[flawlessimperfectionsmft]

Has anyone been hospitalized for bipolar. And what is it like to be hospitalized. I mean what do normal days look like inside the hospital? What is there to expect when going into a in-patient hospital? I'm very curious just in case any day I would have to go because it has come very close on some accounts. Any help with this subject would be greatly appreciated!

Questions:
1. What is intake like?
2. What are the rooms like?
3. What are the days like?
4. What are the nights like?
5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication?
6. What do you bring with you, if anything?
7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area?
8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc.
9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic)
10. Do most insurances cover it?

Sorry I have so many questions. I have just come so close on so many accounts that I want to be prepared for what it has to offer.

[blueoctober]

Hi flawlessimperfectionsmft; I'm from Canada and had to be in-patient for 6 weeks. I received my diagnosis while I was in-patient.

Questions:
1. What is intake like?
I had been found attempting, so I was taken into emergency and was kept in an exam room until I was spoken to by 2 Psychiatrists, 1 nurse, and 1 GP.
A bed wasn't available in the lock down ward, so I was kept in a small room in the ER (I was locked in)

2. What are the rooms like?
In lock down and the open ward I had a room with a bed, closet, bathroom (no shower or bath) I didn't have to share a room with anyone, but some patients did.

3. What are the days like?
When you're on lock down you can either stay in your room, stay in the general area, or in the TV room. You cannot leave the ward, but people can come to visit you.

On the open ward I was able to go outside and walk and I did a lot of that. I went to group therapy for most of the day and at the end of the day we had gym class. At night a friend would take me to the stables

4. What are the nights like?
When I was on the open ward I would go see my horse most nights or just go somewhere. They did organize movie nights, bingo etc. for patients that were there. Saturday and Sundays most people went home for the weekend on 2 day passes if they were well enough.

5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication?
The Psychiatrist decides what you will take for meds and the Psychiatric Nurse provides it

6. What do you bring with you, if anything?
I didn't have anything when I was going in-patient because it wasn't planned. If I knew I had to go in-patient I would take pyjamas, shoes that slip on (no laces allowed on lock down), change of clothes, skin care stuff etc. etc.

7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area?
Mine was very good. The only ward I didn't like was the lock down, but it was necessary for me at that time.

8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc.
I was observed by a Psychiatric nurse and/or my Psychiatrist. Therapy was offered in groups.

9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic)
I was committed which in Canada equates to 1 month, but my Pdoc requested I stay 2 more weeks and I agreed. I was admitted with a initial diagnosis of major depression, but went manic the second week I was in-patient.

10. Do most insurances cover it?
I'm from Canada.

My suggestion from my experience is to go when you feel unsafe to yourself and/or to others. I should have went in-patient way before I was found attempting.

I wrote a blog on my Psychiatric Hospital experiences. Here is the link to it: http://blueoctober.psychcentral.net/2010/07/

[flawlessimperfectionsmft]

Thank you so much blueoctober. That information was very helpful

[brokengirl001]

Questions:
1. What is intake like? Intake can be scary, only becasue you have no idea what to expect once your in the hospital. They ask you a million questions and then make you wait a little while until they bring you to your room.
2. What are the rooms like? The rooms have a bed a dresser and a small closet, i had to share a room with one other girl, some patients had four people to a room, some had two and some were alone.
3. What are the days like? The days are very busy. you have to wake up in the morning early to take meds, then all day you have DBT groups, and group activities one after another.
4. What are the nights like? Nights are more calm. You eat dinner and then may have another group activity or DBT group, then theres usually a curfew.
5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication? When i went i was on medication and i told them what i was on and they just continued it, but they may not or may change your dosage.
6. What do you bring with you, if anything?you should bring comfortable clothes, nothing with drawstings or they wont let you take it in ( they cut mine off) make sure you also bring sneakers and slippers!
7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area? my doctor told me about the one i went to, actually he admitted me.
8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc. Everyday you will be able to meet with your social worker and your psychiatrist and they will talk to you, ask if you want to have family therapy, and also you get A LOT of therapy and learn a lot of coping skills.
9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic) they say that the stay is usually about a week. i was there for 14 days.
10. Do most insurances cover it? I'm not sure. I have empire and it was covered.

