[NemOthEgReaT]

Sorry in advance for any typos, I'm on my mobile.

I'm in an adolescent unit at the moment, in my room and my anxiety is bad right now. I don't want to leave my room at all because of all the other people out there who I'm thinking hate me. Staff here think I'm being rude because I am mute and find communication difficult and stressful so I just don't communicate at all and they think I'm being rude and start shouting at me but I can't defend myself because of the communication issues. My anxiety is making me so alone and I can't get help. Texting my dad and he just said that all I need to do is think that I am fine because its just a perception and I am actually fine so that made me feel worse because I can't just say I'm ok and fix everything, its not that easy. I wish someone would wait, and help me explain it to them rather than jumping to conclusions and making me feel worse.

Sorry for this stupid ramble,
Nemo x

[Marshellette]

Generally, people don't hate you as much as you think, especially if you smile at them or think of something funny. Also if you go out and keep quiet but don't act crazy and participate it will look good to your treatment team.

[Frankbtl]

Hi, I'm really sorry you're feeling this way and finding yourself in that situation. But if you choose not to come out of your room that's absolutely your choice so don't feel bad about it (if you do?). But just a few thoughts: Is there a quieter time of the day when not so many people are around when you could be out more/feel more comfortable or any quieter places on the unit? Maybe there are some people there who could relate to how you're feeling/feeling just a little of that themselves who you could aim to communicate that little bit more with? And if there are any newer people on the unit maybe they'd be "feeling a little out of place" there so maybe a little bit of bond with them if you could "break the ice" just a little??
And you know, how can any of them out there really hate you if they don't really know you? It might even be that some of them are just thinking that you don't like THEM as you're not interacting as much!
But we're always going to meet people in life who we don't particularly "gel" with/don't get on with so why let that/them stop us from taking that risk in potentially meeting some of the most awesome people out there?
Sure if you put yourself out there just a little you might find people you don't get on with, but if you don't put yourself out there you really are going to miss out on SO much by turning your back on what could be some of the most important/special people in your life.
I know it's a lot harder for you than just doing it, but one small step at a time maybe???
There are people out there who will have no problems at all if you're a "quieter" kind of person and find communication difficult, but the more you get to know/trust them, I'm thinking the more comfortable you'll be and communication will come slightly easier for you with them. It DOES take time but..................
As for right now, have you got any techniques to use/help if you're getting very anxious? e.g. deep breathing, repeating phrases, mindfulness, listening to/focusing on music? Maybe worth doing some techniques a bit more or finding new one's??
AND the staff shouting at you??!! Is there anyone you can tell about this, staff higher up? Or a therapist if you're seeing someone and feel more comfortable telling them? You know that they shouldn't be doing that, right? So please think about telling someone.
Anyway, you're absolutely right just saying you're OK doesn't make it so, Sure it can be a bit about mindset but changing that doesn't just come from nowhere or just "I'm OK" when you're having difficulties like you're having. So make sure you're talking about your problems with someone e.g. doctor/pdoc/therapist and getting plenty of support.
And if you want to tell us a little more,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Best wishes
Alison

[Hellion]

Originally Posted by NemOthEgReaT

Sorry in advance for any typos, I'm on my mobile.

I'm in an adolescent unit at the moment, in my room and my anxiety is bad right now. I don't want to leave my room at all because of all the other people out there who I'm thinking hate me. Staff here think I'm being rude because I am mute and find communication difficult and stressful so I just don't communicate at all and they think I'm being rude and start shouting at me but I can't defend myself because of the communication issues. My anxiety is making me so alone and I can't get help. Texting my dad and he just said that all I need to do is think that I am fine because its just a perception and I am actually fine so that made me feel worse because I can't just say I'm ok and fix everything, its not that easy. I wish someone would wait, and help me explain it to them rather than jumping to conclusions and making me feel worse.

Sorry for this stupid ramble,
Nemo x

It is quite possible they don't hate you...I struggle with feeling like people hate me or will hate me, but I find much of the time that is the anxiety talking and not necessarily the case. Also are there any staff members you are more comfortable with than others? If so maybe you could express your concerns to them and explain the reason you are avoiding people is because you're anxious and afraid they hate you. But trust me I know how hard it can be to actually express that...and when people yell at me it makes it very hard to communicate at all.

But the goal of the staff on a psych unit is to help the patients...I am sorry you are dealing with what seems to be a rather intolerant staff. Also you're dad may have just been trying to help...maybe from his perspective you shouldn't be in that psych unit and so being 'fine' would get you out quicker...but I don't know.