How do I get out of a mental hospital?

[Julia0460]

I signed myself into a mental hospital under the impression that if I felt like it was not right for me, I could leave. I must have signed something that said I can't leave unless the team here thinks it is safe for me to leave. I would never hurt myself or anyone else and I have made that clear. However, I am still stuck here. So should I lie and pretend the therapy is working for me or should I continue to tell the truth and say I don't need to be here? I am wondering what will get me out the soonest.

[WillWho]

If you voluntarily checked in, you can voluntarily walk out the door. Just tell them you unsigned the form. Assuming you are in the US, you can call the police if you are being held against your will.

Paxil and Specialmom have given you good advice as well. Best wishes!

[specialmom]

Hi there.  I'm sorry you feel stuck.  I agree with Paxiled's advice.  Let me just say this . . .  the most important thing is recovery.  Depression, eating disorders or whatever has caused the situation that you felt at one time it was best to be an inpatient at a mental health facility, it would be so much in your best interest to succumb to whatever they are trying to do to help you.  Therapy, medication if needed (the fear of gaining weight I understand but this is worrisome that this is a primary concern and may somehow be related to the overall problem--  totally guessing).  But you may not be there yet to get he true help you need.  We all have to reach that point for treatment to be effective.  As to getting out, agree completely with paxiled's comments.  Good luck hon

[Paxiled]

There's no way we can understand this at a distance.  First, your view of medication and food is incorrect.  While some medications cause weight gain, others don't, and you can't know if it will or won't until you try it for awhile.  If you're on medication already, not taking it will cause withdrawal.  Second, we can't look at what you signed.  Generally, if you weren't involuntarily committed you can leave any time you want -- holding you against your will is a crime.  But if you said at any time that you were thinking your life is over or the like can create conditions that allow them to hold you for a time the law in your jurisdiction allows.  Do you have a lawyer?

[Julia0460]

Also I can't take any medication because eating the food here and taking medication will make me gain weight.