I hope i could help!

[flawlessimperfectionsmft]

Thank you so much brokengirl Y'all all are really helping!

[brokengirl001]

no problem! At first i was very nervous about going to the hospital and scared, but honestly now i am very glad i went, and i learned a lot and made a lot of friends!

[sugahorse1]

Well, my answers are from where I come from - South Africa, and I have only been in "normal" hospitals.
1. What is intake like? I signed myself in, like any other patient. Needed to phone a few hours ahead and verify that a bed was available. When I got there, I had to fill in a whole bunch of forms.
2. What are the rooms like? I shared with 3 other people, with 1 communal bathroom. Cannot remember if there was a bath/shower, but think there was a bath. I was in a general ward - 2 of us were there for Major Depression, and the other 2 had other medical conditions.
3. What are the days like? I saw my pdoc for an hour, and my T for an hour. As I was admitted I had blood tests done. Nurses come to wake you up, take blood pressure and temp. The rest of the day is for you to sleep, read, watch TV, go for walks... 3 meals a day. Nurses see you 3x a day, but are always on call.
I have not been in a lock-down ward. I was moved to a psych ward for one night, and the only real difference was that there were only 2 of us in a room
4. What are the nights like? I just slept. I was on a sleeping aid, so I wouldn't have noticed too much. I think the nurses check on you...?
5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication? You bring your meds with, tell them what you are on, how often and what dosage. They take your meds away from you, and the nurses come to hand the meds out when applicable
6. What do you bring with you, if anything? some clothes, toiletries, reading material (And I took my laptop!)
7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area? I haven't been
8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc. I saw my pdoc and T daily for an hour. We have our original pdoc and T come to us.
9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic) For depression I was in for 3 days initially - they started my meds while in hospital
I was then admitted after an OD - again 3 days. Now, when i was supposed to be hospitalised recently, they wanted me to go to an inpatient Psych clinic, which would have probably been 4 weeks
10. Do most insurances cover it? My insurance has covered my hospital stays.

[Trippin2.0]

Questions:
1. What is intake like? I was referred to a private clinic by my pdoc, admitted myself
2. What are the rooms like? I shared a spacious room with 1 other beeper, we had our own dressers, cable TV, and a communal bathroom with a bath and shower.
3. What are the days like? Nurse woke us up for b/fast, administered our meds after. Group activities/therapy throughout the day (Optional)
4. What are the nights like? Quiet, after supper, it was time for meds and then relaxation. (chill area or in your room)
5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication? You have to check in your meds upon admission, and the nurses will administer as prescribed.
6. What do you bring with you, if anything? Comfy clothing, toiletries and reading material.
7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area? I was referred by my pdoc, but the internet is a good place if you don't have a Dr.
8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc. Daily early morning sessions with pdoc and afternoon sessions with T. Ongoing group therapy, in patient and out.
9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic) I was depressed and the recommended stay was 2 weeks. ( I however checked myself out before then)
10. Do most insurances cover it? My insurance covered everything as BP is a Prescribed Minimum Benefit in South Africa.

Hope this helps!

Questions:

1. What is intake like?

For me, everyone was very kind about my situation. It's just that the wait time was SO LONG! I admitted myself, and when a bed became available I had to do an "intake", which involves filling in a lot of forms about my past and present situation.

2. What are the rooms like?

Where I'm staying, it's mostly 2-person bedrooms or 4-person bedrooms. I'm in a semi-private, with a washroom included...so that's nice.

3. What are the days like?

Ok, well that depends on you! Where I'm currently staying, we have 3 big screen televisions, computer & internet, Wii Games, board games, piano, guitar, times to get some fresh air/smoke...books to read, etc...

