I'm not sure how "voluntary" mine was -- I sat in my pdoc's office and told him I couldn't promise I wouldn't make an attempt, and he said "let me just call over to admissions" -- though I did agree it was probably the best place for me at the time.

It is not a lot of fun, and it is a lot of hard work -- we started groups at 10 a.m. and didn't end till 7 p.m., with breaks for meals, smokes, etc. There were opportunities to socialize -- videos, games, a music room, etc. There were also 15- to 30-minute checks to see where everybody was, and they went all night long -- in other words, there is somebody opening your door and sticking a flashlight in at 3 a.m. to make sure you're in bed asleep.

They will take anything you could even think of, and some things that would never cross your mind, if you're suicidal. Shoelaces, keys, etc go in a safe, locked place. There's lots of dresser space for your clothes, but no bars in the closet, no hangers, showers have doors instead of rods with a shower curtain, no phones in the rooms, etc.

As for longterm ramifications, I haven't experienced any yet -- I'm upfront with work about my problems. I can also sue them under the Americans with Disabilities Act if they try to can me because of my mental illnesses. It's nobody else's business, ultimately, so you can conceal or reveal as you see fit.

If you're thinking about it, that's probably a sign that you should do it. Do whatever you need to to take care of yourself.

Candy