My experiences with hospitalization is somewhat different from daze's. I have only been held once involuntarily but I didn't even know it. Here they just call it a 72-hour hold. At all three places I have been, they have removed all possible items that could be used to hurt yourself - ties from waistbands, belts, laces, notebooks with spiral bindings, anything with wires, etc. Phones and anything that could take a photo were removed due to privacy concerns. All three were locked wards in order to assure that you were safe. All rooms were singles (I was just in the medical ward due to pancreatitis and had to share a room... liked the single much better). They want to encourage you to come out of your room so there were no TVs in the rooms but a tv in the group room. There are usually activities during the day - things like goal setting groups, occupational therapy (basically art), coping skills groups.... but participation was always voluntary. I have found psych nurses and aides to be friendly and helpful.

When suicidal, I have to fight the urges which is very stressful and tiring. When the door locks behind me I immediately feel a little better because I know I don't have to fight so much. I am in a safe place.