Besides the fun stuff though, usually we see our doctors daily, plus have chats with nurses and sometimes a psychologist/social worker.

4. What are the nights like?

Bedtime here is 11:00pm, nurses check in on us every so often.

5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication?

Tell the nurses which meds you're taking, and they'll continue giving those meds to you.

6. What do you bring with you, if anything?

I'd say clothing, toiletries (of course!), and books/magazines. I also brought my iPod, but that's always a risk in case it gets stolen.

7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area?

I find they're very good. Friendly, non-judgemental, and they try their best to hook you up with useful programs in the area, such as eating disorders clinic, AA, NA, one-on-one therapy, etc...

8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc.

Meeting with doctors usually happens daily. Counselling can be offered if they find it useful to the patient. There is also group therapy, such as relaxation therapy and depression group.

9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic) I'd say about 2 weeks, since that's the average stay for anyone.

10. Do most insurances cover it? I'm not sure, I live in Canada

Best of luck to you!

[bpd2]

Intake? First blah-blah paperwork, then a strip search to make sure you have nothing to si with.
Rooms can be either single or double---but sometimes you're strapped to a bed, depending upon the state you're in; always a beautiful common room with TV, games, puzzles, art supplies (which are locked up, but they'll get for you if they have time to sit with you), a couple of exercise bikes.
The dining hall is nice--whenever it's open 6 am to 9 pm, you can get soda, juice, coffee, cocoa at will. Nurses swirl around the room while you eat, so it gets charted whether you're having trouble with that, and the head nurse comes to discuss that with you, too.
Shared bathrooms, but you can lock them while you're in them.
Days are busy...too busy, especially if your meds are begin adjusted and you're trying just to keep your eyes open.
Nights are a little difficult. There's a curfew and you can only stay out in the common rooms if you're talking to staff---but one place I stayed you could stay up in the puzzle room. And, at night, there is a towel in your door latch so that when they do the rounds with their flashlights, the latch doesn't click and wake you up.
Your meds are in their custody upon admittance, if you have them on you. You are assessed by their own psychiatrists as soon as one can be called in, and he orders based upon how you present. And your meds are adjusted in consultation with your own p-dac as soon as s/he can be reached.
You sometimes end up there with nothing except what you were wearing, and they give you "jammies" and if your shoes have laces, either they take the shoes, or they take the laces (same with any laces in your clothing...even if that's all that was holding it on/up.) If it's voluntary, or there's time, you're allowed two changes of clothing--they have washers and dryers there.
No laptops or personal electronic things like iPods are allowed--but they do have devices you can use, with mixes of music or self-improvement or relaxation tapes (all useful if you can't stand the reality TV shows or the volume of the TV)
Any stay over 10 days has to be approved by your insurance--if you have insurance, sometimes people come and go in as little as two days, but usually it's longer.
The doctors are regular doctors from the area, who see patients in their own clinical practices, and are pretty good. The therapists are a very mixed bag. Some have far less experience with your condition than your...I don't know, boyfriend? Parents? The neighbor down the block?....okay, not fair, but some of them are just "techs" and this is some sort of rotation in their program--or not! Some are highly qualified in an area of therapy (DBT, CT, etc.) and come in for their sessions, some are highly qualified nps, and so on. None are psychologists. Your therapist is allowed to visit, but not to do therapy. You see a therapist every day for about half an hour, unless you want more time, which they will schedule later in the day, after their rounds are made. Some of the specialists will make appointments with you, too, if they have the time. A well-being therapist comes in twice a week, usually a pet therapist comes in at least once a week.

Whew. I think that's it....the wards are always locked...after a few days, if you are voluntary and the psychiatrist allows it, you can get a day pass for two hours...working up to half a day. They drive you to certain stores like Barnes and Noble (a book store), but usually you need to arrange transportation if you don't have someone in the area to come and get you if you want to go any distance from the hospital. Sometimes you can get a pass earlier if you will stay on the grounds... There are phones you can use, and there are two computers, but you have to sign up for times if more than two people want to use them....

