Has the psych ward helped or harmed you?

[de_cache]

My first stay (overnight) I felt didn't do anything for my mental state at all. My second stay (2-3 weeks), however, was horrible. I feel like being involuntarily held for that long in such a boring, alien, and scary environment just made me worse.

What do you guys think? What are your experiences with mental hospitals?

 

[whywere]

Been in twice and once was hell and once was good. 1st one was hell on earth with poor staff and even worse food. The 2nd one had wonderful staff and really good food.

So at least in my experience it depends on the facility.

Walter

 

[gothbird]

First off, I've always wondered why psych wards, respites, etc. don't make the place feel more warm and home like or comforting? The sterile walls, the bright lights, and so on can be pretty harsh. I understand the need for sterile bedding and minimal furniture, but why do the walls and floors have to feel so cold and uninviting?

Anyway, I've been to respite a few times. It's kind of in-between being at home and being in hospital. You get your own room, your meals are cooked, and there are nurses around too. I found this to be a pretty good space for me. On the other hand, I've also been in the psych ward a few times, and honestly, I don't remember much of it. I was heavily medicated. I don't think it was terrible, though that's partly because I live in a country with decent healthcare, but I also didn't get much active treatment like therapy or group sessions. Mostly, it was sleep, eat, take meds, sleep. The ICU part when I first got admitted was pretty intense, but I was mostly sedated then. There were a lot of violent offenders in the same space as me, and even though I was in the female wing because I've dealt with SA, the shared communal areas still made me feel a bit scared. But honestly, the ward itself wasn't the worst. I think wards can be okay if you're willing to seek help and put in some effort. That said, I also know it really depends on where you are.

 

[ForestGhost]

Never been to a proper psych ward but spent a month in a residential facility. Not gonna lie, it did help me temporarily, and there were a couple lasting benefits (change of meds that has drastically improved my sleep and appetite), but I mostly regressed back to my shitty baseline after a few months.

 

[LetMeOut67]

I ended up in one cos I'd lost the will to do anything and the lack of activity was driving me crazy
So they put me in a place where there's absolutely nothing to do
So I decided that it was so awful that the outside world wasn't so bad after all

I'm not sure that this is how it's supposed to work but I was glad to get out after five days

 

[ASilentHope]

I haven't been committed myself, yet. However, last month I had to take one of my best friend to a local ER to check in to their ward. She was having auditory hallucinations.

As an outsider looking in, it was definitely painful seeing the ER side of things. It really brought to the forefront the issues of our mental health care system. It's definitely better than the old "asylum" days, but we definitely have a long way to go.

She spent a week there in their intensive care ward, and after her discharge she expressed her appreciation for it. She's still adjusting to the medication regiment, but it did renew her willingness to fight. It took her a couple days to give it a chance. After that she expressed that it was almost like a therapeutic resort with groups, board games, etc. She even got to meet the kid who stole our coworker's car.

 

[Alexei_Kirillov]

Neither, I came out of my involuntary 3-day stay effectively the exact same person I was beforehand, if a little angrier at how society treats suicidal people. Nonetheless it was a pretty awful experience, with my biggest gripe being the total lack of privacy, which was terrifying when you're a young woman on a mixed-sex ward. But when in stressful situations my body has a way of just "shutting down" and compartmentalizing, so I kind of just dissociated and removed myself from reality. Luckily the staff and the other patients were okay so I didn't have anything traumatic happen, nor was I forced to go on meds.

 

[Cinnamorolls]

Harmful. I thought it would be a warm, supportive place where I'd get daily therapy and help. Instead, it was nothing but a prison. Slept on a hard plastic bed with no sheets, no TV or any other type of distractions offered to pass the time, not allowed to go outside, cold/hostile staff, no therapy at all. And they ignored my dietary restrictions so I couldn't eat the food. Truly a horrifying experience and now I warn people never to call hotlines.

 

[yeahyeahyeahfan]

For me, being forcibly institutionalized was just prison. I wasn't even allowed to go to the bathroom without permission. Absolute hell.

 

[claracatchingthebus]

My first stay (overnight) I felt didn't do anything for my mental state at all. My second stay (2-3 weeks), however, was horrible. I feel like being involuntarily held for that long in such a boring, alien, and scary environment just made me worse.

