What is it like to be an inpatient?

I was wondering what it's like to be in hospital?
I almost was, but managed to have my sister convince the Dr. not to commit me (was outpatient instead).

I think it depends on what kind of facility you were in. I've been in two facilities. The first was a self described mental ward. I would describe the program there as crisis management. I was involuntarily admitted after a suicide attempt. It was horrible. They monitored everything I did, from how much I slept, ate, talked or participated in their "versions" of therapy to how often I went to the bathroom. It was degrading. I've been there twice. The last place I went was also after a suicide attempt and self harm. It was called "a Behavioral Health Hospital". The program there was much more supportive. I feel like I learned a lot when I was there. I found their therapies helpful. While I was still being monitored in some ways, I didn't feel degraded. The staff there seemed to have a lot of empathy and understanding.
Our daily routine made the time go faster. We got up around 7am for breakfast, at least I did. When we came back, we had a little time to ourselves while they dispensed medications. Then, there would be a group or two before lunch at noon. Also, usually before or just after lunch, each one of us met with our inpatient Ts. Lunch was around noon. The food was pretty decent for hospital food. When we returned, we'd have about an hour and a half of free time. Afterwards, there would be another group session. Dinner was around 5pm with a group session followed by some activity like exercise, meditation, or art after, as well as a healthy snack, free time and lights out at 10pm. Each group session had a theme. Sometimes it was supportive therapy surrounding different issues. Other times it was more of an educational experience, like learning more about our medications, different coping mechanisms or how to grow and understand ourselves. In our free time, we slept, journaled, made phone calls, watched TV, did our laundry, talked with other patients and floating staff members as well as played tons of games. We also had access to soda and vending machines.
I don't know if this is what you wanted to know but I hope that it gives you an idea.

I just recently did 11 days for suicidal intent.
my trip:

you're put on a schedule( wake up, breakfast, meds, group, day room, etc)

I felt time dragged if you weren't there with some cool people.

People with psychosis and schizophrenia freaked me the hell out at first, but eventually I learned to deal with them like other people.

If you are feeling like **** admit it, the longer you deny the longer you'll be there and the longer you won't get the help you need.

I was going to kill myself that day, not just thinking about it, that's why I went and it was a safe place to go.

My experience as an inpatient was very good. the Staff was very caring. There was a schedule for everything. We had breakfast lunch and dinner same time every day. the group sessions were very helpful to my understanding of my issues. I made sure that I took advantage of every thing that I learned there. I was able to bond with a lot of the other patients there. and really learned a lot not just from the hospital staff, doctors but from the patients there as well. I was there for 7 days and it was a sanctuary for me.

Inpatient can be exciting. I love to be on a routine. I've been inpatient for 26 days in two different hospitals. I like meeting people similar to me. I miss it sometimes.

Inpatient was exactly what I needed to get my head straight. The routine and lack of pressure was a blessing. Getting used to the other people was weird but after awhile it was no biggie and the staff was great. I enjoyed it as much as you can.

I can't believe you guys enjoyed it! I was a ball of paranoia and on my best behavior so they would think I was stable enough to leave. They let me go after a week (Haha!!! Fooled them!!!), but I wasn't allowed to leave before that. I felt imprisoned.

I smoked at the time. There was smoking time in a designated area.

I gained weight there because I was inside all day and had nowhere to run around. I had to do stretches because I felt my legs atrophying.

Yes, this. Except I barely slept or ate the whole time I was there. Just paced around like a caged animal and chain smoked.

How can you sleep on those awful beds with constant nurse checks, snoring/crying/moaning/muttering...roommate or (my favorite) stuck in the room in front of the nurse's station where they are apparently required to staple papers for the entire shift with a stapler that only functions if you beat the living **** out of it?

Never again. Ever.

It can be heaven or hell, depends if you went in voluntarily or involuntarily. I can tell you when I checked myself in because I was depressed and suicidal it was a blessing. I felt cared for and didn't have any worries at all. I did not want to leave! However when I have been admitting involuntarily it was hell! I fought it every minute. Was given knock out shots and woke up in a small room with nothing on except a cheap cloth that barely covered much. I was voluntarily only once and involuntarily only twice. Both times were hell. I was also manic those times.