going to a residential program

zivalover16 · 09-10-2010, 06:22 PM

My therapist and psychiatrist both want me to go into a residential program... I was going to wait until the semester was over but they both highly suggest I leave now and do it. I'm terrified. I don't know what to expect or anything. Everyone I've talked to agrees with them. I'm doing a lot of thinking but as I said, I'm absolutely terrified right now... All I want to do is cut but my psychiatrist took my blades and made me sign a contract saying I won't get anymore until I talk to them again. I know that in the long run this is a good thing but I hate it..

Margo · 09-10-2010, 08:51 PM

Its ok to be terrified. I would be too. Infact i was when my former psych recommended i be put on a 12 month inpatient programme. So i do know how it feels. My advice would be to get family and friends to talk about it too. See what they say. If all around you feel it will benefit then chances are it will do. It could be the best thing to happen to you.

Many programmes allow you home at weekends after a few weeks. Its more a kinda live in theraputic day centre. Its not a prison.

I didnt go in the end. It was decided it would not be right for me. however i still went through the process i described above and got all around to know what was happening and when. there was something reassuring to know those who knew me would support me what ever happened. no one looked or treated me different. they were just simply relieved there was some sort of action available.

Finally its GOOD to hate it. Afterall id be worried if you were looking forward to it! It proves theres still life and fight in you. Use it to fight against the sickness.

I hope what ever is chosen you get the help and support you need. Best of luck

Matthew

zivalover16 · 09-10-2010, 09:03 PM

Thank you so much. I have been talking to family and they all say they want me to do it and support me in whatever I decide. I think I'm going to do it..... I was going to wait til after my birthday(which is the 25th of this month) but as my brother said I will probably keep making excuses. Mom says it's a fresh start.

lizliz · 14-10-2010, 02:05 AM

Go for it. At least give it a try. It could help. I've spent a week in a psych ward, but no extended stay. There were a lot of rules to follow. Lot of therapy. Lot of great people I met that I could really connect with because they were going through similar things. I hated it at first - because I didn't want to be there...but in the end I was glad I was there. It really made a difference and it helped. It wasn't so scary after all. And the people there really did want to help. So go for it. Give it a try - it could really help you. Plus you would have a lot more support all the time.

Horizon · 14-10-2010, 02:34 AM

I went to one for three months. Ended up not being the right fit for me, but I learned a lot and really grew. If you have any specific questions feel free to pm me.

Horizon · 14-10-2010, 02:50 AM

Also, it says you're from MA. Another residential place we looked into (that I obviously didn't end up going to) is Austen Riggs, which is in Stockbridge, MA. May be worth checking up on?

zivalover16 · 14-10-2010, 04:14 AM

Thanks. I am going to go and am waiting for a bed to open. I am still pretty scared but everyone has made me feel a bit better so thank you. I know my thing says I'm in MA but that's where I go to school. I'm actually in NY and going to a place called Four Winds. Thank you for the suggestion though. My therapist told me that she has been there and that the people there really enjoy what they do so that may make it easier.

akita · 14-10-2010, 04:17 AM

Good luck with the program and I hope it really helps.

Horizon · 14-10-2010, 04:35 AM

I'm glad to hear it! I'm glad you're giving it a chance.

Merc · 14-10-2010, 09:57 AM

Glad too you are willing to try. I really hope it can help to get you to a better, happier place.
Good luck and pls keep us posted on how you are ok?
xxx

zivalover16 · 14-10-2010, 11:59 AM

Thanks... I will try to keep you posted.. I'm not sure if they have computers or not. But if not I will post once I'm done and let you know how it went

crazykat · 14-10-2010, 12:25 PM

Good luck with it, will be thinking of you. You can do this

lizliz · 16-10-2010, 08:50 PM

Good luck! I'm glad you're going and getting help - I hope that it really does help you.

zivalover16 · 29-10-2010, 02:59 AM

Just got out today... it was really hard but I did it... I start partial on Monday... I'm just hoping that they helped