[Wants2Fly]

I went out to RiverOaks today and toured the Post Trauma Stress Disorder Unit, asked questions related to the more negative parts of being hospitalized (yup, a line for meds -- but the unit is so small, I can't imagine it would be bad), only locked out of room if you have an eating disorder and are using it to barf or some other self-endangerment, yup very structured (which I need, I think), no computers (mine is expensive and my prized possession so it would probably be too stressful to have it there anyway) and limited phone times (since I don't talk to anyone much anyway, can't see it would be a big deal for me).

I think I would benefit, but I can't get past the $1500 a week price tag. Two weeks minimum, paid up front; 3 weeks recommended; but they almost never keep anyone longer than 3 weeks.

But when I get out -- I will no longer have even this sublet, I will still need a job. I have a feeling that if I'd gotten a job, my life would have structure and purpose, and I wouldn't be feeling so blue. I also question whether having a job would merely have made me "busy" so I wouldn't have noticed as much that I'm still stuck in the drama that happened nearly 18 months ago and emotionally have not resolved much regarding that.

Plus, I seem to be starting to feel better with the higher Effexor dose. I talked with the prescribing shrink today about my extreme lethargy over the past 5 days, and he said that would be a typical side effect -- stop taking it in the morning, switch to evenings, which if it puts me to sleep will be great, bec. I can quit the neurontin that I take for sleep.

I forgot to ask if there is an outpatient program at River Oaks -- I think there is, but maybe only if you go through the intense inpatient. I'm asking myself -- isn't there some way to get the support I need as an outpatient? $1500/week buys *a lot* of health care. If I was in a morning program that got my day started right, I'd have afternoons to work on job hunting and apartment finding, presumably kicked in the butt and supported.

I could also rent a really swank apartment for $1500 a month for 2 months -- but of course, what good would that do if all I do is mope around it, watching reruns of Angel and Charmed and Law & Order, and playing e-solitaire, and isolating in luxurious splendor.

Any thoughts about this anyone?

[lenjan]

Frankly, I found the partial hospital (day) program infinitely more useful than inpatient ... but only after I felt safe. My options were: inpatient, or death. My pdoc made the choice for me. Most of the time I'm glad. ;-)

Might there not be some county-funded program somewhere that you could get into, or find a clinic that charges fees on a sliding scale?

Candy

[Wants2Fly]

Yes, I just forgot to ask while I was there. However, I may be moving back to Florida or onto Austin before the end of the month, as I've just learned my landlord would appreciate it if I'd vacate by midmonth so he can rent to a film crew. Since he's given me a break on the rent, I'd like to oblige him if I can. I'll continue with my current T to help me make a decision, but I may need to wait. I know there's nothing much available for me in Florida, because I floundered there for a long time. Austin seems rather enlightened -- but I haven't been able to google anything helpful. If anyone knows what keywords to use, I'd appreciate the help.

[Genevieve]

Well, I see it both ways: $1500 is a lot of money.

It's less than $100 per month since your trauma began.

I guess it depends on how bad things are for you, and whether you can find any alternatives that would be more beneficial to you. If you could find a good partial hospitalization program that would work for you, then the hospital would probably be overkill. On the other hand, what would you do if you bypassed the hospital, moved on to Austin, and found yourself continuing in the same state for the next 18 months? Either way, there's a big risk.

Before you make up your mind, though, look into what alternatives are available to you, either where you are, or where you plan to go. If there are alternatives, great. If not, consider investing the money in your future.

Meanwhile, about looking for alternatives:

Check with the local chapter of the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill -- NAMI. You can also find them online. They should have a list of programs available in your area, and support groups, as well.

Another thought for you, since you're job hunting, is to check with the local EDD office -- some of their job hunting groups function very much like a partial hospitalization program. You'll spend part of the day in 'classes' where you can practice interview skills, work on your resume, learn about 'hidden' job markets, etc, and you have access to a lot of reasonably good resources.

Check out non-profit organizations in your area, many areas have programs that help with both the actual job hunt and groups that discuss how to cope with unemployment. That can be like group therapy.

And call the hospital and ask if they know of anyplace that might sponsor your admission, or offer a scholarship. Some places have such things, for those without insurance coverage.

Best luck to you. I hope that helps some.

[PlanningtoLive]

Candy, as we are not far from one another, would you PM me the name of the hospital where they have this day program?

I have a hospital here in town that does it, but they are the most incompetent place there is. And where I go (and had to stay) does not have such a program.

Thanks.