Living with intense and uncontrollable anxiety can become a challenging experience. While traditional outpatient treatment can help some people manage their symptoms, others may require inpatient care.
Severe and Uncontrollable Anxiety
If anxiety symptoms remain intense and hard to control despite outpatient treatment efforts (such as therapy and medication), it may indicate the need for inpatient care.
Typical anxiety symptoms can manifest in various ways, but some common examples include:
- Constant stream of thoughts
- Extreme restlessness
- Persistent worry
- Increased heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Panic attacks
Nearly everyone experiences some level of anxiety at certain points in life, with approximately 6% of the population experiencing clinically significant anxiety at any given time.
Suppose you find that your anxiety is preventing you from functioning in daily life, negatively impacting your ability to carry out responsibilities or enjoy activities. In that case, this indicates a severe case requiring treatment.
Although outpatient treatment options can be effective for most individuals with anxiety, they may not be sufficient for everyone. Inpatient care provides the opportunity to address anxiety intensively in a safe and controlled environment.
Safety Concerns
If anxiety leads to thoughts of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or behaviors that endanger oneself or others, it is crucial to seek inpatient care immediately to ensure safety. This may also include risky behaviors such as substance abuse or other reckless actions.
You may not be sure if you’ve had these “dark thoughts”, or you might dismiss them as passing bad feelings. Examples of thoughts that could indicate a desire for suicide or self-harm include:
- A passive wish to die in your sleep, or simply stop existing.
- A lack of fear of pain, attack, or death.
- Curiosity about how to harm oneself or disregard for one’s own life.
- Strong impulses to jump off a bridge, swallow harmful substances, or engage in risky actions.
- Specific strategies to end life or cause self-harm.
- Putting oneself in danger, such as entering hazardous situations or ignoring safety recommendations.
- Engaging in dangerous activities like extreme sports or boxing without gloves.
If you have solid or immediate thoughts and intentions to harm yourself or others, please do not delay seeking help or asking for assistance.
Safety is the highest priority. When safety is in question, inpatient care can offer a structured and secure environment where you are protected from harm.