[tnlibrarian]

Has anyone done an intensive outpatient program? I think I'm headed towards mania or major depressive episode. Last time I was manic my psych told me that if it happened again she would want to admit me to the hospital. I really don't want to do inpatient. I'm considering asking to be admitted to the outpatient program. I'm just wondering how effective such a program would be.

[Seaswept]

Hi librarian,

I've done it and it was helpful to me.

I had to get there around 8 am and if you are late, too late, they won't allow you to join. So, obviously had to get there on time which was good discipline for me.

There was an opening session where you went around the room saying how your feelings (anxiety, depression etc.) rated that day from 1-10, a couple of groups, including group therapy and womens/mens groups and then break for lunch. We also had a 15 minute smoking or whatever break which was enjoyable for me as smokers, when together, tend to "bond" easily.
Most of the counselors were very kind and a couple of them were pretty cool.
Then a couple groups after lunch. Over around 2pm? if I remember correctly.

I would definitely do it again, if I needed help.

-Also I didn't mind inpatient, it was nice to be taken care of for once. As a mom of 3 and a wife and working it just doesn't happen on the outside.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

outpatient is fine but it needs discipline.....perhaps?

if and only when the destination is a comfortable one will someone be motivated to arrive for treatment.

I found a place like this years ago a good clinic in Sydney...I was struggling everyday but didn't want to be institutionalised again so I would often wander up the road and just sit in the waiting room and be calm....if someone could see me then they would but after a few hours I would walk back home again to my own bed...

calmer...

I had the time and the need

[ellipsisdream]

One of the best therapeutic experiences I have ever had was with an intensive OP program. I still keep many of the "tools" they gave us through various groups in my personal bag of tricks nearly two years later. I keep in touch with someone I met there who lives about six hours away. We have been known to remind one another of some of what we learned when struggling. I would highly recommend trying it.

I've done intensive outpatient twice. It was pretty helpful, if you are willing to put the work in. And im sure you are. Although sometimes the outpatient programs can leave you feeling a little or a lot worse before things get better. Working through tough issues usually does tho. I found the group approach to work better for me than one on one.

I learnt a lot from listening and watching others in the group. Somethings inspire you and somethings set a good example of what you dont want to do.

When I was inpatient no one worked on anything with me. I was very manic, i did notice that they had sessions for the depressed patients. But nothing for others. I dont know if thats the norm tho.

[Giabrina]

I did intensive outpatient for two weeks and wish I could do it all over again. I was afraid to open up and tell my story, so it didn't help me because I didn't participate fully like I should have. It would have been really helpful if I had shared more.