What do you guys think? What are your experiences with mental hospitals?

i feel like in many ways hospitalization ruined me... it took a while for it to happen, but it did

i wish i had jumped back then (if death would have been the outcome) instead of being hospitalized


hospitalization taught me i can't really trust any medical professionals. i don't even have a regular general doctor anymore. i won't see anyone. i won't let anyone from that field exploit me again. it's not only cruelty, it's financial exploitation because they get paid a lot for their cruelty, and the things that would make the stay less painful (a TV that could be watched, netflix, etc) were not provided because they would reduce the profits of the vampires

they only care about money and hope they all suffer in hell

i have SN and am much more likely to take it because of my involuntary hospitalization, because i will absolutely never again voluntarily see a psychiatrist or therapist after being treated that way, and if i had some support from a therapist i might be less likely to take the SN... but it's not worth the risk

 

[permanently tired]

I would describe it as less than uncomfortable. I was basically staring at the ceiling when I wasn't talking to the staff. It did make me more paranoid for a short time afterwards, I'm slightly paranoid in general (I'll triple check if I closed a drawer, put something back into place, etc...). I usually ignore my paranoia and it goes away after a while bc it's abt small insignificant things. It did teach me not to trust ppl with my innermost thoughts though. I have a habit of oversharing so I have slightly more self control now.

 

[whywere]

For me, being forcibly institutionalized was just prison. I wasn't even allowed to go to the bathroom without permission. Absolute hell.

I can feel you, as the 1st time I got hauled in, at 10:30pm if one's feet were NOT off the floor and one was in bed all hell broke loose. I would get screamed at like I was some murderer; it was pure HELL.

Walter

 

[Pluto]

 

[BeepyNerd]

The first 24 hours probably helped by getting me out of the immediate situation, but after that they simply didn't let me leave despite the fact that I was "voluntarily" there, and that ensured I'm avoiding going there again. There's a reason it's known as grippy sock jail in some circles.
Disclaimer: This was a few years ago, not guaranteeing all my memories are accurate

 

[Rynalia]

Never helps me.

Usually a mixed bag of whether it makes everything worse or not. I'm lucky if I get out and only somewhat in a worse position than completely in a bad position.

 

[PerfectNothing.]

I only been to a psych ward once, voluntarily. They kept me there for 5 days, although I did get out a couple hours early cus of a heart doctor appointment I had.

My family said that the ER was going to let me go until I started saying stuff and they decided to keep me. The ER threatened to get police involved if I didn't go. I had to stay overnight at the ER so they could find me a bed at a mental hospital.

I remember when I was there that I wanted out so bad. They kept on waking me up in the middle of the night for blood work and stuff. When I first got there they took my stuff, gave me a rice krispy treat, and forgot about me. They told me to sit in an empty room in a chair and every once in a while someone would pass the door but no one ever came and got me. I had to search for the nurses myself to go to the main area where the patients stay at (idk if that normally happens or not). When I finally found a nurse they had me strip to my underwear infront of 2 female and male nurses, although the male nurse was turned around for part of it. Then they just put me in the main area, showed me my room and never explained the rules or anything. It took them about a day or so to give me my clothes. Also I have a special ear plug to prevent any water from getting in my right ear, because I have a hole in my right ear drum. they never gave me that back, and they lost it (took me 85$ to replace it).

It was nothing to do in the day other than play cards. They sometimes let us watch tv or go outside. they have Group things to learn coping skills. The actual psychologist/therapist only comes and sees you for like 5 mins max. Everything was Suicide proof so you wouldn't hurt yourself and they come and check on you every 15 mins. I also had a roommate. They had us eat hospital/school food (if I remember correctly) 3 times a day, and there were snacks in the middle. I remember the nurses telling a girl to force someone else to eat. They took away my rice krispy treat (from when I first got there) I was saving in the middle of the night, saying it was a safety hazard. I remember the first bite of food after I got out was so good.

I had to fake being better to get out of there.

I think it might of helped long term but I'm not for sure. Mental hospitals really only keep you safe when your there. Once you been admitted, they won't let you out until they say so, even if you want out.

 

[bqueenorange1]

Harmed

 

[Britney Spears]

It has left me worse than I was

 

[kitkat9234]

Harmed. Was traumatic for me to say the least. One reason why I haven't tried to CTB this time is worrying I'll fail and end up back in the hospital in worse shape.

 

[de_cache]

First off, I've always wondered why psych wards, respites, etc. don't make the place feel more warm and home like or comforting? The sterile walls, the bright lights, and so on can be pretty harsh. I understand the need for sterile bedding and minimal furniture, but why do the walls and floors have to feel so cold and uninviting?

Anyway, I've been to respite a few times. It's kind of in-between being at home and being in hospital. You get your own room, your meals are cooked, and there are nurses around too. I found this to be a pretty good space for me. On the other hand, I've also been in the psych ward a few times, and honestly, I don't remember much of it. I was heavily medicated. I don't think it was terrible, though that's partly because I live in a country with decent healthcare, but I also didn't get much active treatment like therapy or group sessions. Mostly, it was sleep, eat, take meds, sleep. The ICU part when I first got admitted was pretty intense, but I was mostly sedated then. There were a lot of violent offenders in the same space as me, and even though I was in the female wing because I've dealt with SA, the shared communal areas still made me feel a bit scared. But honestly, the ward itself wasn't the worst. I think wards can be okay if you're willing to seek help and put in some effort. That said, I also know it really depends on where you are.

