It is really a coincidence that this post is here tonite. I just got out of the hospital yesterday and this is the first time I have been online.

I had no idea that the states had different criteria for admission.
For about 2 wks. my T. had been pushing for me to go in to the hospital. He finally called my Psyc doc and he agreed. I was very opposed, but my husband was in agreement. I have suffered from major depression for what seems like forever. However, due to ongoing BIG problems at home, I developed acute stress disorder. I finally agreed to the hospital when I found myself on the floor at the grocery store unable to choose a vanilla ice-cream. I was hysterical and very scared. My swallowing reflex had almost disappeared and I was unable to follow a conversation. Resting pulse of 110.

My insurance company at first said I had to go thru the ER, but my Pdoc had his asst. call and basically after she read them my chart, they agreed. I was lucky enough to be able to go straight in w/out the ER visit. I thought I was going in for 2-3 dys. However, I ended up being in for 15 days.

I will attest that it is NOT a vacation. We went to different group therapies that the doctor ordered thru a lot of the daytime. This hospital has a wonderful activity therapy area. I found the art activities to be as therapeutic as the groups. I HATED being locked up, but I was in the section where people can have their clothes etc. Just no sharps or drugs. I was realeased on a #$%& load of meds, but hopefully it will be short-term.

There were people w/all kinds of problems. Depression, mania etc. My roomate was a therapist who had depression problems. I guess I should feel fortunate that I got in so easily. I had no idea it was so difficult in other areas. I have to say that I am feeling MUCH better. It defiantely was not an experience I wish to repeat though.

I'm sorry Pink that you had so many problems. I'm not sure how I would have made it w/out the help.

tulips