Below are real scenario depictions using changed names for privacy and anonymity.
At first, Patrick thought it was just stress. He had been feeling anxious about the college paper he was writing. But why was the stress persisting, even after he received a passing grade? And when he began to worry about everyday things and routine tasks, which he once did with ease, he didn’t know why.
Then came the restlessness, feeling on edge all the time, and being unable to sleep well at night. Everything felt like a load on his shoulders, and that’s when he knew something was wrong.
Dana, on the other hand, had lived with some challenges for as long as she could remember. I should straighten my shoes, or else something bad might happen to my brother. Did I lock the front door? Lock. Unlock. Lock. The constant counting. The impulsive touching and adjusting of various items. The intrusive thoughts that left her spiraling for hours, days, weeks.
These were all common experiences throughout her day. She was taking medication for it, but she was struggling to feel whole. She just wanted someone, anyone, to understand what she was going through.
Starting the Journey by Making the Call
Hands trembling while holding the phone, Patrick made the call to Brighten Bay. It was time to talk, really talk, about what he was dealing with. So, he spoke to a member of our team. He told her everything. During this talk with the compassionate professional on the other end of the line, Patrick realized what was happening. He was struggling with anxiety. It wasn’t all in his head. It was a real mental health disorder. And, he was glad to hear, it was treatable.
Dana knew she was living with OCD. But she wanted more than just medication. She wanted help navigating her diagnosis and developing skills to get her through daily life. She needed someone to hear her out and support her as she learned to manage her symptoms. So she called our admissions team, who met her with the type of understanding that gave her the assurance she was seeking.
Both callers learned that support and treatment were available at Brighten Bay. When you reach out to us, you will find that to be true, too.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment for Mental Health
The main difference between inpatient vs. outpatient treatment is the setting and the level of support patients receive. In an inpatient (or residential) program, patients live at a treatment facility. Nurses and mental health professionals are constantly there to make sure patients are safe and stable. Inpatient treatment for mental health allows you to receive immersive care, away from triggers and influences at home that may prevent you from focusing on recovery.
Types of outpatient treatment include partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient. Generally, however, patients in an outpatient program receive treatment during the day and return home at night.
While outpatient care is more flexible, inpatient treatment provides a more intensive level of care. You also get the help you need in a secure setting, which can be helpful if you don’t have a safe home environment or you’re struggling with severe mental health symptoms.
Do I Need Inpatient Treatment for Mental Health?
Inpatient care may be the right treatment option for people who are struggling with:
- A severe mental health disorder
- Co-occurring mental health disorders
- Thoughts of harming themselves or others
- Suicidal thoughts
- A home that lacks stability or structure
Before you begin treatment, we will perform an evaluation. We will learn more about your symptoms, physical and mental health background, and any treatment you have received. This assessment allows us to choose the best way to care for you throughout your time in our program.
Disclaimer: If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or urges, call 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are facing an emergency, call 911.
The Benefits of Inpatient Care
Inpatient mental health care provides you with a structured environment. This helps promote healthy routines and adds an element of consistency to your life. Also, inpatient treatment means you have 24/7 access to clinical care and emotional support. It gives you a safe space, away from triggers and stressors that could prevent your progress.
This around-the-clock care is helpful if you are struggling with severe mental health crises, such as suicidal ideation or extreme mood swings. The access you have to support can help keep you safe and ensure you get the help you need when you need it.
Mental health conditions can interfere with daily life in many ways. For example, OCD can lead to impulsions that impact a person’s efficiency. (e.g., It may cause a person to read and reread a paragraph or to constantly adjust the pillows on a couch.) Conditions like bipolar disorder can make it hard for people to form genuine relationships with others.
Inpatient care acknowledges this truth and equips you with the tools you need to work through these issues.
What to Expect During Inpatient Treatment at Brighten Bay
Treatment at Brighten Bay takes place in an inpatient setting. This immersive environment allows you to develop the skills you need to manage mental health disorder symptoms and improve your everyday life.
During inpatient mental health treatment at our facility, you will benefit from evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed therapy.
CBT helps you identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones. DBT equips you with skills to manage intense emotions and handle stress in healthy ways. Trauma-informed therapy helps you process past experiences without re-traumatizing. Each of these therapeutic approaches can give you the tools and skills you need to improve your functioning and gain emotional stability.
Inpatient care at Brighten Bay also includes medication management and stabilization. Through our services, we help you return home with new confidence and resilience. You will be ready to move forward with your life.
Receive Hope Today
At Brighten Bay, we provide inpatient mental health treatment to help you find healing and peace. Our personalized psychiatric care involves medication stabilization, trauma-informed care, and behavioral therapies. Through our individualized approaches, we go beyond the surface. We help you explore the root causes and factors behind your mental health challenges.
Our clinical team understands the struggles that come along with mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. We know that it can be difficult to find the comprehensive care you need when living with these challenges. This is why we provide care that prioritizes your specific and unique needs. We focus on helping you feel safe and stable as you gain control of your life.
Whether you identify with Patrick or Dana, know that you are not alone. You can find hope today by giving us a call. We’re here to help.