Off to Inpatient on Friday (UK)

[Emily_Numb]

Oh coloring in stuff is a must for ward.
When I was in there was a girl I chatted to who had this black out coloring in book where you scracth off the black to reveal colors and it looked calming.

Look you are right OP did ask not to mention anything and I got derailed a little replying to another poster and OP saying "I will threaten law action".I do not think it is right for me to defend my experience one of quite a few in OP's thread out of respect for them so will not do so.
Did not mean to make this into some big ableist or whatever you call it type of deal.
Not everyone is a nazi online Mahakali

Not threaten law action. It's not a threat when you will follow though. I will take it if I am physically hurt in any way. If not the individual, certainly the facility for being unable to keep me safe.

 

[mahakaliSS_MahaDurga]

Not threaten law action. It's not a threat when you will follow though. I will take it if I am physically hurt in any way. If not the individual, certainly the facility for being unable to keep me safe.

I will be beyond shocked if anyone tries to attack you in any way while you are there. Once again, good luck. I am really happy for you.

 

[Meretlein]

I think you did the smart thing by going to a private hospital instead not putting yourself at the mercy of wherever your local ER decided to cart you off to.

I wish you luck on your journey to recovery.

How did you avoid a forced mental health admission after the attempt if you don't mind me asking?

 

[HelloHell]

Good luck on your recovery, I hope all goes well!
I'm not from the UK but i think it's the same everywhere for psych ward to be super boring
I wasn't allowed to bring my phone, but I guess you're allowed to? I think it's best to stay off your phone as much as you can, unless you need to make calls. Social media and internet detoxing can definitely help you to recover better
If you like reading, you should definitely bring some books. Also, if you want to, you can bring some crossword puzzle/sudoku. Those definitely helped me to stay sane in the ward
and try to make some friends there, talk to other patients and play games together. you can bring playing cards too
i made some good friends during my time as inpatient, I hope you have a good experience too!

 

[Emily_Numb]

I think you did the smart thing by going to a private hospital instead not putting yourself at the mercy of wherever your local ER decided to cart you off to.

I wish you luck on your journey to recovery.

How did you avoid a forced mental health admission after the attempt if you don't mind me asking?

This is the UK. Getting forced into a facility it's pretty difficult even after a suicide attempt. From what I've seen, sectioning only really happens when you become a danger to others. They don't give a shit if you're a danger to yourself.

 

[hoping to lose hope]

I will be beyond shocked if anyone tries to attack you in any way while you are there. Once again, good luck. I am really happy for you.

Considering the facility I would doubt she would be as well more likely to be attacked buying milk and eggs at costco.

Op I am sorry for mentioning things that you specifically asked users to avoid it was thoughtless of me I did not consider how stressed you may be and users posting negative things especially those that would not be relevant to your stay in private place would not apply to you.
I am sorry I do this thing alot it is no excuse i seem to think the wrong way and not step back and really examine myself and then later realize I have been a bitch.
Sorry OP you really must be spooked by visiting the ward and I think you are really brave!!
It is one thing going to one kicking and screaming but to go to a retreat to help yourself is really mature.
Sorry

 

[CoalmineCanary]

When first arriving you may find yourself overwhelmed. You may have a lot of recovery activities and therapy scheduled for you so you may not feel bored. Colouring books and such activities are meditative, however, as you recover you may find these activities boring as you are now recovering and may need more stimulating challenges. I don't know about the facility you will be staying at as all are individually different.

Bringing a book for some quiet time away from other patients may be helpful. Other people who are on the same recovery path as you will also feel a sense of boredom. Share a game of chess or scrabble for leisure and to socialize. Bring a deck of cards. If you're going to stay a while you may end up making some new friendships.

Bring a notebook and record every meal, every medication they give you and the times, and any observations so you don't forget what's going on and can hold someone accountable if necessary. If you have anxiety, bring a stuffed animal or a photo of a family pet or friends and family that you find of comfort.

Keep your positive attitude about your experience and you might find the whole thing beneficial. It doesn't always have to be scary and horrid and perhaps you'll come out of this stronger and better than before.

I forgot. Make and create lots of Art if it helps comfort you.

Good luck.

