I've been hospitalized twice. Both times were following major suicide attempts. So, going in, I really wasn't in any kind of shape to think about what was happening. As a result I can't comment with regard to that. However what I wanted to speak to is the question of coming out.

Following both of my hospitalizations, I was discharged to home & simply returned to the same day-to-day life I had prior to going in. The first time around, after a few days, I realized nothing had changed (except for the fact I had tried to get rid of myself & been hospitalized.) Anyway after a few days of hanging out at home, I made arrangements to attend a partial hospital program. I wouldn't say it was a great experience in terms of what I learned necessarily. But it gave me a place to go & people to be with who were experiencing similar struggles. And I think that was valuable. The second time around I just went home. It was tough for a while. But at least I had the memory of the previous experience to work from.

So I'd like to suggest you consider the possibility of having your son attend some kind of post-hospitalization day program for a while. I suppose, perhaps, your son is still in school. And I don't know how you work around that or if you can. However, at least based on my own experience, having him simply return home & go back to everything as it was prior to going in may not be the best idea. My best wishes to you all...