Questions:
1. What is intake like?
There are two ways of intake. I can see my pdoc and he sends me in. That way it is a direct admission and I don't have to wait for hours in the ER. If my pdoc doesn't do a direct admission, I go through the ER, they take blood, urine, etc., I wait until all labs are back, and then I go to the unit. The ER process can take hours, so I try to have my pdoc admit me.

2. What are the rooms like?

Rooms are hospital rooms. Two beds, two desks, two dressers, a restroom. Nothing exciting. They do not use sheets; instead they use blankets. Sheets are a hanging hazard. Doors to the rooms are left open at all times for observation.

3. What are the days like?
During the day you have scheduled meals and groups. The groups are an hour each and basically deal with coping skills. They keep your time pretty structured, which is really a positive.

4. What are the nights like?
The evenings include a one hour visitation and a closing group for the day. Otherwise your time is yours. You get your evening meds after 9:00 and head to bed. Generally I sleep well because they give you something to sleep if you need it.
5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication?
They start you on you regular medication routine, but you see a pdoc every day and generally med changes will be made.

6. What do you bring with you, if anything?
Bring comfortable clothes with no drawstrings. Shoes with no laces. Toiletries. Reading material. They will go through your belongings and anything that is not allowed will be stored away.

7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area?
I found my hospital through my insurance company.

8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc.

You meet with your pdoc daily. Groups are available throughout the day. No individual therapy in the hospital I use. It is a crisis intervention unit, so generally you are only there around 5 days or so.
9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic)

My shortest stay was 3 days. My longest stay was 3 weeks. The average is around 5 days.

10. Do most insurances cover it?
My insurance covers all of it except a co-pay. You really have to check with your insurance company for the answer to this question.

[Anneinside]

1. What is intake like? For the general hospital in the town I live, you have to go through the ER. You have to tell the clerk at the desk that you are suicidal, which I don't like. Then they took me into a consultation room and I spoke to the doctor. A nurse came and took me to take off all my clothes and put on scrubs. They took my purse, suitcase and clothes. I usually have to wait quite a while but eventually I was taken to the psych or behavioral ward. (I prefer the term psych ward rather than behavioral as that sounds like you choose to be the way you are.)

At a different hospital attached to the Mayo Clinic I was admitted after having an appointment to see a medical doctor and didn't have to go through the ER. Every other hospital I have been in I have gone through the ER because of suicide attempts. I was in a county psychiatric hospital once for 72 hours. The bathroom didn't have a glass mirror, just a shined piece of metal bolted to the wall... and no toilet seat. I didn't like it there very much and received no care other than just custodial care.

2. What are the rooms like? The rooms were singles but could be used for 2 if needed. A basic bathroom with toilet and sink. There was a closet with drawers below it. The bathing room was down the hall and had to be unlocked by the nurse.

3. What are the days like? Early up to take meds and vital signs. Wait for breakfast and to see your psychiatrist for a few minutes. Wait for lunch. After lunch a coping skills group run by social workers. Wait for supper. Sit around most of the day in the day room which had games and TV. Get nighttime meds. Lots of sitting around. You weren't allowed to have your phone, partially because of the camera function and part to monitor your interactions. They did have a phone in the hall and gave me a calling card to make long distance calls.

4. What are the nights like? Usually quiet. The nurses or psych aides checked every 30 minutes. If you couldn't sleep you could sit in the day room but no TV because of the noise.

5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication? Unless your hospital psychiatrist changes your meds then they will continue you on what you were taking. You should bring a list of your meds or the pill bottles with you.

6. What do you bring with you, if anything? Pill bottles, PJs, regular daytime clothing. Nothing with ties, including shoes strings. Book(s). Toothbrush!

