[sonjaward809]

Does anybody else get scared to be in the mental hospital? Like shaking and crying your eyes out scared.

I'm terrified! I have been hospitalized once before and it was a pretty scary experience, but that's how I got diagnosed with Bipolar w/ Psychotic Features. I wasn't treated bad in the hospital by anybody, everyone was actually nice but I hated the "locked" up feeling. I rarely slept or ate the entire 2 weeks I was there. I lied my way out by saying I felt great all the time. Right now I'm experiencing some psychotic symptoms again and the chances are my doctor is going to put me back in one as soon as I get to talk to him.

What was your experience like in a mental hospital? I'd like to know how the adult ones are like vs. the teenage ones cause that's what I will be going to if I am sent to one again.

[gina_re]

The first time may be difficult because you don't know what to expect. I can't speak on the adolescent unit because I've never been in one, but I've personally never had a bad experience in IP. Now you know, so it may be better.

[raspberrytorte]

None of my experiences were really that bad. I hate that locked in feeling too. I've been to many of them, and they all had different rules. One I went to was really strict. It was my worse experience in a hospital.

Anyway, so not really badness, other than the strict one I ended up in once.

[Shadow wings]

I've been IP twice this year. First time I've been in. It was a strange experience but not necessarily bad. I didn't like the consultant but the nurses and other patients were nice. I used to get terrified of it happening but now it has I don't feel too bad about it

[bearguardian]

A month of hell. Also everybody was nice but I just could not adjust to anything, and they kept me in the dark about everything. I had intense paranoia that I will stay there indefinitely.

[scatterbrained04]

I've never been IP, though I know I should have probably been put there a few times. I get so terrified. Not just about the IP itself, but also about my job, finances, and who is going to care for my son. Anyway, I usually get so terrified of going that I majorly start downplaying my SI. I do not recommend that though. Go if you need to go.

[rwwff]

I've never been inpatient and lived most of my 50+ years in terror of it. Turns out, that's called paranoia, and Abilify works wonders.

So, no longer concerned. If my doc says to go, I have a go bag of compatible warmups, underwear and socks, and lace-less shoe/slippers (crocks).

[bpforever1]

I've been hospitalized for not taking my meds. I did this for four years in a row. After the pdoc threatened to give me electric shock treatments, I finally came to the conclusion that meds are better than being zapped. I am doing well now. I have jobs and am living by myself. Meds have side effects. However, I'd rather be functional and live outside of the hospital than be hospitalized for being non-compliant.

[Sunflower123]

I've been IP once and the experience wasn't bad. It was actually quite nice...programs, bedrooms, food, people etc but I was so sick and miserable that I just wanted to go home and crawl into my own bed. It really helped me but there have been many times I should have gone IP and resisted and ultimately turned it down. I don't want to go back. I have done 2 IOP programs with the last one being in 2010. Those were helpful too.

[~Christina]

My IP stays were not bad at all.

No one WANTS/LOVES to go IP but its there when needed. A safe place to be. Where you always have a nurse or staff to talk too if you need it, Even 315am and you cant sleep for Shyt.

I do understand your fear(s)

[Guiness187055]

Going to IP isn't really that bad. For me it was very boring.

[Feral-kun]

Originally Posted by sonjaward809

Does anybody else get scared to be in the mental hospital? Like shaking and crying your eyes out scared.

I'm terrified! I have been hospitalized once before and it was a pretty scary experience, but that's how I got diagnosed with Bipolar w/ Psychotic Features. .

I also have Bipolar w/ psychotic features. I am not sure what scares me more, being hospitalized or dealing with a psychotic episode, alone at home. I do understand the fear of hospitalization, tho for me it's mostly the fear that if I am not released in time to pay my rent on due day, I would be evicted and all my belongings would be thrown on the side of the street. I would rather be at home, a danger to myself and others, than be homeless. Homelessness scares me more than anything because I am a hermit who hates leaving home.

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

My IP stays were not bad at all.

No one WANTS/LOVES to go IP but its there when needed. A safe place to be. Where you always have a nurse or staff to talk too if you need it, Even 315am and you cant sleep for Shyt.

I do understand your fear(s)

Yeah one time I was up in the middle of the night and had been hallucinating a marching band outside my window. I went to the front desk but they just kind of said "yeah yeah. We know. Go back to sleep"

[Unrigged64072835]

It depends on which hospital I go to. Some are good and some are really bad.

For the most part, though, I'm bored after I'm stabilized. My husband brings me word puzzles and books to read for the rest of the time.

[fuzzyowleyez]

Hi there! I just recently got out of an IP program for adults. The worst thing about being in IP is the boredom. You certainly get that locked up feeling when you're in there and I personally had a hard time convincing the doctors to let me go home. The food wasn't too bad and having a consistent schedule was really nice. I liked being around other people who knew what I was going through though.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

I was TERRIFIED of the hospital. In 2009 I went on an MAOI and to make the transition easier I did it while IP. I was so afraid but it turned out to be a good experience. I cried for a good bit of the first day but it wasn't because I was upset to be there, it was because it was such a relief to be somewhere safe and where I wasn't having to pretend I was ok. I've been in 4 more times since then and every time I have been glad I went. Even the year I spent Christmas there was not bad. I'm trying not to have to go now but I know if I do have to it is a safe place and they are there to help me. My hospital has good food, comfortable beds, stuff to keep you from being bored, etc.

[BipolaRNurse]

I used to be absolutely terrified of the hospital, until I actually had to go there. It turned out to be a sanctuary from my life on the outside, which was awful at the time, and it kept me safe so I couldn't hurt myself. The food was good, there was plenty of groups and other activities, and when I was alone in my room I journaled in the book they gave me. I've never regretted going and won't hesitate to go the next time it becomes necessary. I also realized that there have been other times I probably should've been admitted but refused (mostly during manic episodes).

[LacunaCoiler]

I've never been, though there were times I probably should have gone. It terrifies me because I don't like that locked up feeling. I'm a big fan of coming and going and the thought of being held against my will not only scares me but pisses me off as well.

The closest I've been to being admitted was when I had a suicide attempt and was at the local hospital. They transferred me to a private hospital since I had insurance and as they were admitting me I somehow talked them into letting me go. I freaked at being locked up in a room while I waited for intake (there were 2 other people before me) with two other guys, one being there for violent outbursts and was there constantly fighting with the officer that was there with him. It scared me to have a violent man like that and the only thing I could think of was that I was going to be locked up with that guy. Luckily for me, they allowed me to go home as long as the wife signed as my guardian and we promised (signed papers) that they wouldn't be liable if something happened to me.

To this day, I'm still terrified of going to one and in the last few months I probably should have gone when my mania got really bad. The pdoc even highly suggested it but I refused.

[bioChE]

I'm not afraid of being hospitalized, I just don't ever want to be again.

[5150DirtDiva]

Never been, but I totally understand being scared. It is horrifying to me, I could lose a lot by going, but if I needed to go, I suppose I could lose even more.