When I tell you its been over 25 times on and off during an 11 year span, I am NOT EVEN exaggerating. I don't want to scare you, (because the staff was helpful but the other patients were GOD AWFUL UGH!), but you DON'T want to end up in the hospital, and it should be an ABSOLUTE last resort.

Through all my years of battling with my Bipolar 1 diagnosis, being hospitalized (mostly due to complete manic psychosis), has HINDERED my Bipolar recovery by a factor of 100!! No joke! Every hospitalization is a MILLION steps backwards in any progress you make because they "Medication BOMB" you with SO MUCH CRAP that you are literally sent home with at LEAST 10 new damn medications that you never had to take before. UGH!

Every single time has been a NIGHTMARE for me, truly. If you can, find yourself the BEST pdoc or therapist you can to help you manage your Bipolar. EVERY EFFORT you actively make to avoid a hospitalization will be life-changer for you, I guarantee it!!

Best of luck my friend, I wish you the best on your Bipolar Journey.