Psych Ward

[Kristen1]

Has anyone been commited or volunatarily enterd a mental Hospital for their anxiety? If so what is it like?

[scotty69]

no  but 10 years ago a doctor threatened to

[Breke]

One of my friends has been in a place like that, but for depression(she tried to kill herself).

When she got back she talked about how awful/weird it was, she felt so out of place. There were people there who were literally insane. They would be having conversations with their imaginary friends and stuff like that.

I don't think it's the right place for Anxiety sufferers...

[Door]

It depends on the facility.  I went to one and ran out the next day.  I went to acute care (3-7 days) to change medications and it was very comfortable and supportive.  I went to a 6-8 week in-patient program at a top hospital and it was the best thing I ever did for myself.

[Bama21]

Door...

Can you give some detail on your 6-8 week stay at that treatment facility?  What was it like?  Strict schedule?  Relaxed environment? 

[Door]

Door...

Can you give some detail on your 6-8 week stay at that treatment facility?  What was it like?  Strict schedule?  Relaxed environment?

I felt like I was in a cross between summer camp and a college dormitory.  I had a schedule from 7:30 am - 9 pm.  It was highly structured.  Structure is a powerful weapon against mental illness.  I could skip leisure activities (art, gym, track, yoga, religious services).  If I missed therapy groups without a valid excuse, I would not be able to go on outings to the movies or grocery store.  I saw my psychiatrist at least 2x/week, my therapist at least 2x/week, my clinician at least 2x/week, my assigned nurses at least 3x/day.

This is very hard to explain without making this into a 100-page post.  What I can say is that when I was there, I felt like I was taken care of, as if I were 8 years old, and my only responsibilities were to go to class and interact with my peers.  Working on myself and my problems was much easier without adult life getting in the way.

[Door]

Here is an outline of my schedule at the psychiatric hospital:
http://www.menningerclinic.com/p-hope/program-life.htm#daily

[jasonibs9]

Door,

  Sounds like heaven or a dream to me. I know that my friend has been to the "happy house" or that's how he likes to call it and its not fun at all. There are people in there that will attempt to kill you just because they are nuts. Its the closest thing to being in jail he said. 

   He has bipolar disorder and has to go when the meds stop working because of the steep depression.  The only thing to do  there is play ping pong, watch tv , play cards , smoke and play basketball. that's it... all cement walls.. He said to watch "One flew over the coocoo's nest" first before you think about volenteering to go. 

   What are you thinking? You want to go there to "escape reality?" I don't need that cra%. I got it all in my head now  There will be hard times and you've probably had a bunch already without needing to be around people that have to watch after you..  I suspect you can make it through more of those tough times coming up

[Door]

   What are you thinking? You want to go there to "escape reality?" I don't need that cra%. I got it all in my head now  There will be hard times and you've probably had a bunch already without needing to be around people that have to watch after you..  I suspect you can make it through more of those tough times coming up

I am not certain how to take this response.  I checked in because I did not want to live anymore.  I had never before entered a depression so dark and an anxiety so extreme.  It was not a vacation.

The treatment provided was effective.  I feel criticized for actually enjoying my recovery.   I had fun.  I learned so much.  I got better.  I make no apologies for it, for facing reality.

Shame on anyone who judges those who enter psychiatric facilities.  The patients are not crazy.  They are not nuts.  They are human beings who are suffering with a mental illness, just like you.

[FeelingOptimistic]

Door,

I agree with you 110%.

I can't figure out that last post myself.

Thanks for sharing your experience and helping someone with a question.  We should support one another.  Period.

Feeling Optimistic

[jasonibs9]

Door,

  Sorry, it came out wrong and didn't mean to sound like a jerk but after I read my post again I realized I did sound a bit harsh.

  What I'm trying to say is that it sounds to me like you are handling yourself very well right now and should actually be pretty proud of yourself.  By you being on this site talking to all of us is a step in the right direction because we are people that share the same issues as you.

   That feeling you have of just wanting to end things is all too common, esp. when they are giving you xanax. I took it a long time ago and the stuff made me want to jump off a bridge. I felt that when I'd talk to people they all thought my opinions were mentally wrong. "Don't listen to that guy, he's mental" I thought.

