|
Hey flawlessimperfectionsmft,
Based on my experience of being hospitalised, I would definitely suggest that you consider it if you have the opportunity to do so. I guess experiences differ from person to person but I can honestly say that it's been one of the best things in my life. I was hospitalised once for three days and left voluntarily but was readmitted a few months later when I was in my hypomanic stage (my family basically told me that I didn't have a choice so I decided to go through with it, even though I didn't feel like it).
I see you have already have a wealth of answers, but I'm going to answer your questions too just for the hell of it :-) I'm also from South Africa.
1. What is intake like?
Intake was quite stressful as I felt I was being taken there against my will. Luckily I was signed in in the middle of the night so everyone was asleep and the night nurse, a kindly old woman, was very friendly and helpful. They let me fill out a form at the front desk with all my information and details for the medical aid/insurance purposes. I was then lead to the ward where I had to fill in an additional form asking various things about my current state of mind. They took blood, did a blood pressure test, weighed me, all those things. I was then lead to my room.
2. What are the rooms like?
The room was sterile and hospital like with two beds, a closet for each bed, a bedside table and a sink with a mirror. It depends, sometimes you share with one or two or three people or sometimes you get your own room on the psychiatrist's recommendation or at your request (it usually costs more though). I had two roommates during my three week stay, who were also bi-polar.
3. What are the days like?
It started out quite early with breakfast at around 7.30, and I usually saw my psychiatrist and my psychologist straight after breakfast and had the day to do as I please thereafter. They had schedules with group therapy sessions, relaxation therapy, information sessions on certain disorders, musical therapy, art classes and creative therapy classes. I usually spent all my time at the aforementioned two, because you can draw or paint whatever the hell you want without anyone asking you "Why does it look like [insert emotion here]". It was also fun talking to the other patients, striking up random conversations and oftentimes meeting really interesting people; I'm still great friends with some people that I met there. There's also the mid-morning and afternoon coffee, lunch in the afternoon and dinner at around 5-ish.
I also spent most of my days picking flowers and vines and making stuff out of it
4. What are the nights like?
After dinner you're pretty much free to do what you want. Usually you just hung out with other patients or you find a spot to be alone, whichever you please. It's very lenient. I'd search for the farthest most isolated corner and just listen to music on my Ipod. The only slight annoyance is the nurse that comes to check up to see that you're not hacking your throat open with something or whatever. We usually had to be in our rooms at around 9-ish, which was fine since I was also on a sleeping aid. There was also tea and sandwiches before medication time (right before bedtime).
5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication?
They usually confiscate the medication and dispense it to you at medication times. Your (on-site) psychiatrist would obviously adjust your medication as he/she sees fit.
6. What do you bring with you, if anything?
Take a journal for writing and drawing, whether or not you are artistic or like being creative. It gets to the point where you don't really have much to do (if you stay for about three weeks), and it gives you a space to vent or take down observations from the people around you. I used to draw charicatures of the people around me and make up little stories. It was quite entertaining. If you can, take a laptop with you, and an ipod/mp3 player or any other device to listen music on, and take enough music. Books are always a good choice, magazines, etc.
Then of course you need to take all the basics. Enough comfortable clothes (you can get away with wearing anything in a psychiatric hospital, as long as it covers all the necessary parts), toiletries, etc etc. The place where I was at had a laundry room so I didn't have to take lots of clothes.
7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area?
(If I interpret this correctly) Ask at your local doctor's office or clinic, get a few recommendations and check out their websites to see what it's like.
8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc.
At the place where I was there were various opportunities for counseling, group therapy situations, and daily consultations with both your psychiatrist and psychologist. Having a chat with fellow patients also helps quite a lot; I'd venture to say that they have a bigger role in your recovery than the doctors, but their help is obviously also crucial to your recovery.
9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic)
It depends on the severity of the situation, but mostly it is around three weeks or so. Usually you can leave whenever you want, but that's not advisable, because it is only for your own benefit to stay the allocated time. You might not like it the first or second day of being there, but eventually you start to enjoy it quite a lot. I'd go back at any time, just for a break, it's like a little vacation resort.
10. Do most insurances cover it?
Yes they generally do.
If you decide to go, I hope you enjoy it thoroughly and that it helps you in dealing with your illness. It's really worth it and I would recommend it to anyone.
__________________
'For only in the grip of darkness, will we shine amidst the brightest stars'
|