[espoir]

I was in an adolescent unit for 81/2 to 9 months.
There were good and bad points to beeing in there. I guess it realy did help me - once i let it.
The staff were amazing, i am still in touch with a few of them now! I had an amazing key worker who literally saved my life. But as with most places it was very understaffed, so the illest patients get priority. Looking back i get more staff time as an outpatient.
We all got our own rooms, which we could stick posters up and they had locks on both sides of the doors. There was also comunal areas like a big lounge/games rooms, art rooms, gym, quiet rooms and a gym.
The other patients were fantastic, but some of them very ill, this wasnt nice to see.
As i was on an adolescent unit as well as therapies like O.t and art we had to go to school. It was basicaly like a big primary school with gym art/tec/cooking rooms attached to the hospital. We had a full school day 9.30~3.15. We also had trips out to cinema/football matches/bowling in the evening. I dont know what happens on adult units though.
For me i hated the measures that were in place to keep me safe, having 2 members of staff with me at all times even in the toilet!, being restrained, and having all my possestions and furniture took off me. But i know it was for my own good.
I think hospitals can be positive and negative. They help if you let them, but other patients can bring you down/copy behaviours and also it is a false enviroment and it is all too easy to become dependant. Personally i think for people that need/want help a short admission could help. But it depends on the individual.
Hope that makes sense!!!!
xxxxx