[June155]

Today my therapist asked me if I wanted to think about checking myself in in a mental hospital for a week or so after my finals. He said it was completely voluntary and that I didn't have to but it might help me since he had the feeling one session a week isn't enough for me right now. (BPD and depression)

I really don't know what to do with this because I never thought of it myself. I mean, I know I have problems but a mental hospital seems so extreme. Off course I only know them from movies and television and in my head they are filled with people who cannot function in the normal world, while I still function normal to the eyes of the outside world. Does anyone have any experience with this?

[greentires4me]

just think of it as a vacation from the outside world for a week no stress no worries.

Its just a little thing to think about

[lostandconfused89]

Hi June! My experience with hospitals has been pretty decent. I was in one almost three months ago for about two weeks. Its not at all like they show on TV My stay was actually very pleasant! Idk how urs would b, but mine was just groups all day on how to build coping skills. I saw the Dr once a day, just so he could see how I was doing, as well as make any changes to medication. Oh! And they also fed us till we were about to explode Lol. Bedtime at 10, got up around 7 that sort of thing. But it wasn't really the stay that was nice for me. It was being away from the outside world for a bit. It was a nice break and I would do it again if I had to. Hope this helps!

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[Espresso]

My experience with being hospitalized was decent. There was very little "crazy" on display. It was indeed almost like a vacation from life. The facilities were comfortable. We did groups during the day and visitors could come in the evenings. The groups covered different topics, some involved physical activity, one involved playing board games, and another was crafts. Only one infrequent group was "group therapy".

But did it help? I don't know. The setting that I was in was more to manage crises and keep people safe. Meds were played with and I talked to two doctors everyday, but there really was very little of what you would therapy.

Of course, it varies and it could be a completely different experience where you are.

[reginox]

I have been hospitalized several times but usually when my reality does not sync with other people's reality. As well as being BPD, I am also schizoaffective and actually the last round of hospitalizations was because I was diagnosed as bipolar and ADD and the medications did not interact well together (I had delusions and hallucinations)

The one hospital I was in was overcrowded and was not really therapeutic. It was a privately run hospital and the focus was on making a profit. When I lost my insurance I was taken to the state run hospital and they had more therapy but it was with people who were not as functioning as you sound to be since your therapist wants you to check in after you finish finals.

Being hospitalized entails a loss of freedom that sometimes you don't realize until you are checked in. I am not fond of the hospital experience. If you smoke make sure the hospital you decide to use allows for smoking breaks.

Also, beware of making friends in the hospital because sometimes people are much different on the outside. I used to make friends but they were not the healthiest of friendships. I am friendly to others when I am there but I don't take the friendlyness outside anymore.

Good luck whatever you decide and I hope you do well on your finals.

[Perna]

Can you go to Geel? Geel's ancient community cares for the mentally ill ? Mike Jay ? Aeon

I think it greatly depends where you live......

I have heard less than flattering things from people who live outside the US or those who live in big cities.

But where I live (mid-USA) - I found the nuthouse to be pretty nice.

[June155]

Thanks for the help everyone, it really made me feel a bit better about it.
(And no, I will not go to Geel ;-) ).