hi wb,

I have been hospitalized twice. The first hospitalization was terrifying and horrible. They refused to allow me to see my husband until they realized that without seeing him, I was getting worse. Then, they would allow him to come to a support group on Tues. and for a little while on Sunday. Also, this particular facility was a pit. Today, it is no longer operating.

The second hospitalization was much better but was only supposed to be admitted into the psych ward because electroconvulsive shock treatments for chronic pain had been ordered. I now know that the dr. the had me admitted had lied to me.

Generally speaking, most people are admitted on the advise of their therapist or psychiatrist because it is believed that they have plans or thinking about harming themselves or others. Although, I do know of people who have admitted themselves on their own.

If you feel like you are going to harm yourself or another, I would talk to my therapist or psychiatrist and have them write the order. Or, you could just have yourself admitted.

I will tell you that I found both experiences to be uncomfortable as you are locked in and do not leave your ward, in most cases. But in my case both times, I believe that the determination to have me admitted was a big mistake now that I have more information that I was not aware of then.

Hope this helps.

Peacemaker