7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area? The general hospital nearby has a locked ward as I described above. The nurses were all caring and treated me well. Mostly it is boring. But, when you are fighting yourself about suicide, not having to fight anymore because you can't do it can be a real relief.

8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc. A general medical doctor checks you and the psychiatrists sees you for a few minutes every day. The amount of counseling varies - the local hospital only has the coping skills group, while the hospital I was in that is connected to the Mayo Clinic had Occupational Therapy, exercise group, and group therapy run by the nurses. Oh, your regular therapist can come to see you if that is something they want to do. Mine will if I stay in for an extended admission.

9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic) Anywhere from 72 hours to 30 days, generally for me but it can vary a great deal according to your needs. I have found that the insurance companies want you out as fast as possible & I can only be in the hospital as long as I am actively suicidal. Even if you are not stable, if you are no longer suicidal then you are discharged.

10. Do most insurances cover it? Mine did since it was a general hospital with a psych ward. Some insurance companies don't cover psych hospitals. Medicare has a lifetime limit on being admitted to a psych hospital although there is no limit on admissions to general hospitals. If you really want to know you need to call your insurance company and ask.

Every hospital is different but there are commonalities.

[Omers]

1. What is intake like? I have been voluntary and involentary... go volentary if you have the choice. Both the people that did my intake were really nice and made me feel really safe and comfortable talking to them.
2. What are the rooms like? Both times I have had to share a room. 1st place had a bathroom with shower and they let you turn the lights out. 2nd place, after I got off lockdown, room sucked and we had to keep a light on at night so the nurses could see us. Both places had sheets and blankets but one had plastc protectors on the bed... drove me crazy.
3. What are the days like? Boring. Both had an activity or two durring the day. The first place had group once a day. No individual therapy and the groups didn't apply to me, they were for addictions.
4. What are the nights like? Boring. TV but you all had to agree what you watched and the nurses had to approve the content.
5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication? They kept me on my meds until I met with the Pdoc. He tried to work with what I was on just tweeking it.
6. What do you bring with you, if anything? Comphy clothes, slippers, books, a list of phone numbers. Both places took away anything of value to put it in the safe including my cell with all my #'s. Journal.
7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area? 1st one Pdoc called, had me drive there then called to make sure I went. 2nd time it was determined by the policewhen they came to get me. It is based on where I lived.Insurance can also dictate which one you have to go to if they are going to cover it.
8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc. More Pdoc then you need in a lifetime. No counseling
9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic) I was depressed both times, depends on how fast you cycle and how you respond. 1st time 3 days 2nd time nearly 2 weeks but that was by choice.
10. Do most insurances cover it? Didn't have insurance the first time second time was covered as it was an "in network provider"

Kept me safe but didn't do much for me otherwise.

[DancingAlone]

I would just like to make an observation. I am AMAZED at all the positive experiences that many of you had in an in-patient psych ward. you are very very lucky.

my last hospitalization (--this past March--i was psychotic and majorly depressed, no sense of reality, dissociating badly, but NOT SI). the crisis hotline i had called sent a supreme a**hole to evaluate me in a lockdown room in ER. he said i was suicidal and i was 1013'd (meaning i would get a police escort if i protested) to an unfamiliar hospital over 200 miles away. somebody could have told me to fly and i would have, i had lost all will to make choices or even speak much, i just did what i was told, could barely see through the tears.

lots of paperwork of course, but then the he** began. the pdoc there put me on meds i TOLD him i couldn't take and i spent 11 days throwing up and diarrhea, semi-seizures on one, and extreme swelling on another. one that i still don't know what it was made me temporarily deaf and staggering. and this was his therapy: he would come in my (shared) simple, uncomfortable bed, room, prop his foot on the chair, ask a couple of questions, make a note, and leave. one time he actually did this to me in the tv area in front of other patients.

i would wake up at night with my roommate standing by my bed, nude. nobody listened when i told them. by this time i was scared sh**less and just wanted to leave.