 

[All washed up]

I've no inpatient experience but just want to wish you well.
The Priory is known for having many famous inpatients.
Hope it's a positive and beneficial experience for you
Good luck x

 

[Symbiote]

Agree to disagree, I stand by what I said. American psych hospitals especially inpatient is akin to prison, you have to watch your back at all times. I don't care if you're schizo, have drug issues, or want to start shit, if you come at me, I will knock your ass out or do what I can to protect myself. Some wards have a "Zero Contact" clause where staff will not interfere if a patient is raining down punches on you, because fear of lawsuits. The one I stayed in had that mandate in place, they believe you can talk someone down from violence, but kinda hard to listen when that patient views the one he's pummeling as inferior. The poorer the hospital, the more lax security is. I hope your experience in whatever country you're in isn't like mine and that you actually do find help.

 

[hoping to lose hope]

they believe you can talk someone down from violence,

OP will be in a nice place but this is true as you cannot reason with those that have forgone the ability to reason.

 

[CuddleHug]

I've been voluntarily admitted to inpatient care several times, although none were at a private hospital. Others have already mentioned most of the things I would suggest, but here's something I don't think anyone mentioned yet.

It may work differently where you are going, but I always found it very helpful to pack some tea (bags for easy use) and a few smaller snacks in case I crave something sweet. They usually provide coffee/tea, but it can be a bit bland. For example, I always bring chai tea because that's not something they provide. Likewise, if I'm really craving my favourite chocolate, it's such a relief to already have it at hand. It requires some self-control to not eat it all at once, but you know best what you can handle. Obviously only bring a little for emergency use.

Something I did not think of my first time was that any kind of glass container is not allowed. My deodorant was taken away because it was glass and I had to ask for it every time I needed to use it. Rules regarding this probably differs from place to place, but it was just something I had completely overlooked because it's not very obvious. At one place, they took my bra because of the wires, so after that I only used wireless bras.

As for things to do, all I can say is; make use of the staff as much as you can. Don't be afraid to ask for help, don't be afraid to ask for things you need, food or anything else on off hours, and never feel like you are in the way or being bothersome. Make the most out of your time there. Hell, ask the staff to do activities with you if you want. I did hours of jigsaw puzzles with my favourite nurse whenever she had time to sit with me. Talk to them a lot.

When it comes to other patients, it's up to you how much you want to interact with them. I chose not to because on my very first inpatient stay, I noticed I soaked up all the shit others were carrying and it made me feel worse. Beyond friendly greetings and courtesy at mealtime, I did not talk to anyone who didn't work there after that. It's very individual, but try to be conscious of how you're affected by the others there and you'll be fine.

Sorry for the long reply. Hope you get something useful out of it. Good luck with everything

 

[mahakaliSS_MahaDurga]

Agree to disagree, I stand by what I said. American psych hospitals especially inpatient is akin to prison, you have to watch your back at all times. I don't care if you're schizo, have drug issues, or want to start shit, if you come at me, I will knock your ass out or do what I can to protect myself. Some wards have a "Zero Contact" clause where staff will not interfere if a patient is raining down punches on you, because fear of lawsuits. The one I stayed in had that mandate in place, they believe you can talk someone down from violence, but kinda hard to listen when that patient views the one he's pummeling as inferior. The poorer the hospital, the more lax security is. I hope your experience in whatever country you're in isn't like mine and that you actually do find help.

She is going here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priory_Hospital I doubt that a clinic like this one, which had Lily Allen, Eric Clapton and many other celebrities as patients, and which costs thousands of pounds per week, also has violent and psychotic patients there. The focus of treatment is CTB. Most schizophrenics are out of work and out of funds, many lack the support of their families; so I really cannot imagine her being attacked by a violent person in the throes of psychosis and homicidal rage; even in the wildest Hollywood type scenario.

 

[Symbiote]

She is going here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priory_Hospital I doubt that a clinic like this one, which had Lily Allen, Eric Clapton and many other celebrities as patients, and which costs thousands of pounds per week, also has violent and psychotic patients there. The focus of treatment is CTB. Most schizophrenics are out of work and out of funds, many lack the support of their families; so I really cannot imagine her being attacked by a violent person in the throes of psychosis and homicidal rage; even in the wildest Hollywood type scenario.

Yeah she's in good hands, that place is like a palace! They should have good security or wardens guarding the place to make sure people are kept in line and not disorderly.

 

[Weary Soul]

Much respect, love, and healing to you!

