I decided to document my adventure here, since I wasn't able to find too much information on the partial hospitalization + IOP experience.

Partial Hospitalization: Day 1
*all names and identifying factors are made up for confidentiality

I was a little nervous about beginning the program. I woke up with nightmares and anxiety this morning about how horrible it would be. I wanted to cry and dang near had a panic attack three hours before beginning the program. BUT, I made it.

When I first got there, I had to go to a conference room. It was a little intimidating but various staff peeked in and said hello. They made it hard to be "anti social" lol. I met with the program coordinator, Aster, where she gave me an overview of the program, a folder and a I filled out a couple of symptoms survey.

Following her, I met with a nurse, Dahlia, who then gave me an orientation. We went through the folder and created a goal and affirmation for the day. She told me the rules and answered any questions, and I actually really liked her. Dahlia seems like the kind of nurse who is very serious about her job but the progress of her patients, motherly. She showed me around and the process of php.

I then left her and met Holly, my assigned nurse. Holly is hilarious and was a lot of fun to be with; she has a jovial nature. She did a full health work up and history on me and I think I spent the most time with her. She got the story of why I was there and was the easiest person to talk to.

Following her I met my psychiatrist, Jasmine. She made me feel super crazy lol, because I just felt like I was not making the least bit of since with her. She held on though, and worked with me to put words to my thoughts and we actually started to really get each other and made some good progress!

Then I saw a medical internist, Narcissus, who claims I have a thyroid issue and when i told him its been checked and cleared said to get it rechecked.

I did a drug test and weigh in. I'm not allowed to do alcohol/drugs but am allowed to be honest about it if I slip up (which I shouldn't). I'm being weaned off of caffeine and they would prefer me not to do my other recreational/self harm stuff so that they can get a good idea/monitoring of if things are helping me or not, etc.

Went to group.

Had lunch which was yummy. I kind of wanted some space, but wasn't sure where to go so that kind of irritated me, but Lily (later) told me some places I could go.

Went to another group.

Went to another group.

Met, Lily, my new, temporary, therapist. After the program I go back to T. She had already read everything in my chart and I didn't have to spend time regurgitating my story over and over again. I think I like her, but i'm not sure i'll be spending much time with her, the way the program is set up, one on one. Still she is basically my overall coordinator and the one I should go to for everything - so i'd guess she is pretty accessible.

Finally, it was time to go. The day seemed long but not in a "worn out" kind of way. Everyone worked together so nicely and I really feel like this is a good program. They truly cover all of their bases and really work with you and help you feel "in the loop". Now I have the whole weekend to ponder and then i'll start fresh on Monday. I didn't really get to know (no desire to) the other members and outside contact isn't encouraged (boundaries) so *shrug* that just isn't a priority for me at the moment. All in all it was a good first day and i'm pretty excited about the chances that this will be a beneficial program for me.