This shows how different different hospital programs can be.

My stay was anything but boring. There was a lot of intensive treatment scheduled all throughout the day. The staff was all very caring and supportive.

Yes we were locked in but I knew I was there for my own well being so it was OK. Can't really speak objectively but it seems like visitors would be less put off visiting my hospital than in other places where I have visited friends. Some have that real creepy vibe, especially if you don't know much about mental illness. Where I was, while it still had all the "elements" of a psych ward (the locked doors, the rooms, etc) I think the overall atmosphere was more like a regular hospital.

If hospitalized I would definitely want to go there again.