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Originally Posted by ifst5
I'm sorry but what i said about voluntary and involuntary patients is correct - at least in my country. And i've been both sectioned and voluntary. Not everyone admitted to a hospital is a danger to themselves and others and are allowed to function normally provided they're observed at regular intervals and live within hospital grounds.
I think we need to be careful not to taint hospitals as these places where only the craziest and most dangerous people end up. If we do our research and ask all the right questions, we can ensure that we give ourselves the best chance for treatment.
At the end of the day we have a responsibility too - if our expectations are to treat a hospital like a prison, or conversely, a hotel then aren't we setting ourselves up for disappointment?
Just do your research, be honest about what your expectations are and remember that as a voluntary patient you have a lot more responsibility and decision making to do in regards to your treatment.
Please don't be put off. You have a right to inpatient care if that's what you feel is best.
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I'm sorry but in the United States, which maybe the OP should clarify which country he/she is looking to enter, admission may be voluntary but you certainly cannot leave when you "feel better". There is a period that you must stay, usually 48-72 hours until you can be discharged. Most are held for 3 days on average.
Since I worked as a psychiatric nurse in a behaviorial unit in my state and was then a patient in 3 different hospitals unfortunately on 7 different occasions, I am not sure why you would not think I would know the facts about that or the laws.
None of them are like resorts or being on vacation I assure you OP. Do not be misled to think that. They certainly can feel like prisons, but not all of them. You must follow strict rules of behavior. Never once did I see any patient allowed more privileges than the other, unless one was on lockdown and not allowed out of their room.
I would not try to 'taint' them, several of my experiences were horrendous, however if inpatient care is what is necessary then that is what will happen. It is completely up to the hospital and the physicians what will take place. It is not up to the patient whatsoever. There are some less strict and more amicable psychiatric units in some hospitals. Geography does play a huge role.
OP I wish you the best and hope you have a good doctor or therapist to guide you!