[jtassar93]

I'm considering hospitalization because my therapist suggested it. My psychiatrist had diagnosed me as bipolar with panic disorder. But my therapist only acts as if I have depression and anxiety.

Will that play into what unit of the hospital I'll be put into if it's suggested by my therapist? Just wondering what to expect.

Should I go?

[wildflowerchild25]

Generally your dx doesn't have anything to do with placement on a specific unit, unless the hospital has different units for different dx, but that's rare. I've heard of a mood disorders unit but depression and anxiety would fall under that so don't worry about it.

I honestly think you should go. You're having serious symptoms, that haven't really abated, and your therapist suggested it. It will only be for a few days most likely. Try not to be scared. You can get more immediate care in IP, they can try you on new meds and monitor your side effects and progress. Plus it's just a place to feel safe and leave the stressors of life behind for a few days.

Good luck! Remember you can always call an ambulance if your mom refuses to take you.

A local psych crisis hospital near me has three wards:

A unit is mainly depression, bipolar, anxiety, etc. But folks that are pretty "chill," if that makes sense.

B unit is dual diagnosis....addiction and mental illness

C unit is the most severe unit. Mainly people floridly psychotic, unpredictable, aggressive, etc. Mainly bipolar and schizophrenia. Lots of Haldol shots happening lol

I've been in "A" and so has a bipolar friend. My boyfriend has been in "A" and "C" and he is bipolar 1. I recall when he was in C unit I went to a family therapy session. After the meeting ended the therapist nicely but directly wanted me to leave the unit. She said there are a lot of bipolars lmao

[BeyondtheRainbow]

They'll work hard to place you in the best possible place. When I went in last week there were no beds anywhere and the only ones that were opening up were at a facility where people with pretty severe issues are mixed with the depressed/anxious group and nobody was suggesting I go there; I was kept waiting until a bed on mood disorders opened up. Which I really appreciated.

I've been in 4 times and every time have been glad I went. It is scary, even after you've done it several times, but it is also really worth it. It helps so much to be somewhere that is safe and where there is nothing you can hurt yourself with and you are with other people dealing with the same things. One night last week 4 of us sat and talked until my meds kicked in and I think the rest of them talked even past that. Just our stories and how we cope and how we were feeling and that kind of thing. It also got so that I was able to laugh and have more fun than I have had in a long time. It was exactly what I needed and not just because of the med changes but because it let me feel ok again. I'm still very, very depressed and the responses to meds will be slow according to the dr but that is better than getting worse every day.

It's really much less scary than it sounds like in your head. My roommate had never been IP and she came in the middle of the night; she said she was terrified of what I would be like and of sharing her room with someone she didn't know at all and that all she knew of was that I was on a psych unit but we became good friends quickly. I'm going to text her soon in fact.

[Victoria'smom]

I go to a mixed unit. It's a good unit.

[WibblyWobbly]

I doubt your Dx matters, it's more the severity of your symptoms. Some hospitals have an "ICU" for acute cases. You'll probably just end up in the general ward. Good luck and don't be scared. The other patients are usually very welcoming.

[jtassar93]

Thanks all. One thing I'm super self concious about is my weight. I do have to be weighed or anything right?

Also what's the rules regarding clothing? Am I going to have to cut the strings off all of my pants?

At my hospital you get weighed as soon as you get admitted it's standard health care protocol however it is just you and a nurse so know one knows what it was.

As far as clothing we are limited to three outfits. Nothing with holes or profane or violent images. Strings are a no they can be cut out or locked up. No boots are allowed either.

I hope that helps some.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

You will be weighed. Sorry. They'll track vital signs just like any hospitalization. Usually only once for weight. OThers were daily this time. In the past they were daily for 3 days and then as needed.

Usually drawstrings need to be removed. I was allowed to keep my strings in my pajamas because they were sewed in tightly and nobody noticed the strings in my hoodie that I wore all day every day last week. I've seen them be more and less strict about various things including that one.

At my place they encourage grippy socks. I wore slippers over mine (and my grippies over regular socks) because my feet were cold. In the past I've just worn the socks. Shoes can be worn but have to be checked out and then returned at the end of the day, at least I think so. Nobody actually does this where I am.

Other things I've learned: take shampoo/conditioner in original bottles. I got in trouble for travel containers that weren't original once. Nothing aerosol including toothpaste (I used to use one that was in a can and got it taken away). If you have anything special that's important to you ask about it. I sleep with a weighted blanket and have always been allowed that although this time I had to get permission from the dr who said he couldn't care less. I also take earplugs and have taken soundblockers (not the electrical kind, the kind hunters wear) in the past and been allowed to use them with various guidelines.

You probably only need a few days of clothes; they usually have laundry there. We are encouraged to bring 3 outfits plus pajamas.

Take some warm clothes; at least where I go it is FREEZING all the time, summer or not. I wished I'd taken a 2nd sweatshirt as the one I wore all the time got pretty grungy feeling.

Electronic rules vary widely; I was allowed them and cords in the psych er but not on the floor. My floor has a computer for patient use though.That also seems to vary.

My unit will allow long distance calls made from the nurses' station or people can call in to one of 2 phones in the hall. The phones are turned off during groups and at night.

I can't think of anything else but ask if you do.