Can You Go To The Er For Depression

A Day In The Er: Hitting Rock Bottom With My Anxiety

• May 17, 2017
• 6 minute read

As part of Mays Mental Health Month, we shared stories that raised awareness about mental illness and empower those who suffer from it. This piece is part of our Darkest Day series, a collection of stories from people whove made it through the worst of their illness and now light the way for others. #LightYourWay

Every morning before work was exactly the same. Prior to getting out from under the covers, I spent time dreading the day that was ahead of me. Id look out my window at the downtown Manhattan skyline it no longer brought me joy. Then, Id cook scrambled eggs and toast, only to take one tiny bite of each before dumping it all in the trash. This was my life as a 21-year-old who had everything going for her. But, with crippling depression and anxiety, it didnt matter.

Each day in the summer of 2015, when my mental health was at its shakiest, I got weaker and my clothes got baggier. I had no desire to eat, which is how I knew something was seriously wrong. One morning in August, I woke up weaker than usual. What did I expect? Id barely eaten in days. How could I when I felt so horrible? I could barely get out of bed, and when I did, I thought I was going to topple over. My mind raced, I was petrified.

EXCUSE ME. I NEED A DOCTOR! Still no response. RECEPTIONIST. I NEED A DOCTOR. It was a nightmare: Crying and calling out for help, but no one could hear me. How was this real?

Read a review of Talkspace texting therapy.

Crisis Plan Of Action

Because depression tends to be a chronic illness, it’s wise to have a plan and compile important information into one place should you ever need to be hospitalized again. This information should include the following:

• Your doctor’s name and contact information
• Contact information for trusted friends, family, or support group members
• Information about other health issues you might have
• A list of all medications that you take
• A list of any allergies
• Your insurance information
• The name of the hospital where you prefer to be treated

You may also have an advance directive and medical power of attorney prepared for you if you wish to give a trusted person the authority to act on your behalf in making medical decisions. This step will ensure that your will is carried out should you become too ill to make your own decisions.

What Happens If You Need Additional Help

If your ER team believes youre a threat to yourself or others, they may keep you in the hospital. This may be followed by inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, or outpatient treatment.

If the hospital doesnt have an inpatient unit, you might be referred to a different hospital that does have one.

If youve been taken to the ER involuntarily and your medical team believes you may self-harm or harm others you may have to stay in the hospital for 72 hours. Any additional time will require a court hearing.

Thomas Pederson, emergency room tech, says: Many of our patients actually go home at the end of the day with a referral to a regular therapist they can see 2 times a week.

This is generally at the discretion of the caseworker for that patient, but many patients say things they dont mean and pose no threat to others after theyve been talked to, he adds.

In other words, how long you stay in the ER depends completely on your situation and the amount of care you need.

Don’t Miss: What To Do When You Feel Depressed And Unmotivated

It Began With The Itching

The hydromorphone pill I had been prescribed for pain from a hysterectomy made me itch. Five days later the dysphoria set in. Dysphoria is an emotional state, sometimes instigated by medication, often indicated by restlessness, anxiety, and depression. The next day the anger followed. Finally, suicidal ideation took up camp in my mind. All I could think about was how relieving a long swim in the ocean would be to make the thoughts go away.

My nephew had committed suicide two years before. In reading up on suicide, I had learned those who take their own lives dont understand suicide is a long-term solution to a short-term problem. The sane part of my brain continually played this mantra, keeping me from moving from ideation to suicidal intent. There are numerous definitions of suicidal ideation versus suicidal intent, and these often overlap. I refer to Carmel McAuliffe: Suicidal ideation is a low-risk, common factor among nonclinical population samples. Ideation may only become a risk factor for attempted or completed suicide when it is comorbid with rarer risk factors such as a dichotomous thinking style and in the absence of certain protective factors such as social support.

My husband took me to the emergency roomsecond thing done correctly: always bring with you an advocate who can think rationally on their feet. My medications were given to the ER nurse, which was the third thing I did right. Take your meds or a list with you to the hospital.

Are Panic Attacks Dangerous

Can you die from an anxiety attack?Panic attacks can be terrifying events that often feel life-threatening. However, most panic attacks only last a few minutes, and will typically be over in less than half an hour. You cannot die from a panic attack, and they do not pose an immediate threat to your health.

With that said, it may be worth examining some of the indirect effects that panic attacks can play on our health.

Can a panic attack cause a heart attack?A panic attack will not cause a heart attack. Heart attacks are caused by blockages in blood vessels of the heart. When a section of the heart becomes blocked and is unable to receive oxygen-rich blood, that section of the heart muscle begins to die. Panic attacks can increase our pulse rate and feel unpleasant, but this alone would not be responsible for causing a heart attack.