we had to go get our own meds, which were always handed out late, as much as 2 hours. the only groups (maybe 1 a day if we were lucky) were embarrassing, they must've been written with a 3rd grade mentality in mind, but they were required. the only time in my life i was glad i had diarrhea so i could leave group with a valid excuse.

most of the guinea pigs (other patients) were so doped up they could barely raise their heads from the uncomfortable chairs around the one TV in the day area. forget crafts, laptops, board games, table tennis, pool table, music. that would assume we had interests or could occupy our time constructively. and the only time we were allowed outside to a very small fenced in area was when the smokers got their smoke break.

i couldn't even do my own laundry, the aides did them at night, then we would get them back stuffed unfolded and wrinkled in a paper bag.

no glass, strings or sharp objects of course, nothing we could hurt ourselves with. that was the only thing that made sense.

finally, i was so scared that i faked being well to escape that place. i later wrote the pdoc a long letter telling him what i had been through and i never got a bill from him, not one. the hospital either, i haven't heard from them either after i wrote them too. (their fee was $1,500 a day, and for what, i have no clue--maybe for the lousy meds, room and meals? i should have gone to the Bahamas)

please, i don't mean to scare anybody. i guess i'm just one of those unfortunate people that fell through the cracks my whole life. i've only had two decent pdocs in 42 years. both are in the state facility that i go to now. they are saints, they have saved my life. but inpatient? nope, never again.

guess i needed to vent. may delete this, i don't know. i have also had two other hospitalizations and they were better, but not much. at one in 1996, all i saw was a pdoc for an hour a day, nothing else, but at least that. the other (for 3 months in 1972) i was kept doped up most of the time, but i do have a beautiful tile ashtray i made in the craft room to show for it, and a great prescription for 10mg valium 3x a day. (sarcasm intended)

but thank goodness i know now there are decent hospitals out there. my only advice is to check them out first. make sure they have a good program (groups, social workers, pdocs/nurses, activities, etc.) maybe even check NAMI's web site for your state? i don't know where you would need to look. anyway, i really enjoyed and appreciated hearing positive things about in-patient.

[sugahorse1]

@Dancing - I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. I know this if I was involuntarily committed, I'd have to go to a similar hospital. And I would be so scared, I doubt I'd even be able to get better

[Nachtschatten]

Hey flawlessimperfectionsmft,

Based on my experience of being hospitalised, I would definitely suggest that you consider it if you have the opportunity to do so. I guess experiences differ from person to person but I can honestly say that it's been one of the best things in my life. I was hospitalised once for three days and left voluntarily but was readmitted a few months later when I was in my hypomanic stage (my family basically told me that I didn't have a choice so I decided to go through with it, even though I didn't feel like it).
I see you have already have a wealth of answers, but I'm going to answer your questions too just for the hell of it :-) I'm also from South Africa.

1. What is intake like?

Intake was quite stressful as I felt I was being taken there against my will. Luckily I was signed in in the middle of the night so everyone was asleep and the night nurse, a kindly old woman, was very friendly and helpful. They let me fill out a form at the front desk with all my information and details for the medical aid/insurance purposes. I was then lead to the ward where I had to fill in an additional form asking various things about my current state of mind. They took blood, did a blood pressure test, weighed me, all those things. I was then lead to my room.

2. What are the rooms like?

The room was sterile and hospital like with two beds, a closet for each bed, a bedside table and a sink with a mirror. It depends, sometimes you share with one or two or three people or sometimes you get your own room on the psychiatrist's recommendation or at your request (it usually costs more though). I had two roommates during my three week stay, who were also bi-polar.

3. What are the days like?

It started out quite early with breakfast at around 7.30, and I usually saw my psychiatrist and my psychologist straight after breakfast and had the day to do as I please thereafter. They had schedules with group therapy sessions, relaxation therapy, information sessions on certain disorders, musical therapy, art classes and creative therapy classes. I usually spent all my time at the aforementioned two, because you can draw or paint whatever the hell you want without anyone asking you "Why does it look like [insert emotion here]". It was also fun talking to the other patients, striking up random conversations and oftentimes meeting really interesting people; I'm still great friends with some people that I met there. There's also the mid-morning and afternoon coffee, lunch in the afternoon and dinner at around 5-ish.

