inpatient or outpatient programs

[repeatOffender]

I have been battling this episode of depression for about 8 months.

It's recently gotten very bad, all I want to do is lay on the couch.

Should I consider inpatient or outpatient programs.

Either would be a major inconvenience since I take my kids to school

not to mention the cost.

I would sure like another plan to end this episode.

Suggestions?

[Agora1]

repeatOffender, I usually don't respond to Depression since I have not experienced

it myself. However, I have experienced in-patient programs for Anxiety and found it

extremely helpful. The structured day, the 24/7 help all around, the outreach

of counseling available, daily beneficial talks and programs given by mental health

professionals as well as fun time programs.

It was a time that I was able to give all of myself to this program. No visitors, no

phone calls just my time to learn, experience and heal. It is also a good time for

medications to be tried as well as dosages fixed in the safety of a facility.

Yes, it is costly, but some mental health issues will only respond to full hands on

treatment. Whatever you decide, I stand behind you. Each of us deserves to feel

our lives full again and not stay stuck in a never ending cycle of despair. xx

[Marysblue]

It's hard to say. Has your doctor tried you on lots of meds during last year and what does Dr think. I'm on my 3rd new med in 2 mos. There's a newly approved transcranial therapy called Saint. If I went inpatient I'd want to know they had that but it's brand new.

[bethelbee in reply to Marysblue]

I've had three rounds of rTMS, the results of which lasted about six months for the first two and my last one is still working just over a year later. It was all covered by my Medicare. However I just read Saint, which is Accelerated TMS, is not yet covered by insurance and it is $1000 per day. It looks like it's only available in Las Vegas, Sedona, Santa Monica, and L.A. at this time according to what I just read.

[bethelbee]

Hi RepeatOffender, I have found inpatient treatment to be helpful for me in the past for depression and anxiety. It was a safe place for me to heal from suicidal thoughts. Agora1 summed it up pretty well as far as the structure of the day, available counseling and therapy groups. It was comforting being around others experiencing similar symptoms and talking to them. Where I went we were allowed visitors at certain hours and there was a communal phone for any calls during certain hours. Most places don't allow cell phone usage while there. During down time some of us would watch tv, or work on puzzles, or color or just hang out, or if you needed it you can spend time in your room. As for cost, it depends on your insurance. Most of my stays had been covered by insurance for the most part with only some of it out of pocket. Whatever you decide, I hope it is helpful! By the way we are about the same age..