Panic Attack Blood PressurePanic attacks do not increase your blood pressure in a long-term capacity. However, in the short-term, panic attacks can increase blood pressure significantly. If youre suffering from panic attacks on a daily basis, this can be taking a toll on the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. People who suffer from anxiety disorders are also at greater risk to be smokers, drinkers, or to overeat. Because these lifestyle factors can also contribute to raising blood pressure, you should make an attempt to get ahead of this by talking to your doctor about ways to keep your blood pressure within healthy parameters.

Recommended Reading: What Medication Is Given For Depression

Natural Remedies For Antidepressant Withdrawal Medical News Today

Natural remedies for antidepressant withdrawal.

Focus on nutrition and also exercise.Doing your best to stick to a healthful diet and regular exercise programwill boost your overall health and assistance reduce the signs of atypical depression. Together with drug and psychotherapy, therapy for atypical depression might likewise include can you go to the er for depression 30 to 45 mins of light therapy each morning, utilizing a light box with a minimum power rating of 10,000 lux. The reason that some individuals experience atypical depression is not understood. A possible cause of atypical depression is an imbalance in particular natural chemicals, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which all affect mood.

Community Mental Health Centres

Community mental health centres provide support to adult residents experiencing serious mental disorders, serious and persistent mental illness, and addictions. They can also refer to other local resources. Assessment and support, and connection to other community resources.

• Cost: Covered by MSP
• How to access: Dial 2-1-1 or visit your community mental health centre
• Referral required? Self-referral

Recommended Reading: Online Support Groups For Teenage Depression

What Happens When You Go To The Er With Anxiety

At one point in their lives, everyone will most likely experience anxiety. Not only is it common, but it can also drastically affect your day-to-day life. From daily stressors to major life crises, anything can trigger anxiety or a panic attack. In extreme cases, medical attention may be required, but what happens when you go to the ER with anxiety? In this blog post, well explore what anxiety is and whether it warrants a trip to the emergency room.

Why Is This Topic Important

Unaddressed depression is a serious public health concern, particularly among patient in the emergency department. As such, understanding the association between symptoms of depression and access to care is essential for designing and refining interventions aimed improving patient mental health outcomes

You May Like: Where To Go To Get Diagnosed With Depression

When Will I Go Into Hospital

Going into hospital is called an admission. When you go into hospital, doctors might say that you have been admitted.

If you want to go into hospital

If you are unwell you may feel that you need treatment in hospital. If a doctor at the hospital agrees that you need to be in hospital, they will admit you.

Many people agree to go to hospital themselves. Doctors call them voluntary patients.

If you would like to be admitted as a voluntary patient, you can try the following.

• Speak to someone in your community mental health team , if you have one. You may have a care-coordinator you can speak to.
• Contact your local crisis team. You can search for their contact details online. But in some areas, you can only be referred to the crisis team by your GP.
• Contact your GP. There may also be an out-of-hours service.
• Go to the Accident and Emergency department of a local hospital.

You might not be able to go into hospital even if you want to. It will depend on the number of beds available. And if the doctors think you need to be there. If there are not enough free beds in your local hospital, staff could send you to a different hospital.

Detained under the Mental Health Act

There may be times when you are unwell but dont realise it. Or you dont want help. When this happens doctors may say you lack insight. The Mental Health Act 1983 means doctors can force people to go to hospital if their illness puts them, or other people, at risk. You might hear it being called:

• sectioned,

Secure Your Spot In One Of Our Urgent Care Facilities Or Emergency Rooms

If you’re having a mental health emergency, it’s important to get help right away. Though the thought of going to the emergency room might be daunting, it’s often the best way to keep you safe during the crisis. Visiting the ER can connect you with resources that will help you manage and overcome these issues.

Depression and other mental health issues are very common. The National Alliance for Mental Health reported that in 2010, one of every eight ER visits in the U.S. was related to a mental health or substance abuse emergency. If you find yourself in a panic and unable to function, or if you feel like hurting yourself or someone else, you need to go to the ER.

Read Also: Guided Meditation For Anxiety And Depression 10 Minutes

What Care And Treatment Will I Get

A psychiatrist will speak to you soon after you go into hospital. A psychiatrist is a specialist mental health doctor. The psychiatrist will decide what treatment you need when you are in hospital.

If you are having difficulties doing everyday tasks, you may be offered help from an occupational therapist. They can help you to overcome your problems and become more independent. This might involve cooking classes or managing bills.

In some hospitals there are creative activity groups. And in some hospitals there may be animals used as part of your therapy. Not all hospitals and wards offer activities like these. Speak to a member of staff on your ward to see if they have any activities you can take part in.

The staff at the hospital should do weekly ward rounds. Ward rounds are when staff members meet with you to see how your treatment is going. And if it needs to change. People on the ward round will be involved in your care. They might be your psychiatrist, nurse, psychologist or occupational therapist.

You might want to ask some questions like these.