I also spent most of my days picking flowers and vines and making stuff out of it

4. What are the nights like?

After dinner you're pretty much free to do what you want. Usually you just hung out with other patients or you find a spot to be alone, whichever you please. It's very lenient. I'd search for the farthest most isolated corner and just listen to music on my Ipod. The only slight annoyance is the nurse that comes to check up to see that you're not hacking your throat open with something or whatever. We usually had to be in our rooms at around 9-ish, which was fine since I was also on a sleeping aid. There was also tea and sandwiches before medication time (right before bedtime).

5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication?

They usually confiscate the medication and dispense it to you at medication times. Your (on-site) psychiatrist would obviously adjust your medication as he/she sees fit.

6. What do you bring with you, if anything?

Take a journal for writing and drawing, whether or not you are artistic or like being creative. It gets to the point where you don't really have much to do (if you stay for about three weeks), and it gives you a space to vent or take down observations from the people around you. I used to draw charicatures of the people around me and make up little stories. It was quite entertaining. If you can, take a laptop with you, and an ipod/mp3 player or any other device to listen music on, and take enough music. Books are always a good choice, magazines, etc.

Then of course you need to take all the basics. Enough comfortable clothes (you can get away with wearing anything in a psychiatric hospital, as long as it covers all the necessary parts), toiletries, etc etc. The place where I was at had a laundry room so I didn't have to take lots of clothes.

7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area?

(If I interpret this correctly) Ask at your local doctor's office or clinic, get a few recommendations and check out their websites to see what it's like.

8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc.

At the place where I was there were various opportunities for counseling, group therapy situations, and daily consultations with both your psychiatrist and psychologist. Having a chat with fellow patients also helps quite a lot; I'd venture to say that they have a bigger role in your recovery than the doctors, but their help is obviously also crucial to your recovery.

9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic)

It depends on the severity of the situation, but mostly it is around three weeks or so. Usually you can leave whenever you want, but that's not advisable, because it is only for your own benefit to stay the allocated time. You might not like it the first or second day of being there, but eventually you start to enjoy it quite a lot. I'd go back at any time, just for a break, it's like a little vacation resort.

10. Do most insurances cover it?

Yes they generally do.

If you decide to go, I hope you enjoy it thoroughly and that it helps you in dealing with your illness. It's really worth it and I would recommend it to anyone.

[DancingAlone]

Nachtschatten writes:

3. What are the days like?
It started out quite early with breakfast at around 7.30, and I usually saw my psychiatrist and my psychologist straight after breakfast and had the day to do as I please thereafter. They had schedules with group therapy sessions, relaxation therapy, information sessions on certain disorders, musical therapy, art classes and creative therapy classes. I usually spent all my time at the aforementioned two, because you can draw or paint whatever the hell you want without anyone asking you "Why does it look like [insert emotion here]". It was also fun talking to the other patients, striking up random conversations and oftentimes meeting really interesting people; I'm still great friends with some people that I met there. There's also the mid-morning and afternoon coffee, lunch in the afternoon and dinner at around 5-ish. I also spent most of my days picking flowers and vines and making stuff out of it.

Oh my dear, as you can see, i'm green with envy! LOL Where oh where is this wonderful safe haven for excellent care and compassion?????? Is it anywhere near Georgia, U.S.A.? It doesn't matter, I will fly there!

[Nachtschatten]

Hehe, unfortunately it is quite a distance from Georgia. It's in Pretoria, South Africa.

[DancingAlone]

Originally Posted by Nachtschatten

Hehe, unfortunately it is quite a distance from Georgia. It's in Pretoria, South Africa.