What exactly is a respite? I'm in the US and have no clue what you're talking about

 

[Manic Panic]

I've been 5 times and all I can say is that if you feel like you need the help then go just know that it's not for everyone.

 

[gothbird]

What exactly is a respite? I'm in the US and have no clue what you're talking about

I explained it already. Haha.
It's a house owned by the government that has a few mental health nurses either living there or next door (the one I go to has them attached to the house by a hallway and security door). The place I was in has about six rooms, and there's a cook for lunch and dinner. Basically, it's a safe space where someone takes care of your medications, helps you during a crisis, and prevents you from being admitted to the ward, all while offering similar amenities. Your therapist usually visits every day too. You need permission to leave and all that but its comfortable and homelike, with a lounge, tv, movies, games etc.

 

[de_cache]

i feel like in many ways hospitalization ruined me... it took a while for it to happen, but it did

i wish i had jumped back then (if death would have been the outcome) instead of being hospitalized


hospitalization taught me i can't really trust any medical professionals. i don't even have a regular general doctor anymore. i won't see anyone. i won't let anyone from that field exploit me again. it's not only cruelty, it's financial exploitation because they get paid a lot for their cruelty, and the things that would make the stay less painful (a TV that could be watched, netflix, etc) were not provided because they would reduce the profits of the vampires

they only care about money and hope they all suffer in hell

i have SN and am much more likely to take it because of my involuntary hospitalization, because i will absolutely never again voluntarily see a psychiatrist or therapist after being treated that way, and if i had some support from a therapist i might be less likely to take the SN... but it's not worth the risk

What happened? You admitted something to your psychiatrist or something and they had you locked up?

I explained it already. Haha.
It's a house owned by the government that has a few mental health nurses either living there or next door (the one I go to has them attached to the house by a hallway and security door). The place I was in has about six rooms, and there's a cook for lunch and dinner. Basically, it's a safe space where someone takes care of your medications, helps you during a crisis, and prevents you from being admitted to the ward, all while offering similar amenities. Your therapist usually visits every day too. You need permission to leave and all that but its comfortable and homelike, with a lounge, tv, movies, games etc.

Yeah they don't have that where I live. The closest we have is a building where you can hang out and eat, wash your clothes, read books, play games, etc. All we have as far as inpatient treatment is the psych ward

 

[Ch4in3dcr0w]

netheir helped or affected me negatively it was a place of simullar minded people who absolutly didnt want help and werent getting it from there etheir way. I would guess it matters from your country and how good the psych ward is good

 

[imgonesoondontworry]

For me, being institutionalized sucked every time i was admitted. Staff were shitty, you barely got any therapy, the white walls and white furniture and white everything feels cold and isolating. Hearing patients have violent outbursts all around you at any time of day is the worst. Even the so called "good" wards in the US still suck because they're not interested in helping you with your issues, their only purpose is to keep you imprisoned until they think you're not an immediate danger to yourself and others at that time. All that being admitted has done for me is make me realize that when i reattempt, i need to make sure its absolutely lethal. And I learned that I cant tell anyone when im spiraling again because i'll just get sent to another ward. You're treated like you're subhuman there. You're forced to undress, shower, go to the bathroom in front of staff. All your personal belongings are taken from you. Your clothes are taken and replaced with paper clothes that rip every time you move. It's just all around dehumanizing. Not to mention the thousands of dollars that you now owe them regardless of if you entered willingly or not. And the looming threat of solitary confinement and involuntary sedation if you "act up" is the cherry on top to the shit show that America deems "healthcare."

 

[Santana Idaho]

I haven't been to inpatient for suicide related issues, but I did PHP for binge eating.

I was so scared that I'd be fucked up from an awful experience.

Plot twist!

I was fucked up from how great it was, and how it ended too fast and put me right back in my abuser's house.

Everyone was nice. My therapist told me that I deserved an apology from my older brother for abusing me. (I had just had a shouting match with him the previous night over it.) I cried. Used up all her tissues for my outrageous amount of snot. (Seriously, where does all the mucus come from? I'm a snail.) I've got a Kim K. crying face. It was embarrassing. No one had been nice to me in years. I hugged my roommate who was the first person I'd hugged in years.

For me, "Grippy Sock Vacay" is accurate. Very true. Very to the point.

Spoiler: I got carried away and journaled 🙃 soooooorryyyyy

That year was the first time I called the suicide hotline.

Things get worse every year. For some reason, after treatment and subsequent attempts at trauma therapy combined with a series of acute traumas, I'm just so exhausted. I'm having intrusive memories... I'm dissociating again... I've lost hope that things will get better, but even worse, I don't care to get it back. The only thing that's kept me going is the small kindling of hope within. That I would get what I prayed for every Sunday in middle school when my mom forced me to go to church. I just wanted to be happy.

I've never been here before.

It's just gone. I'm just tired.