Happy May! For Mental Health Awareness Month I thought I would blog all about mental health and things you may not read about on most blogs. This blog is about being in a mental hospital which I'm writing so people can be aware of what it's really like in one and normalizing going to one. I should know because I've been in and out of the hospital for the past 6 months.
So what are these hospitals like?
Well they’re all different and have different rules but one commonality is that they give you special sticky socks LOL. No but they do so you don’t slip and fall.
At these hospitals whether it’s the psych ward of a medical hospital or a private mental hospital there is a doctor or psychiatrist, a nurse, a social worker, and a multitude of therapists who come and go. The doctor sees you once a day and asks you general questions about how you’re doing. They’re the ones in control of your discharge. You are also a factor because if you aren’t participating in groups it’ll take longer to leave. The doctor typically only sees you for about 5-10 minutes and adjusts your meds as needed. They often will introduce a new medication to see if that works for you. Throughout your stay they may increase the dosage or cut a med out completely.
The nurses administer your medications. They’ll ask you more detailed questions about how you’re doing such as if you’re hearing voices, whether you’re feeling suicidal that day, and to rate your depression and anxiety. They also give you meds for any physical problems you may have. They’re also there to talk with you if you don’t want to talk to anyone else.
The social worker works with you to figure out where you’re going once you’re discharged. Most of the time people go home, to a halfway house, or some other type of shelter. The social worker helps you find where you want to go. They also may work with the doctor and ask how you’re doing.
There are a few different therapists but the main ones are the recreational therapist and talk therapists. When you’re in a process group that’s when you’ll be talking about a certain topic or whatever is on your mind. I personally enjoy these groups because I’m able to process through what I need to. Rec therapy is fun because you can do art, meditation, yoga, or play games. These are relaxing and give your brain something to do so you’re not depressed. The therapists are constantly moving so sometimes it’s hard to sit down with one and talk one on one but it is possible!
All these people are there to help you. I have not had a negative experience at any of the 4 hospitals I’ve been at with the staff. The other patients are usually very nice and not what you think. They all have their own stories and struggles and are willing to help you out. I’ve made tons of friends in the hospital although it’s hard to keep in contact with those you meet in the hospital.
Some different rules I’ve seen are whether you’re allowed to have your phone or not. Most places don’t want you to have your phone so they lock it away with your other valuables in a safe. Some places will make you wear scrubs whereas others let you wear your own clothes. Certain hospitals will let you go outside and others won’t and some will let you smoke while others won’t. The ones that don’t let you smoke are usually the ones in the medical hospital.
The food at these mental institutions are just what you think it’s like. Hospital food. Some of it is good and some of it is really terrible. It depends on the center and what day it is. I would recommend not eating meat at these places even though it’s difficult to be vegetarian or vegan in the hospital. Meat is already nasty so imagine what parts they give to the hospital 🤢.
Typically you’ll spend 5-10 days in the hospital depending on your needs and sometimes your insurance.
That’s all I got for you! Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more mental health posts coming up!