LOL! **packing bag**, **searching for passport**, **booking flight!**

[sugahorse1]

Maybe I'll go join you - except that I only have to travel 700km or so, lol!
Nachtschatten - was this a psych specific hospital, or a "normal" private hospital? I've only been in a normal hospital, and they didn't offer all the therapy options.

[flawlessimperfectionsmft]

I just wanted to thank everyone who responded. All the answers where great and helped me out a lot. Thank you so much! Life has just been getting me down lately and I needed to make sure I was prepped for a hospital stay because I have never been there before. So once again THANK YOU!

[kitty004567]

I know you've got a lot of replies but I also know things differ depending on the hospital and the location. So, since I'm also in Texas, I thought I'd offer my experience.

1. What is intake like?
Lots of paperwork, some intrusive questions, a search of anything you have with you, I was wanded down with a metal detector

2. What are the rooms like?
All the rooms of the hospital I was in were two bed. Two beds, two desks, a small closet

3. What are the days like?
We were woken up about 7:30 for breakfast at 8. If you didn't get up and go, you didn't eat until lunch. We came back and had stretching for about 10 min. There was group therapy which was required. You met with the pdoc once a day. There was also optional individual therapy by people who were not yet certified as counselors. Once a day we went to the "art room" where you could paint or work out, there was a pool table and ping pong I think. The tv in the common room was only allowed on in the evenings for an hour or two. You could go outside anytime you weren't supposed to be in group or doing something else. It was a small outdoor area with a really tall fence. Medication was dispensed on a regular schedule by the nurses and your vitals were taken several times a day.

4. What are the nights like?
There was a curfew, you had to be in your room after a certain time. The first couple of nights were kinda scary for me because there were unfamiliar noises.

5. What do they do if you are currently taking medication?
I wasn't taking any medication.

6. What do you bring with you, if anything?
underwear (that's what I forgot), toiletries, jammies (with no strings), a coat if it's cold outside, I took slippers and thick socks, we were allowed to color in the common room so one of my friends brought me crayons and a coloring book, she also brought me a journal

7. How do you find in patient psych hospitals in your area?
I called 911 and voluntarily committed myself but I went through the emergency room at the regular hospital. I didn't see a doctor or nurse, just sat in a room and waited on transport (the nearest psych hospital was 2.5 hours away).

8. What does it have to offer in terms of counseling, meeting with doctors etc.
Honestly I think it depends on the facility. The one I was in was a private hospital and they had group therapy, individual therapy, and a meeting with the doctor once a day. However, I heard from other patients the state hospital was not so nice.

9. How long are the stays usually? (For someone depressed or manic)
There were lots of people bopping in and out mostly teenagers who had attempted for attention (the minimum stay at this facility was 2 days) but there were others, like me, who were honestly there for help. We stayed until our insurance ran out. It was really a safehaven once I got used to being there. There were quite a few times I thought about going back because it was a nice break from reality and worrying about cycling and how it was effecting my family.

10. Do most insurances cover it?
My private insurance would pay for two weeks. Medicaid would generally pay for up to a month. Call your insurance company and ask.

Here's a thought from just this morning. There is a hospital quite close by. It seems like the most likely place that one would go to voluntarily, right? Would it be entirely weird to just go in one day and ask to see what the psych area it is like? Or even if it is at a different location (it is a network of locations, and maybe they have separate specialities at different ones???) Maybe for some that would ease their mind, reducing the unknown factor. (Maybe it's not even allowed, who knows? That may vary from hospital to hospital as well...) But has anyone ever just gone in for a "tour" so to speak?

(First will ask my psych person any specifics from her end, hosp. privilege-wise. I have no GP or anything, she is my only health link here.)

[sugahorse1]

Innerzone - I think you idea is great. It will prepare you, and let you know what to expect. That way, should the question of hospitalisation arise, you wouldn't just say no due to being scared, but you'd be able to make a much more rational and informed decision - based on your health