[sarow23]

Has it helped you? Had my doctors push for it, but I don't see how it will help since I'll just end up going back to the same situation I was previously in with no friends and such

[Cocosurviving]

I've been IP 3 times and 3 times to a 23 hour hold facility. I ended up going back because i (with my docs help stop taking Lithium. For some reason my body just has to have it. The staff provided coping techniques to teach patience how to deal with symptoms. Once I started back on Lithium i was stable. I have BP1.

[Thane]

Inpatient stays have been atrocious for me. Absolutely appalling experiences.

Literally only one stay/hospital was humane. The rest were despicable.

They are cesspools. Godforsaken pits.

[geez]

I don't have experience with inpatient but have friends who do. They only went into inpatient because there was no other option but to go. They needed to get stabilized on meds and didn't have anyone to watch over them at home (they were sui). They then were transferred to outpatient program for depression. - that's when we met. I was in an outpatient program for 6 weeks. I was able to avoid inpatient because I was able to have someone 'watch me' 24/7 at home while I stabilized on the drugs. I loved the outpatient program I was in however I did look at a few other programs in my area first and wasn't a fan of them. They included court ordered people who really didn't want the help. The program I was in didn't allow any alcohol or substance abuse. The people in the group were really supportive and caring. Before I left the program they made sure I had a support person (therapist and psychiatrist) set up before I was discharged. The program was 4- 5 days a week and I went home to sleep and eat dinner.

I would shop around before committing to any facility. Have a family member with you and don't sign anything until you're sure you like the program.

[Moreta]

I've been inpatient 7 times and been to outpatient a lot. I find it helpful. They always stabilize me on meds, then it's my job to do all the follow ups with my aftercare and providers. I've been 3 times this year, and the last time actually helped the most. They put me on a new med and it has been a lifesaver. If you are in a crisis situation I would def go. It has saved my butt a lot of times.

Originally Posted by sarow23

I don't see how it will help since I'll just end up going back to the same situation I was previously in with no friends and such

I am ashamed to admit it, but I have been inpatient 4 times. Three of those times were in my 20's (I am currently 37) when I was super unstable, mainly because I was going out to the bar most days of the week and was doing drugs as well. I OD'd twice (so that accounts for two stays), the very first time I was just being a brat and wouldn't sign a contract for safety with my T. The last time was three years ago, and it was a more conscious, rational decision: I knew the depression was out of control, I was suicidal and had a very good plan, and I didn't trust myself to be out of the hospital.

Every time a T/Pdoc has suggested inpatient, I've had the same argument as you. And it's valid. The only thing I can say for going inpatient (and this is, of course, where I have been--it may be different elsewhere) is that a) it's a time to look into and possibly straighten out your meds, and this can be a good thing b) it is kind of a decompression from life. Not a vacation, mind you...a decompression. Last time I was in, I'd been working third shift for 5 years which I've since found is a huge trigger for my depression to be out of control. After a few days, I was on a normal sleep 8-9 hour/night sleep schedule, my moods had improved incredibly (imagine that, I was sleeping like a normal person!), and my anxiety was gone c) my hospital had classes you had to attend during the day where you learned coping skills, relaxation stuff, etc. Some people loved them. I hated them, but I do think I learned from them.

I've also done partial hospitalization (the intensive outpatient thing--you go classes or whatever all day but go home at night). Since I hated classes, I didn't care for it and I was far too anxious to feel good having to sit still that long. But I can see where it would help people, and it felt good getting to go home at night.

I hope that helps some.

Originally Posted by Thane

Inpatient stays have been atrocious for me. Absolutely appalling experiences.

Literally only one stay/hospital was humane. The rest were despicable.

They are cesspools. Godforsaken pits.

I think it's easy to feel that way. During my last stay, I was in such a heightened state of anxiety that I was hell-on-wheels for the staff and, in my mind, they weren't treating me very well. But honestly, in their position (and in my line of work, I've been in their position), I would have behaved the same way. I felt that they were ignoring me--yeah, they were kinda. But after so much "testing" on my part, limits have to be set. Just my experience.

I don't know what it's like where you're at, and I do think the state of mental healthcare in this country is incredibly imperfect. And it sucks to be in the hospital. But as far as inhumane cesspools? Nah. Have you ever seen One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest? That's what people used to deal with. That's not where we are now.

[Thane]

I haven't seen it. Not the point.

The idea that these places are of any benefit is not even laughable. In fact, it gets me so ****ing mad when people in my presence falsely claim any degree of legitimacy for those crimes that I very well may snap should they do so again.

There was no justification. It was inexcusable. It was criminal through & through. These pits should be promptly demolished (literally) & their soil salted (figuratively).

[jakers59]

The inpatient staff I had were paid to understand, when in reality they only cared about their salary and benefits.

[Thane]

Originally Posted by jakers59

The inpatient staff I had were paid to understand, when in reality they only cared about their salary and benefits.

They are ****ing criminals.

I was an inpatient for 8 weeks this summer. I was very sick - sicker than I realised. My experiece was positive - but my care did not come to a halt when I was released. There was a Transition Team that comprised my outpatient care. I had someone come to my house or take me out twice a week for 12 weeks. I don't think I could have gotten back on my feet without them. In addtion, I still attend outpatient walking and yoga programs.

[Humpty Dumpty]

Originally Posted by sarow23

Has it helped you? Had my doctors push for it, but I don't see how it will help since I'll just end up going back to the same situation I was previously in with no friends and such

I have been to inpatient twice each time in a different hospital. My experiences were pretty much the same. It was treated like an adult daycare. I sat around for most of the day playing cards and watching TV. There was not a whole lot to stimulate my mind.