Discussion Has anyone else had positive experiences in the psych ward?

[Prescott241]

I've been to the psych ward only once for suicide threats I made, and even though I didn't want to be there, I stayed calm and collected throughout the entire process. I suppose that since I didn't have any psychotic symptoms, and I was calm plus I treated the staff pretty well, they only gave me Zoloft (which I was already supposed to be on but hadn't been taking). I even ended up enjoying my week at the psych ward because of the people I met and the activities they had us do. I think everyone's experience varies widely, but has anyone else enjoyed their stay at the psych ward?

 

[emgrl]

I had a horrible experience. I was only there for a day and a half, but I left worse than I went in. I'm so glad you had a good experience with it, there's hope for you.

 

[jodes2]

I've had good to ok experiences. I've been 7 times to 3 places. Priory was great lots of activities. But in the NHS hospitals, boredom was an issue because I didn't feel like talking to people. But otherwise the experience was good. Nice food, nice staff

 

[LaVieEnRose]

Nope. It's strange to me when people recount positive experiences without some sort of mistreatment.

 

[emgrl]

Nope. It's strange to me when people recount positive experiences without some sort of mistreatment.

I seriously don't understand why some of the people work in that field. They're awful, and it's painfully obvious they just don't care. Almost as if they're burdened.

 

[hungry_ghost]

I wouldn't call my own experience positive, but it wasn't bad, either.

I did have to report a nurse because I overheard her talking about my scars in an inappropriate way, and another nurse set me up with an HR rep to speak to.

That was the only negative, but they listened to my complaint and took it very seriously.

I did have a couple people to talk to who were really nice, and we had a kind of group gathering with a nurse where we listened to music.

I think the place I went to was a bit less institutional, though; it was like a department within a regular hospital, so I think that could be the difference.

 

[Prescott241]

I wouldn't call my own experience positive, but it wasn't bad, either.

I did have to report a nurse because I overheard her talking about my scars in an inappropriate way, and another nurse set me up with an HR rep to speak to.

That was the only negative, but they listened to my complaint and took it very seriously.

I did have a couple people to talk to who were really nice, and we had a kind of group gathering with a nurse where we listened to music.

I think the place I went to was a bit less institutional, though; it was like a department within a regular hospital, so I think that could be the difference.

I feel like the place I went to was more lax than some others I've heard about. There were definitely sections that were more locked down and secure for severe patients, but the area they placed me in was very much like a second home. The psychiatrist did change which group therapy room I went to because the one I was in wasn't intensive enough if that makes sense. When you don't have access to your phone or any electronics, Jenga is A LOT more fun .

 

[LaVieEnRose]

I seriously don't understand why some of the people work in that field. They're awful, and it's painfully obvious they just don't care. Almost as if they're burdened.

They're sadists and narcissists and jobs in the industry offer ample opportunities to indulge their depravity.

 

[Unending]

I seriously don't understand why some of the people work in that field.

Right! At every stay, but my last one specifically, I have noticed so much passive agressive and rude behavior towards patients including myself. I have certainly seen some patients start off rude or agressive, but then again have seen plenty trying to be well-mannered and still get replied to in manners that radiate anger. I have a suspicion that there are cases of people who struggle mentally working these jobs because they feel like they can empathize with patients better than the average joe, yet come to realize that it is too much for them to handle. On the other side of the coin, I imagine that others think they have a passion for the job until it turns out that they just don't have the understanding needed to be compassionate in some instances. It does seem like a pretty frustrating job. Who knows though, I may just think that because the sight of the psych ward fixtures and furniture fills me with an intolerable despair. Don't even get me started on the way the grippy socks feel on the gross cold floor or the bathroom situation with the sinks that are hard to even fit my hands into and the freezing metal toilets that are practically on the ground.

 

[emgrl]

Right! At every stay, but my last one specifically, I have noticed so much passive agressive and rude behavior towards patients including myself. I have certainly seen some patients start off rude or agressive, but then again have seen plenty trying to be well-mannered and still get replied to in manners that radiate anger. I have a suspicion that there are cases of people who struggle mentally working these jobs because they feel like they can empathize with patients better than the average joe, yet come to realize that it is too much for them to handle. On the other side of the coin, I imagine that others think they have a passion for the job until it turns out that they just don't have the understanding needed to be compassionate in some instances. It does seem like a pretty frustrating job. Who knows though, I may just think that because the sight of the psych ward fixtures and furniture fills me with an intolerable despair. Don't even get me started on the way the grippy socks feel on the gross cold floor or the bathroom situation with the sinks that are hard to even fit my hands into and the freezing metal toilets that are practically on the ground.

Wow, were we in the same place? I know I went in and left with grace, thankfully I wasn't there for long… but, the damage was done. I'll never be the same, and I'll have that scarlet letter "A" for the rest of my life.

 

[Wannagonow]

I have had at least 9 (that I can remember) inpatient experiences, always followed by IOP. If I had to be honest I wouldn't say they were all negative experiences- more unpleasant I guess. The strip search upon arrival always scares and embarrasses me. Being inpatient always scares me in general. I lie each time (very well) to get discharged asap.

 

[auniqueusername669]

They're sadists and narcissists and jobs in the industry offer ample opportunities to indulge their depravity.

learning about how badly people are treated in psych wards, how is it even still legal and why are they not being held accountable? is it just because we are "mentally unwell" that it does not matter what we say or how they treat us? how is this fair?

 

[Hollowman]

No, psych wards are a joke.