Having been hospitalized only once, I obviously do not have the most extensive experience on which to comment. However, several people during our group sessions questioned whether I was really sick. I'm bipolar and many of them were suffering from depression. I tend to minimize my depression, anxiety and mania - even to my psych. I was brout up to always put a good face on for society. My opinion is that anyone who would seek attention to the point of being hospitalized in a psych ward is probably borderline personality disorder with a dash of narcissism. In any event, I have found that if I focus on others instead of myself I cannot move forward in my own journey. Compassion goes a long way. We can all use - and give a good dose of it every day.