It's essential to prioritize your wife's safety and well-being above all else. If she has expressed thoughts of suicide to her psychiatrist, it indicates that she may be at risk and needs professional care.
Attempting to bring her home against medical advice may not be in her best interest, as it could jeopardize her safety and put her at higher risk. It's crucial to work closely with her treatment team, including her psychiatrist and the mental health professionals at the hospital, to understand her current condition and what the best course of action might be.
Here are some steps you can take to support your wife during this challenging time:
Communicate with her treatment team: Stay in touch with her psychiatrist and the mental health professionals at the hospital. Communicate your concerns and ask them about her progress and treatment plan. They can provide you with information on her condition and what you can do to support her.
Participate in family sessions: Many mental health facilities offer family therapy sessions to involve loved ones in the treatment process. Participate in these sessions to gain insight into her treatment plan and learn how to support her recovery.
Encourage her to stay in treatment: Let your wife know that you care about her and want her to get the help she needs to recover. Encourage her to stay engaged in treatment and to be honest with her treatment team about her feelings and thoughts.
Safety planning: Work with her treatment team to develop a safety plan for when she is discharged. This plan should include strategies for coping with distressing thoughts and a list of emergency contacts if she needs immediate support.
Create a supportive environment: When your wife is ready to leave the hospital, ensure that the home environment is supportive and conducive to her recovery. Remove any potential triggers or stressors that could exacerbate her condition.
Encourage follow-up care: After leaving the hospital, make sure she attends all follow-up appointments with her psychiatrist and mental health professionals. Compliance with treatment is crucial for her ongoing recovery.
Seek support for yourself: Caring for someone with a mental health condition can be emotionally draining. Consider seeking support for yourself through therapy, support groups, or counseling.
Remember, it's crucial to rely on the expertise of mental health professionals to guide the treatment process. If you believe that there are specific concerns or issues with her treatment, discuss them openly with her treatment team. They can help address your concerns and work collaboratively with you to support your wife's recovery.