Crisis Housing?
 

Has anyone ever been in a crisis house? What is it like?

It looks like I will be going into one for a while, worried that it will ruin all my hard work at college though :\

I stayed in a Crisis House last year. Previously, I have had many stays on psychiatric wards, and so when my local MH service set up a crisis house, I was relieved as it was a better option for me.

I'm not sure if they are all the same, but the one I was in was much more homely than a hospital environmnet, and all single rooms with a couple of communal areas with tvs and sofas. I was allowed to come and go whenever I wanted, but was expected to let the staff know. So I was able to carry on with my usual activities while I was there; in fact they actively encouraged it. So maybe you will still be able to go to college - it's worth discussing it with someone.

There were staff there 24 hours a day, and if I felt I needed to talk, they were very approachable. The other peopel staying there were ok, some were quite withdrawn, others more sociable. As no-one was detained under section, they tend to be more "well" than people I'd been on the wards with, with a wide spectrum of problems, from depression to schizophrenia to bipolar disorder.

Meals were provided -unfortunately it was the same food we had on the hospital wards which I didn't like, but they had a microwave and fridge so I bought my own food. However, someone else I know stayed in a crisis house where a chef cooked fresh food which apparantly was really good.

It was generally quiet and a time to get away from a stressful situation in my life. I was able to stay 2 weeks maximum, but that was enough for me. While I was there I had regular reviews and they also help to refer people to other mh services and support if appropriate.

I hope you find the crisis house helpful and that it will be a positive experience.

Thank you for sharing your experience, that's really helpful :)

Do any of you guys know how well Crisis Houses deal with ED patients?

I've stayed in a crisis recovery unit but that was for self harm. It was part of a psychiatric hospital but we were in a large house with our own bedrooms and a large lounge with sofas, tv, fish tank etc. We all shared the kitchen as well, made our own breakfasts and snacks and lunch and dinner were provided.

We did group therapy all day Mon-Fri, some were therapy groups like coping skills and others were dancing, cooking, creative writing, swimming etc.

We were all there voluntarily and could come and go as we wanted (but were expected to attend groups) and all went home for the weekend.

I've stayed in Crisis as an alternative to IP ward.

Do you know how long you'll be staying there?

The one local to me is amazing and I have to say I have found it very beneficial. x