"Q: I am 48 and a single mother of two children. I was diagnosed with severe depression. The doctor who diagnosed my depression suggested hospitalization. What would they do to me if I were to admit myself? Is it like an insane asylum? I want very much to "be alive" again, but I cannot find my way out of the darkness. — Linda, New York
A:
Your question about hospitalization is a good one, Linda. I am glad that you are not taking the recommendation lightly. It is important to realize that an inpatient psychiatric admission will become a permanent part of your medical history and could influence future insurance rates and access to life and health insurance."
![Alexander Language Schools](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Y_Wgs1LfDKrA2FuQqZbuWFIceJSTnrKmllM6VJdJMIpve45ILb2bX0GQ7AwTMAwDAxYXtf6ghmT2Hp-c1nzW6yHMJPcyQ484XuH_7bulUishz-C99f563N9p2NZFBLQBHggn5jYIvk-b/s640/alexbanner12.jpg)
![Products and Services](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfDsQiFOJfRkI4kZSLJyDudPcBYruPf_sxw-fTenbZuZOmzfK70-MoVSBYW7UgXxPgb0CVEnO-yopgwvYUJJ9ERRwQskejAKxZHSkkO3ghxHLyewq7sV4wT05cFOaIMUTnrmAAGpyy6ti/s640/InterAlex.jpg)