In my country, the only thing allowed is clothing, so there is not much advice I can give as far as what to take or what you might experience. Although, if I were in your shoes, I would likely take whatever I was permitted to that might help me to be as comfortable as possible while I was there.

<3

 

[CoalmineCanary]

Oh I forgot to mention to bring ear plugs and a eye mask so you are not too disturbed when they check on you if you are a light sleeper.

 

[muffin222]

I don't have any relevant experience to contribute to the thread, but I just wanted to say that I admire your strength and courage in choosing to give recovery a go. I sincerely wish for things to work out for you and for you to have a pleasant, rehabilitative experience in inpatient

 

[Squiddy]

I'm glad that you're getting help :) I've been in the psych ward 15 times so for advice, I'd say bring clothes, books, shower shoes or flip flops so your feet don't touch the shower floor, coloring books, glasses or contacts with solution and case if you use them, a list of all meds you're on, maybe a notebook to write down your feelings or what you want to say to your psychiatrist in there, cards, if allowed candy (mine didn't allow it, but maybe it's different over there), comb or brush (the ones over here in the US have horrible tiny combs), if allowed shampoo and conditioner, if you have an allergy to the soap there your own soap (if allowed). That's all I can think of at this time. I hope you get better :)

EDIT: also I'm not sure about over there, but here, I had to bring my insurance card and an ID so you might want to have those on you too :)

 

[LittleJem]

I visited my friend in a London private one - the rooms were really nice, she made some friends, everyone is in a similar boat that they are there to be looked after. I hope it goes well for you.

 

[Emily_Numb]

I'm glad that you're getting help :) I've been in the psych ward 15 times so for advice, I'd say bring clothes, books, shower shoes or flip flops so your feet don't touch the shower floor, coloring books, glasses or contacts with solution and case if you use them, a list of all meds you're on, maybe a notebook to write down your feelings or what you want to say to your psychiatrist in there, cards, if allowed candy (mine didn't allow it, but maybe it's different over there), comb or brush (the ones over here in the US have horrible tiny combs), if allowed shampoo and conditioner, if you have an allergy to the soap there your own soap (if allowed). That's all I can think of at this time. I hope you get better :)

EDIT: also I'm not sure about over there, but here, I had to bring my insurance card and an ID so you might want to have those on you too :)

I get my own bathroom thank God. I'm a germaphobe so sharing showers would be a non-starter for me. Thanks for all the other tips though. I've started packing tonight and you reminded me to pack contact lens solution!

 

[Sinkinshyp]

I'm so happy for you @Emily_Numb . I don't know hospital policies so I'm sorry I can't help with any of that information. I hope it is going to be a positive experience on your path of recovery.

 

[Squiddy]

I get my own bathroom thank God. I'm a germaphobe so sharing showers would be a non-starter for me. Thanks for all the other tips though. I've started packing tonight and you reminded me to pack contact lens solution!

That's good you get your own bathroom. One of the psych wards I go to, you share a room with one other patient and the shower is outside the room and you share with everyone

 

[Silver]

A face mask and antibacterial hand cream, handlotion. Your own bedding if you're allowed it. Phone charger. Books, DVDS, crossword puzzles, pen, toothbrush, toothbrush cover, antibacterial wipes.

I really hope you enjoy your time there and that it is helpful :)

 

[walktothewater]

I was in two private hospitals in Ireland, mainly for addiction but also for related mental health, but I don't think their systems and running modus operandi would differ significantly from the Priory. Take things at your own pace, while also using the facilities available as much as you can without becoming overwhelmed. It's matter of finding a balance you are comfortable with. Try to attend for scheduled mealtimes, might as well get value for your money. The quality of food ought to be reasonably good, at that price. I hope you have a good experience there. Who knows, you might make new friends for life there. I've heard of stranger things happening.

 

[GoneGoneGone]

Best of luck Emily for tomorrow! We'll be thinking of you!

 

[Weather]

I was just popping by this thread to wish you good luck tomorrow too! You're strong, brave, and smart!

 

[UpandDownPrincess]

Wishing you luck and light! We'll be thinking of you!

 

[Ghost2211]

Good luck tomorrow!

 

[Cherrypea]

I'd love to know how you get on as have considered this for myself. Good luck xx

 

[whywere]

I wish you all the love and caring and empathy in your quest! I am with you 100% and pray that it helps you! Take care and get better!!! With all my love and caring.

 

[Silvermorning]

Good luck , and hoping all goes well Emily.