That does make a lot more sense now. And that's a really good point about DID vs "Mental Illness". Since DID isn't an illness of the brain or the mind, but an elaborate coping mechanism designed for survival from the worst things a kid can endure.... and yet professionals are SO AFRAID of it.
When I have to go in, I find myself teaching the staff about it.
In fact, I am going to teach to a counseling group at the end of this month.
We NEED professionals who understand.
As for psych wards holding people, unless you have attempted sui or are wanting to seriously hurt someone (or have), they won't hold you. Here, in Oregon, they can put up to a 5 business day hold on a person, but a court mental health specialist comes in to assess the person and can remove the hold. That has happened to me twice; the first time I didn't even know I was on a hold. I was only on them for 2 days.
THat said, I was in an actual mental hospital (who supposedly dealt with DID) and they kept me 18 days the first time (I tried to get out every day after day 3) and 20 days the second time - I didn't fight that one, I didn't care at that point.
But a regular psych ward in a regular hospital - well it depends on your situation. Sometimes they'll just assess you and put you in day treatment. Most mine in a regular hospital have been 6-7 days. That's enough to get me to remember why I am "ok", ya know?
You're right - you're NOT your mom. And like someone said, psych stays are not a walk in the park, but they do keep you safe from yourself. They're a place to let down and be a wreck, and get care (even tho it does feel like what I think jail would feel like), and talk to people, and have your meds taken care of.... and services set up for you sometimes afterwards.
If you need it, great. If you don't need it, great. Safety is what counts. Going in doesn't change who you are. We all support you either way!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lady Lindsey
I think it has a lot to do with the fact that my Mom is Mentally Ill, and has been in and out of the hospital through my whole life... the fact that DID is considered a Mental Illness, makes me feel like I am my Mom, by going to the hospital would just confirm it.
Logically I know I am not my Mom, and a great deal of why I am like I am is because of the craziness and instability of her mental illness, along with some other things.... I am so afraid to be like my Mom, I love her to death, but I have done everything in my power to be a great Mom, give my kids a good life, be a good wife, work hard in my career, and if I go to the hospital... in my mind it means, I am a failure and I am my Mom, and everything I have worked so hard to overcome is not true and maybe I messed my kids up, etc.. etc... kinda runs a lot deeper, but the Hospital is not an option for me. The only time it would become an option is if it became a choice of life or death.
|