It isn't fun, but generally safe.

Generally they search all of your belongings and remove anything not allowed. Those items not allowed are "sharps" (scissors, shaving razors, etc.) and often cell phones, tablets etc. You might get supervised use of said items though, later on. They also check your clothes and luggage etc for medication. And yes, you generally do have to take medication. Your doctor gives the hospital the script and you get in line with everyone else, get the med and a cup of water and have to take it right there in front of the nurse and show your mouth open that you swallowed it...

There are times that you are not allowed in your room, and times you will be expected to stay in your room. Usually if there is a group meeting or class of some sort, you will be locked out of your room and unable to enter it during the times you are to be in group etc.

There are usually activities available: watching tv, drawing/coloring, reading, and sometimes there's an open-air area when smokers may smoke.

If someone is on suicide watch then every few minutes a nurse will come to check on them, wherever they are...even during the night sleeping time.

Outbursts and disorderly conduct, yelling at nurses or doctors etc will not be tolerated and if after being warned a patient does not quiet herself, they will have a "show of force" by the hospital. This is where several large security team members enter the unit and pick the person up and take them to a single lock up room where they stay until they calm. (A very violent person might even be strapped into the bed there.)

But now for the better side. If you don't like the food, talk to the nutritionist for what you prefer to eat. Most want to accommodate you as they do want you to eat and be healthy while there. What you eat and don't eat is noted in the record, btw. (And also each day you have a mini health check of whether you had a bm, what your bp is etc.)

It's a safe place, usually. You have to cooperate but if you do, and work on getting better, you'll be fine. It's a place where you don't have to worry about intruders from your life (you can block others from visiting you, or even calling to see how you are or if you're in there)... and the outside world can just wait while you are in that safe place.

Hospital psychiatric wards are for stabilizing a patient. While there a patient is put on medication, or has her medication adjusted to work better, given a safe place to be without fear of harm, and creates an ongoing therapy plan for when they are back at home again.