Anyone have any experience with private psych hospital treatment for depression

[Miss_Out]

Hi all, 

I was wondering if anybody has had success in the treatment of depression in a private inpatient facility. I have been depressed for most of my life, and if I am honest with myself I probably have some PTSD. I have had limited success with CBT and anti depressants. I am currently taking a trycyclic and a NARI. I am unable to take SSRI and SNRI's as I become panicked and suicidal.

I am a single mum and my extended family think that I am being selfish wanting inpatient treatment and think that if I just "grew up" things would be fine. Although their ignorant opinions do not bother me too much, I need their support to keep an eye on my sons aged 15 and 17.

Just looking for opinions and experiences     

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[Jo3]

Hi Miss Out

I was admitted into a private mental health facility at a private hospital back in April this year.  I first had to see the admitting pyschiatrist for one or two sessions and then we discussed hospital stay.  I ended up staying for 2 weeks and we did lots of CBT, relaxation therapy, yoga, art therapy, emotional regulation, walks (all this done in group therapy).

I am now going back as an outpatient 2-3 week to continue the group sessions. i am finding it to be helpful but I must keep up with doing the exercises and practice.

Families can be very ignorant towards depression or any other mental illness, I know mine were and still are; so I do what I believe is best for me and my own family.

Good luck, let us know how you go

Jo

[Miss_Out]

Thank you Jo,

It sounds good, I think the program they want for me is a 1 month one. As I am from a regional area follow up groups would involve a 2 hr drive..difficult to fit in around full time work and two teens.

I am seeing it as a last resort, I am fining it exhausting pretending to function normally. I have some support, but in general people are scared of mental illness and feel that I am lazy and should be blamed for it. I have bottled things up for so long now things are begining to overflow and I am reacting badly to simple situations. Again thank you for your words. 

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[Jo3]

I know what you mean by bottling things up - I did for more than 40 yrs and then one day it all came out and 4 yrs later I am still dealing with it and struggling with depression.

Most of the patients at this private hospital stay for at least 3-4 weeks but I couldn't afford to stay that long for financial reasons. 

I hope you can stay on here and let us know how you go.

Take care

Jo