environment where you can stabilize your condition and become a healthier version of yourself.

Inpatient care involves round-the-clock supervision in a secure hospital environment. It allows you to work on yourself and focus entirely on your mental health and healing, without external distractions or responsibilities interfering. An extended stay at a mental hospital can offer the support needed for recovery from severe psychiatric disorders.

There are varying levels of inpatient care services, including:

• Crisis intervention and emergency psychiatric evaluations: Provides immediate assessment and stabilization during acute episodes, such as threats or attempts to harm yourself or others, delusions, hallucinations, or drug/medication overdoses.
• Medication management: Focuses on managing and adjusting the effects of psychiatric medications to optimize treatment.
• Intensive therapy: Addresses underlying issues and helps you develop coping mechanisms, available in both group and individual settings.

“Inpatient care can serve as a critical turning point for individuals experiencing severe mental health symptoms by providing a structured and supportive environment. It offers easy access to medical and therapeutic interventions, ensuring safety and addressing acute symptoms. The intensive nature of inpatient care allows for personalized treatment planning, medication management, and therapy, fostering a foundation for long-term recovery.”

– Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LPC, LMHC

Key Warning Signs That Inpatient Mental Health Care May Be Necessary

Cases of significant risk may require patients being admitted to psychiatric wards for intensive treatment plans. While not every mental health episode will require hospital admission for inpatient care, there are some clear indicators you should go to a psychiatric hospital. Recognizing these signs can be tough, particularly since symptoms usually gradually escalate, so they’re often less noticeable. Regardless, research shows that early treatment is directly linked to more successful outcomes, which means the sooner you get help, the better.

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the following 10 warning signs, you should go to a psychiatric hospital for evaluation and treatment. In these situations, urgent mental health care may be necessary.

1. Persistent thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Pervasive or persistent thoughts of self-harm or suicide should never be taken lightly. If you can’t find relief from intrusive thoughts, or your depression is worsening, and you’re increasingly feeling hopeless, you must immediately seek medical help.

Inpatient care offers direct intervention, so you can safely explore the causes of your feelings and learn to manage or overcome symptoms.

2. Risk of harm to others

Unmanaged anger, aggression, and violent behavior are all indications of crisis. Each of these signals it’s time to put controlled care measures in place. Inpatient facilities are a safe space where you can explore how to manage harmful urges, thoughts, and behaviors. In treatment, you’ll learn coping mechanisms you can use daily, so you aren’t a threat to others around you.

3. Severe mood swings or emotional instability

Dramatic mood swings and emotional instability are disruptive to daily life, functioning, and relationships. Excessive shifts in mood and behavior can be a signal you’re dealing with an underlying crisis that would benefit from close, consistent observation. When you seek inpatient treatment, you’ll get critical support to stabilize your emotional highs and lows.

4. Psychotic symptoms

Psychotic symptoms — like hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia — are nearly impossible to manage without the help of a mental health expert. These are among the most alarming and disorienting mental health symptoms, and going to an inpatient facility means you’ll have access to life-saving evaluations and treatment. The involvement of psychiatrists and therapists in such settings is crucial for understanding and handling severe mental health conditions.

5. Loss of basic functioning

In extreme cases, poor mental health makes basic functioning difficult. It makes even routine everyday tasks — like eating, showering, getting dressed, and maintaining basic hygiene — feel overwhelming. If you’re struggling with day-to-day responsibilities, you might require the type of round-the-clock support you can get at a psychiatric hospital.

6. Rapid physical health decline tied to mental health issues

Many people are surprised to learn how closely linked mental and physical health are — but research suggests that people living with a mental health condition are almost two times more likely to have physical health complications.

Patients admitted to hospitals often face a combination of physical and mental health crises. Symptoms like excessive weight change, chronic fatigue, or sleep disruption can all signal that poor mental health is taking a toll on your body. These or any other symptoms should be addressed as soon as possible before they exacerbate further.

7. Prolonged inability to manage stress or cope

Extended periods of stress can make dealing with life events seem daunting, which is why planning effective strategies to manage mental health effectively is crucial. When you’re too overwhelmed to manage anxiety in healthy ways, it might be time to seek outside, professional help. If the coping tools you’ve relied on in the past are no longer effective, inpatient care can offer an opportunity to regain control of your emotions and your life.

8. Substance abuse alongside mental health struggles

According to studies, at least half of people with mental health conditions have co-occurring substance use disorders. Using drugs or alcohol — or a combination of both — to self-medicate will almost always escalate mental health concerns. Seeking inpatient treatment allows you to address substance use or abuse and learn how to manage underlying mental health challenges you’re experiencing.

9. Recent trauma or grief

Healing from trauma or grief can be difficult even under the best circumstances. When you’re also dealing with a pre-existing mental health condition, recovery can feel impossible. The comprehensive care you’ll get at a psychiatric hospital may be the best, perhaps only, way forward. Therapists at hospitals are equipped to handle complex recovery plans tailored to your individual needs.

10. Unresponsiveness to outpatient treatment

If you’re not finding relief or making enough progress with outpatient treatment, like therapy, medication, or self-help interventions, inpatient treatment programs might be the next logical step. You’ll have access to hands-on, continuous treatment, instrumental to addressing complex, distressing mental health needs.

How to Seek Inpatient Mental Health Care

Once you decide to seek inpatient treatment, knowing what steps to take will make your journey easier. Don’t let fear of the unknown prevent you from getting help.

Here are ways to simplify the process if you need to go to a psychiatric hospital:

1. Talk to your primary care doctor or a mental health professional. Discuss the need for hospital care openly with your doctor or psychiatrist. They’ll be able to refer you to inpatient facilities that can assess your situation and meet your needs.
2. Contact a crisis hotline. If you need immediate or urgent assistance, contact a reputable hotline for direction and support. Organizations like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are available 24 hours a day and are completely free and confidential.
3. Research or call mental health facilities. You don’t need to be referred to a mental health facility to get help (although your insurance may have specific eligibility requirements for coverage). You can always contact a facility directly to start your search. For best results, look for inpatient care centers specializing in the type of crisis you or a loved one is experiencing. Share your treatment goals and get an idea of recovery timelines.
4. Talk to trusted friends and family. Involving your loved ones in your care and allowing them to provide you with emotional support can help you navigate the challenging path you’re on. They can provide emotional support and help you plan your journey through mental health treatment. If you’re struggling with how to express your feelings, you may find it helpful to learn more about how to tell someone you’re not okay mentally.
5. Ask specifically about the admission process. Ask if the facility you’re considering allows direct admission or if you need to get a referral or assessment first. To make the process as smooth as possible, organize all necessary documents, like medical records and insurance information, in advance. Check admission requirements thoroughly.

“Acting quickly when mental health symptoms reach a critical point ensures safety and prevents the situation from worsening. Contact a healthcare provider or mental health crisis hotline for immediate guidance. Familiarize yourself with local care systems, including emergency psychiatric services and inpatient facilities, to know where to turn in urgent situations.”

– Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LPC, LMHC

Prioritizing Mental Health and Breaking the Stigma

You can prioritize your mental and emotional well-being by learning the signs you need to go to a psychiatric hospital for inpatient care. It’s a courageous act — you’re acknowledging that needing help is part of the human experience. You’re also helping break the stigma surrounding mental health needs.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, advocate for help and lean on a support system without shame or fear of judgment. Online therapy from Talkspace is an excellent resource for ongoing mental healthcare. Talkspace provides convenient access to experienced, licensed mental health professionals so you can get help when, where, and how it works best for you.

Reach out today to learn more about how online therapy can improve your mental health.