   As far as you getting into a Psychiciatric Ward, that should be a last result. If you've been putting up with all this in your life and you haven't done anything yet, what makes you think you are going to anytime soon? I think you are much stronger then you realize my friend.

  Tell me , what are some of the things that give you anxiety?  What do you commonly avoid because of it? Remember, Anxiety is always about something you are anticipating ,
Depression is something you think about from the past.

[Door]

   That feeling you have of just wanting to end things is all too common, esp. when they are giving you xanax.

   As far as you getting into a Psychiciatric Ward, that should be a last result. If you've been putting up with all this in your life and you haven't done anything yet, what makes you think you are going to anytime soon?

Wrong again.

You do not know me or how I have lived my life.  You do not know the severity of my mental illnesses.  You do not know the efficacy Xanax has on my body and how well it works.  You had told someone to stop taking Xanax cold turkey, which tells me how little you know. 

I did not ask for advice.

[jasonibs9]

Door,

  It sounds to me like you'd prefer to argue then accept my apology.  I understand. I know that when I was on "meds" heavily, I'd often want to lash out at someone for no reason. I normally don't say the word sorry unless its to my wife.

  I wish you lived closer so we could have a face to face talk now. For some reason I get the feeling I could put a lot of sense into you in a matter of seconds. 

[jasonibs9]

Door,

  You are right, I WAS wrong again. Maybe you should check yourself into a Mental Center. They can hopefully help you out. You are on a ton of meds and taking a ton of classes so if that's not helping you then I'd say go to the psych. ward now.

[Bama21]

Door,

  It sounds to me like you'd prefer to argue then accept my apology.  I understand. I know that when I was on "meds" heavily, I'd often want to lash out at someone for no reason. I normally don't say the word sorry unless its to my wife.

  I wish you lived closer so we could have a face to face talk now. For some reason I get the feeling I could put a lot of sense into you in a matter of seconds. 

Door is a female.

[jasonibs9]

oh well then that explains it...   

[Kristen1]

Door,
Thank you for your response. If I could afford it, I would definitely go. Sometimes it seems impossible to manage emotions on your own, especially when they are all new to you and you really feel like a loony tune  :spineyes:I wouldn't be going to "escape reality"  like the other poster said, I would be going to "get well" in a safe environment. I am literally falling apart in front of my husband and children. It isn't good for any of us. Although the idea of committing myself causes a great deal of anxiety, if I could find a place that would really help, I'd be there in a New York minute! If I don't get better soon, I may not have a choice!

[Door]

Door,
Thank you for your response. If I could afford it, I would definitely go. Sometimes it seems impossible to manage emotions on your own, especially when they are all new to you and you really feel like a loony tune  :spineyes:I wouldn't be going to "escape reality"  like the other poster said, I would be going to "get well" in a safe environment. I am literally falling apart in front of my husband and children. It isn't good for any of us. Although the idea of committing myself causes a great deal of anxiety, if I could find a place that would really help, I'd be there in a New York minute! If I don't get better soon, I may not have a choice!

It was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make.  I'm glad the option was there for me because I don't know what I would have done.  The facility straightened out my medications (in less than a week!) and sent me on the right path.  I am grateful.  I did not have much of a social support system, so I don't know if I could have done this outpatient.

Are there day programs or intensive outpatient therapy in your area?  Insurance typically covers them.  They are structured the same way as inpatient stays but you get to go home at night.  Psychiatrists and therapists usually know where to find them.  The bonus is that there is no stigma of "being committed."

Who gets committed?  There were 2 professional athletes where I stayed.  Neither are in tabloids.  Most have undergraduate degrees.  Most are incredibly intelligent.  All looked "normal."  This was true for the acute (3-7 days) stay as well.  I went from the acute care almost directly to the 6-week care because I needed the support. 

The urban legend horror stories I hear about mental hospitals seem to only apply to under-funded, poorly run state institutions.  It takes A LOT to end up there.  When I say A LOT, I mean A LOT.  I wanted to go there (seriously), but no doctor would let me.

I hope this helps.  I also hope you find an answer soon.

[sixpack]

There is no doubt that all mental facilities are NOT created equal.  If someone needed the help of one, he/she would undoubtedly need to do a lot of research before making that decision.   If someone doesn't agree with that decision or choice, that is fine, but we need to keep our responses civil.  A few of these posts--in whole or in part--have been more of the attacking kind and people are getting defensive.     

