Hospital/psych ward :(
 

Sooo I tried to commit suicide a couple days ago and wound up in the hospital. Right now I'm just in a heart ward being monitered but I've been told i'm being moved to a psych ward in a different hospital. This is the first time I've ever been admitted to a psych ward so i'm pretty nervous. What should i expect? Will they let me smoke? Helppppp:(

I'm sorry to hear you tried to commit suicide, and hope the psychiatric ward helps you get to a safer place. Even though being in a psych. ward isn't always pleasant, it isn't usually the frightening place we often imagine before a first admission. They will probably let you smoke if you're medically stable and old enough.

They should let you smoke but you may be restricted as to when. When I was in hospital there were certain times that you can smoke as you have to be escorted. Though I've noticed your in the US so that may change things.

Hum hospital the first time is the most alien environment possible you are likely to be on at least 15 minute observation when you first arrive which means a nurse will check on you throughout the day and night though this will just be a look which is very disconcerting but you will get used to it generally as you begin to settle and they move you to less frequent obs.

In England there is generally a program of activity during the days but these are pretty basic like going to the art room for an hour or access to the gym which is very basic. You may find there is therapy, but outside of these times it does get very boring very quickly.

I don't know hospital is one of the worst places in the world but you know what I've found it helpful and it has kept me safe and whilst I would never choose to go there when things are horrific actually there are worst places I could be if that makes sense.

thanks everyone

be prepared for them to search your stuff, and remove things like shoelaces and belts.

things to consider bringing/having someone bring in for you: (can't promise all will be allowed in, different wards have different rules)
-your own comforter and pillow
-puzzle books (crosswords, sudoku, wordsearch, etc. got to fill up time)
-books to read
-comfy clothes
-your own toothpaste/toothbrush, etc. if you're like me, and are attached to using your own stuff, or just more comfortable with it.
-a journal
-some food of your own (they will probably keep it for you, but let you have some if you ask)
-socks
-photos of family/friends/pets/happy times
-schoolwork (if you're in school)
-envelopes and stamps
-quarters for phone (as cell phone policy varies)

Dont bring:
-clothes with drawstrings. they may allow you to have the clothes, but only after they have taken the drawstring out, which, even if the clothes still are wearable, is incredibly hard to get back in properly afterwards

turns out I wont be transferring over for another night. :\

When I went in we weren't allowed to smoke unless we were of age. There are alot of peer groups and a new type of therpy called DBT. The peer to peer talking and venting and advice was the most helpful thing. You find yourself feeling like you fit into the crowd. I never once felt like I was stupid for cutting. They made me understand that what I have is a sickness and all I needed was help. I hope you go to a place that really works for you. If you want to talk me message me any times.

day 3 in the hospital and i'm still waiting to be transferred. Going a bit stir crazy can't leave my room and the wireless is pretty terrible :(

Stay strong bro.

They search your things,
Usually you'll probably have a lot of restrictions and you could be put on 24 hour suicide watch, or constant observation. It's basically like, someone is appointed to watch you at all times, or keep you in their sight.

But it really depends on the unit, the staff, the hospital, etc.
Hope that things shape up while you are in hospital. Take care.

The worst part of a psych ward was taking a shower In one. There are no locks on the damn doors so I was always paranoid that someone was either looking at me or someone was going to bust in.....

I think the thing tht helped me the most was finding a friend. Having someone to talk to in there/sit by in the cafeteria is always nice ;)