Statistics show that a large portion of the population struggles with depression or has had experiences with it in the past. Some pursue some form of therapy or medical intervention, and some go untreated because of the negative stigma associated with mental illness.
US Senator, John Fetterman has been on a path to recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he has received treatment since February 15. This has raised a lot of questions and concerns. His stroke during the election cycle was suggested to have impacted the depression that he experienced throughout his entire life.
While we do not know details about his hospitalization, it is important to have a dialog about mental health being a part of overall well-being. With complications from his stroke, it could be easier to treat him and provide him the rehabilitation he needs with him at the hospital.
We were curious so we asked and here are some other common reasons a medical professional would recommend hospitalization over outpatient treatment.
- Suicidal ideation or behavior: If a person expresses suicidal thoughts or has attempted suicide, they may require immediate hospitalization to ensure their safety and provide crisis intervention.
- Severe symptoms: Hospitalization may be necessary if the individual’s depressive symptoms are so severe that they are unable to function in daily life or take care of themselves.
- Psychotic symptoms: In some cases, depression may be accompanied by psychosis, which includes hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking. Hospitalization provides a safe and controlled environment for treating and stabilizing these symptoms.
- Risk of self-harm or harm to others: If a person with depression poses a danger to themselves or others due to their mental state, hospitalization can provide safety and close monitoring.
- Inability to care for oneself: If a person’s depression significantly impacts their ability to carry out basic self-care tasks, such as eating, bathing, or maintaining personal hygiene, hospitalization may be necessary to provide the appropriate support.
- Ineffective outpatient treatment: If previous outpatient treatments have not been successful in managing a person’s depression or if the person is non-compliant with their treatment plan, hospitalization might be considered to provide more intensive and closely monitored care.
- Need for close observation or medication adjustments: Hospitalization can allow for closer monitoring of an individual’s condition and facilitate any necessary adjustments to medications or treatment plans in a controlled environment.
- Medical complications: In some cases, depression may be accompanied by other medical issues or complications that require hospitalization for comprehensive care and treatment.
It is important to note that the decision to hospitalize someone for depression is typically made on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual’s unique circumstances, symptoms, and needs. A mental health professional will assess the situation and determine the most appropriate course of action.
