[Ralau]

I recently came back home after spending a couple of months on a psych ward.
This was the first time I got hospitalized and I got the help I needed. My meds are working and I'm not as deeply depressed as when I got in there.

But to be honest I'm scared. I'm scared that I will get that low again. Also I suffer from loneliness and I'm scared that the loneliness will make me deeply depressed.

This kinda makes no sense, I'm happy to be home again and I'm getting support, yet I'm scared. I'm scared even though I know I shouldn't be able to fall due to my medication that's working. Maybe it's a little bit hard because I spent several weeks in the hospital.
I would like to know how to make it easier to get used to "the real, everyday life" again.
And I wonder if there's a way to distract myself from loneliness and dark thoughts.

Sorry if I sound complicated, my thoughts are a mess and English isn't really my native language.

[SorryShaped]

You're having the same doubts I did. And the same loneliness I still do. I do things with others rarely but sometimes I come here to PC just seeking comfort for loneliness. People here are so helpful usually. Keep reaching out.

[SparkySmart]

The transition from hospital to home can be very challenging. You'll get lots of support here, Ralau.

[Shazerac]

Being scared doesn’t have to make sense ...it just is. Be gentle with yourself. Transitioning from a hospital setting to home is pretty weird. Give yourself some time to adjust. I get scared that I’m gonna get “that bad again” it’s a pretty normal fear under the circumstances. I’m working now on learning to trust myself and be self aware of warning signs. I also need to trust my feelings when I feel like I need more help or a med adjustment and doing something about instead of waiting until it’s so bad that I’m circling the drain.

[Unrigged64072835]

I liken coming home from the psych ward as the same as coming home for any illness/injury. Your brain needs time to adjust to your regular life rhythm, like getting used to crutches when your leg's broken.

When you're that low before there is always the possibility of it returning. The thing is, you'll still need rest and a gradual acclimation to your RL routines. Don't try and rush it or you might be overwhelmed.

Keep posting here Ralau, this is one support network you have

[tecomsin]

All of my hospitalizations were involuntary so I had a feeling of great relief from getting out of what I saw as imprisonment. It still was a big adjustment to convert back to regular life. Give yourself time and patience. Keep posting. Sometimes this board has been like a lifeline for me in coping with alienation and loneliness.

[~Christina]

It takes time to get back on your feet with out the structure of IP

Do you have a Pdoc and T set up for followup ? If not work on that

Dont worry about " if I get depressed or have a episode " Enjoy the stability

Keep posting !

[wildflowerchild25]

I only spent a week IP recently and I feel the same as you do. Just kind of fragile. But it will be ok. I've been IP so many damn times, I know it takes time to get back to a routine. You will do it. I agree with Christina, as I often do, that you must not worry about whether you will go back into an episode. And I must take that advice myself.

[Guiness187055]

Stay positive and make sure you have a pdoc and a T.

It takes some adjusting from the cocoon of the hospital back into mainstream society. You’ll catch up....just don’t forget what you learned and experience the new version of you. Just try....you just might be surprised. Good luck.

[Pookyl]

I end up IP x2-3 times a year. Each time ‘voluntarily’. And yes, each time I find it hard to get used to being home.
In hospital I had things to do constantly. At home nothing.
I’ve learnt to chillax.
My pdoc has reassured me that “you’re at your most stable when you’re being discharged.” As Christina wrote: enjoy your stability.
Don’t forget to follow up with your doctors and therapists.