Depends on what your going in for and what they're focusing on. I did 3 months In-patient, focus was ECT, as my BiPolar Depression, at the point of 20 years then had gotten to the point of non-treatability and I had no want or will to live. I'd exhausted all medication options. I did 3 and 1/2 months of ECT, 3 times per week for roughly 14 weeks, started In-patient and finished Out-patient.

That was in 2010, I've not had a Severely Suicidal Depressive episode since. I take a Lower Dose Med Cocktail daily, I see my Pdoc every 2 months and I'm considered Stable. I still occasional get depressed but I know my Triggers, and I have the tools and coping skills to get out of it. I also have 1 or 2 Manic Eps a year, but once again I know how to recognize them and work my Treatment Plan to get back on solid ground.

It might be important to say, purposely moved to Chapel Hill, NC 20 years ago to be near UNC Chapel Hill University Hospitals and Duke University Hospitals for particular Medical and Mental Health treatments.

So I don't know if those types of options are available where you live.

I was inpatient for 3 months at one point, and at that time it was the best thing for me. I was dealing with a trauma and unable to function on my own even with outpatient supports in place. The intensive care I received inpatient was what I needed, and I left the hospital on the right medication and with the coping skills I needed. I did follow up with a partial hospitalization program and continue to see an outpatient therapist/psychiatrist to this day.

I guess I would say, don't hesitate to get the help you need. Going inpatient is a big step, and it can be scary, but it can also be a huge turning point.

Wishing you peace.