It's getting worse

You just need to tell them everything you've told us here. Explain to them that you are very practiced at "faking well". They will get it.

Alright thank you. I'm starting to feel more relaxed about going to the hospital.

That is good to hear! Pack a bag and have it ready.....having your own things makes it much more comfortable. Keep us posted if you can. We will be thinking about you while you are away getting the help you need. (((Hugs)))

I know someone said the things to pack but I can't find it. Could someone make a list of things I should bring please?

Also what should I say for the initial intake?

Bring lots of underwear and socks....slippers and warm Jammie's...comfy clothes...pillow and blanket....those are the main things. Other people with more experience should be able to be more detailed.

Tell them what you told us here. Tell them everything. (((Hugs)))

Thank you again. I'll wait and see if anyone else has anything to add to the list. Is there a phone in your room? I don't want my mom to visit but I don't would like to talk to her.

I may finally be back, taking a similar trip soon. You'll be good if you're open with staff.

Comfortable clothes (several days worth)
Your own toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hygiene, etc)
Smokes if you need them
Something to keep your mind busy (books and the like)

Pack like you would for a small vacation, save for anything that staff might perceive is dangerous.

You'll likely be given a short period of time to make a phone call each day.

Thank you. How many days worth of clothes should I bring? I don't enjoy reading that much. I don't think we even own more than 2 books. I guess I could color but my mom would have to get it for me. Is there anything else I could do? I'm assuming no electronics.

A lot of hospital's have groups to fill the day. My hospital you can only bring 3 pairs of cloths, a set of pjs, and a sweater.

Your choice. A week's worth is solid if you want to be more prepared but a least a few days worth. Coloring and drawing materials are good too. Electronics likely aren't going to fly. Cards or other easily carried games work. Just think about how you'd entertain yourself if the power went out.

What you're allowed all depends on the hospital though.

I read the pamphlet on my rights that they gave me for 3 days. I wasn't very sharps or firing on all pistons though....it's probably something you could finish in an hour. I tried to commit it to memory but failed. I remember only one thing but it was the most important thing in the book so it was worth the many days of reading. I read the same page over and over the majority of the time (that's not strange at all, I just realized that......that feels a little twilight zone to me for some reason). Anyways, they had magazines at mine. Some baby toys. They played jeopardy but they had a wrong answer (something I knew was false for sure) so I stopped playing. But they keep you busy. They gave me pencil and paper so I could document things. Mine had a workout room and even an art room.

Thanks everyone. What does the day consist of? I really don't want to go to groups at all. My social anxiety would skyrocket. Do I just stay in my room all day? How often do you have to take meds? I'm worried because I have a hard time swallowing pills and need a lot of water. When do they decide you get to go home?

You'll take meds as prescribed so probably close to how you take them now. They'll give you water and if you need more just ask. We get the usual hospital mug with a straw and that holds a lot of water so you can use that too. They work with you about going home but it is when your condition improves or stabilizes.

We have phones available whenever there aren't groups being run. Something like 9 AM-10 AM then 12-2 and 4-11 or something like that. there are 2 phones for 10 people.

I never have wanted visitors either and have just talked to people. I've been given permission to do phone sessions with my therapist before when things were really tough; the dr said I visibly improve after that so they were happy to let me do it. For those I was put in a (camera monitored) conference room.

I think you might benefit from writing out or copy and pasting together stuff you've been posting on the boards the last few weeks so that you have what you need to say ready and don't have to worry about freezing up.

It gets easier as you are there and get to know the staff. Usually where I go you get approximately the same nurses every day so you get to feel more comfortable with them. I've always appreciated that a lot.

Thank you. It's nice to hear positive things. I am going to post a new thread soon with the note I'm bringing to my T. I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts. Aftwards im going to write a new note similar to my previous one to take to the hospital.