JMHO. Even though it's been explained to me a million times about mental illness - and if I hear the comparison of taking psych drugs to insulin and diabetes, I'm going to scream.

Anyway, I've been to 3 IOP programs. Once, I was discharged after a week, because my insurance demanded daily approval for each day and my case manager did not want to deal with it. Also I am extremely shy and did not like being around people. Until I moved to another state, I had not been referred to a Partial Hospitalization Program. But, I had promised my therp I would do what was asked, and try. It took me about a month to adjust to the program. And I actually started making the small effort to be friends with some people in my groups. And you know what? For the most part it worked.

Because once you get to know a lot of people for a long time, you understand that we all have issues and 'mental illness'. Maybe not all the same, but enough that I started feeling okay. And I kind have gotten to the point that I was thinking we're all in this together.

I don't like the term mental illness. I feel like I have just poor coping skills.

I don't admit to anyone that I go. Except maybe medical professionals. Shame, yes a little. But what you can gain in support and help can out way the shame.

Good luck.