Anxiety is a normal reaction when you’re under stress or experiencing a scary event. It manifests as a nervous flutter before giving a speech or that jolt of energy you feel just after avoiding a car accident. But for some, anxiety is a daily occurrence that can be severe enough to interfere with living. In fact, approximately 18% of adults in the United States live with an anxiety disorder. In some cases, you may even have to seek hospital treatment for anxiety. What do they give you at the hospital for anxiety? This article explores the process of inpatient treatment for anxiety, why it works and what you can expect from it.
When Anxiety Becomes More Than Everyday Stress
Anxiety starts as a stress response that typically fades when a situation is resolved. Anxiety becomes a problem when you worry constantly and these feelings start to interfere with your daily life. Can you be hospitalized for severe anxiety? If you have any of the following signs, you may require inpatient-level care:
- Absenteeism from work or school. You’re unable to go to work or school, care for yourself or your children or manage household responsibilities.
- Constant panic attacks. You have regular panic attacks and live in fear of the next one.
- Fear of people. You avoid leaving your home and start isolating yourself from other people.
- Co-occurring conditions. You suspect you’re also dealing with another mental health condition or a substance use disorder.
- Self-harm. You have thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself or others.
Overcoming Stigma: Why Inpatient Care Is a Valid Option
Hospital treatment for anxiety can be ideal when symptoms start to interfere with daily life. Despite the growing awareness of mental health treatment, only around 47% receive any type of treatment. Many people still view inpatient treatment as a form of punishment rather than support.
In reality, inpatient treatment offers an intensive, specialized medical treatment program that provides a greater level of support than outpatient care. Some of the benefits include:
- A safe and controlled environment. Inpatient care removes you from outside triggers and the stress of work and school, which can increase the chances of relapse.
- Around-the-clock medical supervision. Constant care as an inpatient makes it much easier to manage severe symptoms in a safe environment.
- Community support. The community environment of inpatient care helps accelerate healing and creates a sense of belonging.
What Inpatient Anxiety Treatment Looks Like
Knowing what to expect before you check into an inpatient treatment center can make the process less intimidating:
- Intake. When you first arrive, you’ll receive a complete assessment. This includes a medical checkup, a psychiatric evaluation and questions about your prior medical and personal history. This information helps create a custom treatment plan. Afterward, you’ll receive a tour of the facilities and be shown to your room.
- Daily schedule. Each day is structured to include therapy, education, meals, extracurriculars and rest. A predictable schedule helps reduce stress and keeps you focused on healing and recovery. While each facility is different, a typical day may look like this:
- Breakfast. Mealtimes are provided at the same time every day and include nutritional foods that help promote healing.
- Group therapy. Group therapy, which often follows breakfast, lets you work on skill-building and communication.
- Individual therapy. After groups, you’ll separate into individual therapy sessions with your primary therapist, followed by lunch.
- Afternoons. Afternoons may include more group meetings and holistic activities, such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation, art therapy and exercise.
- Evening. Dinner is followed by a group wrap-up and quiet time before bed. Lights out is at the same time to help emphasize the importance of routine and rest.
What Do They Do at the Hospital for Anxiety?
Inpatient programs use a combination of evidence-based treatments, including individual and group therapies, medications and education. Key interventions include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy. Also referred to as talk therapy, CBT is often the most important part of your treatment. You’ll work with a therapist or psychologist to learn more about the reasons behind your physical and emotional patterns. Your provider will work with you to develop positive, healthy ways to react to these stressors.
- Dialectical behavior therapy. DBT is used to help you manage anxiety. You’ll learn how to regulate emotions and practice mindfulness.
- Exposure and response prevention. This type of therapy is used for obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and phobias. During each session, you’ll gradually face your fears in a safe, controlled environment. This helps teach your brain you can handle stressors without resorting to bad habits.
- Medication management. A psychiatrist may start you on medication to help regulate your mental health condition. Medications may include SSRIs, SNRIs and even benzos.
- Holistic therapy. Holistic therapies may include nutritional counseling, meditation, breathwork, equine therapy, yoga and massage. These therapies help you regulate your nervous system and promote healthy coping mechanisms.
- Family therapy. Addiction and mental illness don’t just affect the individual. They affect your family members, friends and loved ones. Family therapy helps heal relationships and teaches those around you how to support you once you return home.
How Inpatient Care Supports Long-Term Recovery
Inpatient care isn’t a cure for substance abuse or mental illness. It’s just the beginning of a long-term recovery. Inpatient care provides stabilization and teaches you the skills to transition back into your daily life. Once you’ve been released, you’ll need to keep your follow-up appointments with your therapist or general practitioner and attend group meetings as needed. It’s up to you to recognize triggers and to seek help if needed.
Finding Quality Inpatient Anxiety Treatment in Florida
With so many options to choose from, it can seem like a confusing task to locate the right inpatient treatment facility. Look for a community that’s licensed by the state you live in and accredited by national organizations like The Joint Commission or CARF. Make sure the community provides specialized treatment for your specific condition and uses evidence-based therapies. You should also make sure staff members are fully licensed and trained. Finally, make sure the community accepts your insurance and fits within your budget.
Get Help for Anxiety Today
Hospitalization and subsequent inpatient treatment for severe anxiety can help you manage a bad situation and get you back on the path to success. For more information, contact FHE Health to speak to one of our counselors. We can help you determine whether inpatient care is right for you.
