Scared of Psych

[BuellersFerrisWheel]

Hi everyone! I'm Ferris, not my real name just for online :), and I've been experiencing some mental health issues recently. I've been eating and sleeping a lot more but in a very unhealthy way and I've lost interest in most of my activities. I find it hard also to talk with friends like I used to and everything I do say feels like a cry for help. If anyone knows anything about personality types, I'm a type 4 on the enneagram and I'm very comfy with feeling of sadness normally. This is confusing because right now I'm very uncomfortable with what I'm experiencing and 've had thoughts of endangering myself and sometimes acted on those (about 3 attempts just this month). I'm also crazy threatened by the thought of going to a psych ward and I feel as if it would make me worse, even though I know this is where I would go if I talked to anyone. I really don't want to shove this on anyone so I thought maybe I could come here instead for help. this has been going on for months now. I'm not currently diagnosed with anything, but I can't get help without alerting my parents, and I don't want to make them upset. I think it may be depression or bipolar, but the issue is that I still have fun sometimes. I still feel genuinely happy for a little bits of time throughout the week and it's making me feel like I'm faking it all even though I know I'm not. I really just need support, and to know how I can get help. Sorry for the vent lol. How was y'all's day?

[LazyXrayEyes2255]

The thing about telling doctor or using the mental health hospital, they put you on medication and then monitor you. I'm on medication and they have changed doses and it has side effects, like I get slight shaking. Or bodies react differently and you may not experience any side effects and you will try the medicine to work that out. But good for the brain, as works on it like medicine should. Don't be scared of anyone as their only job is to help you. Then you get the support and can go on their courses on mental health to better manage your condition etc

[Sitaqui]

I 100% understand your feelings about psych ward.

There are other ways to get help. If you don't want to disclose your suicidal plans to anyone, just present it as something you think about without saying you have a plan. Just even saying you THINK about hurting yourself still will get you help. It's unfortunate that we can't be more open without fear of psych ward. I've had Suicidal plans but have never discussed them with anyone except my therapist and only after expressing my fears of being forced to get hospitalized. If you want to disclose plans to hurt yourself, ask the person first, what would you do IF i said I had a plan to end my life.

I know you don't want to upset your parents. Getting help has to be important. They'd be more upset if you died, right?

Ask therapist and doctors about out-patient programs. For me they've been lifesaving and a good alternative to being in a ward.

I will say tho that some psych hospitals can be very safe and helpful. Can you Google reviews about the ones in your area. There will be negative reviews so be sure to read all the positive ones and filter out the complainers from the ones with substance.

Please keep posting here. Can you find a therapist and doctor you trust? Journal to get things out of your head. Can you find a support group? There are virtual and in person groups that will help to not feel so alone.

Remember what has helped you in the past. What do you believe in? Turn to those.