Despite its growing presence in public discussion, mental health is still an issue most Americans avoid. This avoidance is limited to talking about it either. In 2021, only half of those with a mental illness received treatment. We learn more about it daily, yet our actions still trail, by some distance.
Have you heard of inpatient care for mental health? It’s one of the strongest approaches the US healthcare system has for treating acute mental health episodes. If it’s an approach new to you, read on. This brief, helpful guide will give you an overview of inpatient care for mental health.
Inpatient care for mental health: a definition
Put simply, inpatient care for mental health happens when someone experiencing a severe mental health episode receives care and support in a psychiatric hospital. With inpatient care, you can expect to stay in care for up to a week, though usually no longer.
Like anything healthcare-related, the severity of your situation will decide the duration. The goal with this kind of care is to help you feel stable enough to continue your care at home or in another type of residential care environment.
What are the benefits of inpatient care?
Many benefits exist for inpatient care. Your unique situation will decide which ones you enjoy most. Here are a few common benefits.
24/7 care
Even in a house surrounded by loved ones, around-the-clock care is difficult. Inpatient care is care and support whenever you need it, no matter the hour. Simply knowing this can make all the difference.
Crisis stabilization
For anyone admitted to inpatient care who’s experiencing a severe mental health episode, safety is paramount. Inpatient care facilities are designed to settle you, help you feel less threatened, less distressed.
Intervention is the proven way to reduce the severity of the crisis. It addresses the immediate danger, then sets out a plan for future treatment.
Broad range of care
A strong point of difference within inpatient care is its comprehensive nature. If you’re admitted, your engagement won’t be limited to daily check-ins from the ward nurse on duty and the odd visit from the doctor. An entire team will holistically work with you. Psychiatrists, social workers, nutritionists, and nurses who’ve graduated from online PMHNP programs, to name a few.
Seeking inpatient care: what are the challenges?
Healthcare is never a smooth ride; this is especially true with mental health care. These are challenges you must face in your pursuit of help.
Involuntary vs voluntary patient care
Truth is, you’re at the mercy of the inpatient care facility you visit. And though most facilities will claim zero bias around matters like mental health, it exists. Being admitted versus admitting yourself can prove a defining factor in how quickly you receive help, despite both pathways working toward the same outcome. It’s a catch-22 scenario you must be prepared for.
Emergency department wait times
If you’ve ever visited the emergency department of your local hospital, you’ll know that fixed waiting times do not exist. You could be admitted within minutes or still be staring at the clock hours later. It’s a lottery you can’t avoid.
The challenge for healthcare workers is assigning priority to patients as they arrive. Every patient has a case to present, and every patient will believe their case is the most urgent. In the US, the figures are roughly this: 1 mental health care provider for every 350 individuals.
The stigma of mental health
Often, your greatest obstacle to getting inpatient care is you. You and everyone else. Even with all we know about mental health and its growing place in public discourse, a stigma remains. Think about it: how often do you talk about your mental health? With your family, friends, anyone?
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Ultimately, it takes honesty and transparency to set yourself on the right path to treatment. Honest in how you feel and transparent in your self-reflection and communication with those around you. If you feel you need help immediately, act on this feeling. Whether it’s a trip to the hospital or a phone call to professional support like The National Suicide Prevention Hotline, time is of the essence. Don’t wait.
Mental health is a personal and unique thing; that said, it’s a group effort. Whether it’s you or someone from your family that needs inpatient care, it takes a support network to ensure you reach a healthy, positive outcome.
