There are some things to think about as you prepare for a hospital stay. If you are required to go to an emergency room first, it’s important to remember that there could be long wait times to be seen by a mental health professional. Bring a few items that may give you comfort and help keep you occupied, like music and headphones, a book, a water bottle and a snack.

Hospitalization may be necessary for individuals who are experiencing an active suicidal crisis or pose a danger to others. While individuals will leave the hospital feeling safer and more stable, this is not like going in for a surgery – there will be additional treatment to pursue. You or your loved one will still need to take medication, work with a therapist, and be involved in daily self-care and symptom management.

There are many options for help to consider if you or your loved one is not in an active crisis. You could consider talking to a warm line, working with your doctor to reevaluate your medication regime, or adding enhancing therapy or peer support. If hospitalization is needed, this resource can be helpful in preparing for hospitalization and supporting a loved one while hospitalized: Understanding Hospitalization for Mental Health.

Crisis hotlines

A crisis hotline is staffed with a trained crisis worker who can coordinate with local resources for support. The hotline staff will talk to the caller – who can be the person experiencing the crisis or a family member or friend – and help them think through what needs to happen next. Crisis hotlines are available to support people coping with any mental health condition, suicidal crisis, substance use disorder or emotional distress.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 and provides support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, including support for suicide and substance use crises.

How to connect to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:

• Call 988 or 1-800-273-8255 to connect via phone. Press 2 for Spanish. 
• If you do not wish to talk on the phone, you can connect to the Lifeline by texting 988 or by chat.
  • The text and chat services are currently available in English only. If language services are needed, please dial 988 to connect to the Lifeline via phone.
• If you are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have severe speech impairment, you can reach the Lifeline by dialing 711 and then 1-800-273-8255, by texting 988, or by chat.
• If you or your loved one is a veteran or service member, you can reach the Veterans Crisis Line – a special line focused on supporting the unique needs of active-duty military and veterans – by dialing 988 and pressing 1. The Veterans Crisis Line can also be reached by texting 838255 or by chat.

While you are at the hospital, there may be rules set up to ensure you are safe. For example, you may not be able to keep shoes with laces, belts or sharp objects like scissors or razors. However, you can ask for things that may be comforting or helpful. For example, you may want to use an iPod or listen to music on your phone. Or you may wish to have your journal so you can write down your thoughts. You may find a book comforting. Ask for what you need. Family or friends may be able to bring some items for you.

Most facilities do not allow smoking. Ask if you can use a nicotine replacement patch to help. Often a hospital will serve only decaf coffee or tea. Aspirin can help with caffeine headaches.

You have the right to ask about each medication you are given, the dose and the reason for the medication. Ask to speak to the doctor if you are unsure why you are receiving certain medications. You’ll also want to continue any of your home medications for any medical conditions you may have.

Remember your advance directive. If you have filled out an advance directive, ask your family or friend to provide a copy to the staff and to ensure you have a copy as well. Report any concerns that your advance directive is not being honored to the hospital administrator and your family.

Adapting to being in a hospital setting can be hard. It may help to try some of these coping skills:

• Practice deep breathing: breathe in for a count of five, breathe out for a count of five.
• Consider what you want to change in your life. Be ready to talk with your doctor or therapist about your goals and what you want, not just what you’re trying to avoid. 
• If you experience side effects from medications or have questions about your care, don’t be afraid to ask questions and better understand the hospital’s process. 
• Take advantage of any groups or sessions available to you in the hospital. You can learn from others how they cope while you give support and encouragement back. 
• Focus on identifying the coping skills that you already have and try to learn a new one.