• Can you explain my diagnosis or treatment?
• Will my medication cause side effects?
• How can I cope with side effects?
• What other medications might work for me?
• Will I have talking therapy in hospital?
• Do you think my symptoms might be caused by physical illness?
• How often will you see me?

If you are a voluntary patient, you are not entitled to see an IMHA. But there may be a general advocacy service in the area that can help.

How Much Does Urgent Care Cost

Urgent care will cost you less than a trip to the emergency room, but you still may find yourself shelling out hundreds of dollars for treatment. The average cost of urgent care is around $150, but the average increases depending on the condition. Fortunately, our sister site PlushCares virtual services make getting urgent care affordable for everyone. PlushCares appointments cost an average of less than $25 with insurance and only $99 for those without insurance. Thats much less than you can expect to pay in-person at an urgent care center.

Don’t Miss: Does Medicare Cover Tms Therapy For Depression

Can You Go To The Er For Anxiety

Yes, but if you go to a hospital, expect to wait. Unlike Village Emergency Centers, hospitals cannot guarantee no wait time. In many cases, sufferers from panic attacks or anxiety overcome their episodes long before seeing a doctor. If you start experiencing chest pains, we highly recommend going to an ER immediately since it may be a sign of other conditions.

Know When It’s Time To Check Yourself In

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

If you’re experiencing severe depression symptoms, having thoughts of harming yourself or others, or your current treatment just isn’t helping, you may consider checking yourself into a hospital. Although this can be a frightening thought, you may find it less intimidating if you know what to expect from the process.

Recommended Reading: How To Heal Yourself From Depression

Exactly How To Assist Someone Experiencing Depression For The First Time

So early medical diagnosis and also effective therapy is very essential with bipolar illness. Similar to the majority of state of mind problems, there is no research laboratory examination or mind imaging approach to identify bipolar affective disorder. After doing a physical exam, your doctor will certainly evaluate your symptoms and signs. Your medical professional can you go to the er for depression will likewise ask you concerning your personal case history and family background. Lab tests may be done to rule out other clinical ailments that can impact mood. There have been a variety of researches linking bipolar affective disorder as well as raised quantity of sunshine throughout the day.

Contact A Mental Health Hotline

Are you struggling with your mental health and unsure who to talk to or what steps to take? A mental health hotline can provide you with free, anonymous assistance. Below are a few mental health hotline options to reach out to.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, open 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK
• Crisis Text Line, open 24/7 by texting HOME to 741741

Don’t Miss: Natural Remedies Depression And Memory Loss

Little Known Facts About Can You Go To The Er For Depression

This may be associated with the diversification of depression.55 In some studies, an effort has been made to analyze the relationship between architectural or practical changes in the mind and depression subtypes. The results suggest that clients with depression had decreased white issue stability in some regions nevertheless, there was no major distinction between can you go to the er for depression AD and also melancholic depression. Results from a national epidemiological study of the United States populace performed ten years later26 showed 10.2% prevalence of lifetime depression with atypical features, while the frequency of depression without irregular features was 6.3%. Amongst people with atypical features, 43.5% had only hypersomnia, 23.8% only hyperphagia, as well as 32.5% revealed both signs and symptoms.

When To Go To Er With Heat Exhaustion

• Confusion or change in mental status, unusual behavior, difficulty waking, changes in vision, difficulty speaking, severe “worst headache ever” Neurological symptoms could be signaling stroke, brain embolism or aneurysm, or concussion if a head injury is involved. Do not hesitate. Time to care is critical!

Read Also: How To Overcome Grief And Depression

I Had No Idea Id Misused Klonopin Until I Tried To Stop Taking It

My first panic attack sent me to the hospital. Like many people experiencing profound physical anxiety for the first time, I couldnt be convinced of any explanation other than that I was definitely dying. A friend brought me to the emergency room where staff conducted an EKG and hurried me away with a Valium, a bill and a strong urging to consider treatment for anxiety.

A year later, I sat in my GPs office, shaking and sweaty and scared and weak. My doctor wasnt available, but her partner had agreed to see me when I told him I was on my way and an ambulance should meet there if they couldnt fit me in. Ive never felt worse, I told them. Everything hurts. I cant sleep. I cant be awake. I cant move. I cant stop moving. I feel crazy. I think its my kidneys, or my brain stem, or maybe a real blood clot this time.

Everyone else urgent care doctors, psychiatrists, family and friends had told me I was just anxious. I had been feeling more nervous than usual, but Id recently stopped taking the Klonopin Id been prescribed as needed when I noticed I was taking them almost every day. Id had concerns about their long-term impact and about developing physical dependency. That explained the anxiety, I thought, but not the unyielding panic and physical discomfort Id felt for the past seven days and on and off for months before. Someone would have warned me about that.

Waves of panic crashed into a pulsing sea of pain whose current dragged sleep further and further away.