As in all things, not all psych units are created equal, but by that token they aren't all the nightmares you hear about either.

The only time I was scared on the unit was the first time simply because I had no idea what to expect, but I soon learned it was a very safe place and the other patients were pretty much just like me--people in need of help. On occasion there is a patient I am wary of, but trust me, the staff is already aware of that kind of patient and keeps a close eye on them.

I've never been intentionally over-medicated in the hospital. That's why you see your pdoc daily, so he/she can make quick adjustments if things aren't working right. In fact, if during the course of the day you are having problems, your nurse contacts your pdoc for instructions for anything that might need to be adjusted even between his/her visits.