[Frost287]

Wondering if anyone could give me an idea what it's like and if it's helpful or not.

I've been thinking of checking myself in for a while but do not want all the attention it will likely bring from my family But it's getting to the point that idk how much longer I can do it. I just need a break >.<

[pacots]

Have been in them many times. When I came out felt much better. You get to rest & learn some different ways to cope. Some of them have groups to attend. I think I am headed that way myself now. My depression is very bad like in a deep dark hole.

[puzzclar]

If you feel safe, then find a outpatient program, its less expensive. If you are not then hospital is the best place for help. Its helped me, also crisis numbers are a good place to just talk and for any recommendations as to inpatient/outpatient

[geis]

It really depends on what's going on with you and what you find helpful. I don't know what the system is like in the UK, but here in the US, most hospitals offer little treatment beyond medication management. As a result, you spend most of your time sitting around doing absolutely nothing, left mostly on your own as long as you don't act out. They also generally don't allow cell phones or computers, so you have virtually no contact with the outside world. A few states have laws saying you have to be allowed to go outside occasionally, but in most hospitals in most states, you're not even allowed that. You literally sit and stare at the wall all day.

For some people, I guess that kind of containment is helpful. For me, it's really not. And since my depression doesn't respond to meds, it makes the hospital an entirely useless experience. I also experience the complete loss of control over my life as traumatic, so hospitalization often worsens my PTSD symptoms, sometimes for months afterward.

But your mileage may vary. It seems to vary pretty widely from person to person.

[regretful]

My hospital experience was just like geis...just sat around staring at the walls, not getting any help whatsoever. There was no activity. It was simply warehousing to make sure I was safe, which I was...went there for help, came out miserable and worse...maybe it's better in the UK...

[Angelique67]

When I was in, it is boring but there's groups most of the day. It depends how you're feeling when you go in, but yes it's very boring. Lots of food though.

[BuffaloGal1969]

I went into the hospital and after the initial shock of even being there, I found it pretty helpful. I was luck since my hospital had plenty of activities like drum circle, yoga and massages plus PLENTY of therapy. So we weren't just sitting around. I still came out depressed after a week but I wasn't suicidal anymore. If you are in danger of hurting yourself...seek out help RIGHT AWAY! good luck.