It can be heaven or hell, depends if you went in voluntarily or involuntarily. I can tell you when I checked myself in because I was depressed and suicidal it was a blessing. I felt cared for and didn't have any worries at all. I did not want to leave! However when I have been admitting involuntarily it was hell! I fought it every minute. Was given knock out shots and woke up in a small room with nothing on except a cheap cloth that barely covered much. I was voluntarily only once and involuntarily only twice. Both times were hell. I was also manic those times.