I've been hospitalized in 2 different psych wards. They were both part of larger general hospitals, not psych hospitals exclusively. Both experiences were following failed suicide attempts. I can't speak to the question of being forced to take meds. I just took whatever they gave me so there was no question. Both experiences were mixed. Most of the staff on both wards were great. But there always has to be 1 or 2 who seem to think you're there just to give them someone to be mean to (or so it seems.) The 2 wards I was on had patients who were pretty mild mannered. I guess there were other wards that treated more severely ill patients. Of course, the 1st time you find yourself on a locked psych ward, it feels pretty odd & intimidating. But all things considered, my experiences were pretty positive. When I get low, I sometimes find myself wishing I could go back.