[FeelingOptimistic]

Kristen-

Do what you need to do- if you feel you need to go, then by all means do it.  Sending good thoughts your way!

Feeling Optimistic

[Conspiracy Bird]

I'm in a psych ward for inpatient treatment, actually. It's a clinic for youths though so my experience may differ from that of adults.
There's a full schedule, the main part of which is living together as a group with a stable routine. Everyone gets one or two therapy sessions per week. What's really good about it is being together with people who understand your problems and how you feel. Also, you can get help with your meds.
I was very homesick at first (actually ran away on my third day, but I came back of my own free will because I want and need this therapy), but now I'm doing quite well. Get to go home every weekend and have visitors during the week.

[tigerpaw]

As I read through these posts I sensed a lot of compassion by everyones posts.  It's not always easy to express ones self in words and I know your all trying to help Kristen1. That's the beauty of this forum. When I read posts or a thread, and see sometimes misunderstandings on what is being said, I always look at the heart of the person posting.  We all come from different intensities of anxiety and different therapies, so it's not always the same path for all. The point is we all care and support one another here so keep on expressing yourself as best you can in LOVE.

Tiger

 

[Door]

To the moderators:

I do not believe it is right to attempt to belittle a person or criticize a treatment that has shown to be effective.  I do not believe it is right to call people names.  I do not believe it is right to be patronizing.

To be honest, I do believe that a person's need to be "right" impedes any ability to feel or display compassion.  It can get the best of anybody.  I know that I have to check myself from time to time.

I left inpatient care a happier person with a much healthier outlook on life.  I depleted my liquid assets and am pinching pennies right now; but it was worth it.

I am writing this because when I had posted about going inpatient for a while, I did not feel supported.  I felt as if I were being told that I was running away from my problems; that no matter where I go, my problems will follow; that I should just fix myself wherever I was standing.  http://www.anxietyzone.com/index.php/topic,18390.msg110202.html#msg110202

I believe that if a person is truly considering inpatient, they should be supported, not directed.  I am one of the few who speak about their hospital stays.  Hospitals are not for everyone.  I believe what can be done outpatient should be done outpatient.  But when outpatient care is not enough, inpatient care may be a good idea.  In the end, it is a person's choice.  I am here to say that inpatient does not have to be scary and is a viable option.

My life is steadily improving everyday.  I feel like a part of society.  I owe a great deal of my progress to my current and past treatments.  I won't need most of it in a few months as I will have grown and moved on.  I have up and downs.  Overall, I am doing very well.

[sixpack]

To the moderators:

I do not believe it is right to attempt to belittle a person or criticize a treatment that has shown to be effective.  I do not believe it is right to call people names.  I do not believe it is right to be patronizing.

To be honest, I do believe that a person's need to be "right" impedes any ability to feel or display compassion.  It can get the best of anybody.  I know that I have to check myself from time to time.

I left inpatient care a happier person with a much healthier outlook on life.  I depleted my liquid assets and am pinching pennies right now; but it was worth it.

I am writing this because when I had posted about going inpatient for a while, I did not feel supported.  I felt as if I were being told that I was running away from my problems; that no matter where I go, my problems will follow; that I should just fix myself wherever I was standing.  http://www.anxietyzone.com/index.php/topic,18390.msg110202.html#msg110202

I believe that if a person is truly considering inpatient, they should be supported, not directed.  I am one of the few who speak about their hospital stays.  Hospitals are not for everyone.  I believe what can be done outpatient should be done outpatient.  But when outpatient care is not enough, inpatient care may be a good idea.  In the end, it is a person's choice.  I am here to say that inpatient does not have to be scary and is a viable option.

My life is steadily improving everyday.  I feel like a part of society.  I owe a great deal of my progress to my current and past treatments.  I won't need most of it in a few months as I will have grown and moved on.  I have up and downs.  Overall, I am doing very well.

I am glad you are doing better Door.

[tigerpaw]

Let me remind you you can access the Chat Room, and talk live some of us here!  A great resource for you. Also you can post your favorite picture in the Members Gallery.
Lots to do here~