psychiatric hospitals (or inpatient stays)

megzie1994 · 11-07-2009, 11:29 PM

Has anyone been inpatient for being suicidal?

I'm really worried because my therapist is recommending inpatient...And i am scared to death that i am just going to be locked in a room, tied down to a bed, with just a mattress, and no visitors or group sessions, wearing just gowns and what not.

if you were inpatient, were the hospitals that bad? I was in treatment for my eating disorder at the hospital i would go to if i were to be admitted....and it was very nice. So i guess it depends on the hospital??? what were they like?

whirlpools · 11-07-2009, 11:36 PM

Are you in the UK? I'm not sure about hospitals in other countries, but to be honest I don't know of any hospitals anywhere that do what you're fearing anymore.

In the rare occasions that people are put into a seclusion-type room it's only until they're feeling calmer and safer and I believe they are not tied down and are checked upon regularly. This would particularly be the case in an adolescent unit - I'm not sure they even have seclusion rooms in adolescents, they didn't when I was in.

They would not usually disallow visitors because having visitors is usually a big part of recovery and this would especially be the case with young people. They would also let you have your own clothes and would not do anything to degrade you like this.

Group sessions are another story - most adolescent units have good, varied activities during the days. Mine didn't, but mine was a bit rubbish. But usually there is plenty going on and you will also have the opportunity to talk regularly with your named nurse and psychiatrist and may even start psychological treatment of some sort.

Inpatient units now are usually very comfortable and bright and cheery for young people, so you have nothing to worry about :) and I'm sure you'll make lots of lovely friends in there because there's usually plenty of really nice people.

megzie1994 · 11-07-2009, 11:39 PM

Thank you so much for your reply.

I am in the U.S.

I am not as worried after reading your response. i really appreciate it.

Not sure if you knew, but i am in a teen, 15 years old

whirlpools · 12-07-2009, 12:29 AM

No problem :) I know a few people who've been in inpatient units in the US and I think they found it helpful and not too scary overall!

Chloe. · 12-07-2009, 12:49 AM

I'm in america, as well. If you're in the adolescent part, it's wayy different. I've been in before. We had group everyday. We had a journal that we had to write in. They let us watch tv, listen to music, and color. The girls there were very supportive. That was the one thing I was worried about; mean girls. It's scary at first, but it helps a lot. I hope all goes well. (:

lovelybones · 12-07-2009, 02:52 AM

I've been inpatient in the US for suicidal stuff as well as SI & a mood disorder. All they did was write "suicidal" in my file and talk to me about it occasionally. They shouldn't put you in a room by yourself (dubbed "the quiet room" at my hospital) unless you are posing a serious threat to the staff or yourself. You would have to start freaking out or attack somebody in order to get in there, from what I've seen.

And as far as how inpatient was overall, minus the (rare!) occurrence of someone freaking out, it wasn't bad at all. Like others have said, we had journals & crayons & group sessions a lot. And the food wasn't horrible either. Typically, it's not a long stay. I was in 5 days the first time (2 days extra because they don't release you over the weekend at my hospital, I got out Monday) & 3 days the second time. Both different hospitals and a pretty good experience overall. They make it comfortable for you & aren't mean to you at all :) I met a bunch of really cool people there and still keep in touch with them even though it's been 3-4 years.