What to Do When a Loved One Is Severely Depressed
It is unfortunate that stigma around mental illness causes most people to view psychiatric hospitals as places to avoid at all cost, as they have a stigma so terrible going to one is like dying multiple deaths. After that you're 'legally' crazy (whatever the fuck that means)!<p>In fact, if you need one, if you are severely depressed or hallucinating, a hospital is exactly the place for you. You will most likely love it there. They can help. They can really help. Everyone gets better in the hospital. Everyone. Not "1/3 get better, 1/3 stay the same, 1/3 get worse." Everyone in that sheltered environment rapidly improves. It is a vacation for the mind.<p>The question then becomes staying out of the hospital. Many people come back every few years, get to know the staff quite well, etc. Others develop a plan to address mounting depression early through ongoing treatment, partial hospitalization, etc.