[SoulUnderGuillotine]

I've been considering checking myself into a hospital for a little while now. My only real source of information comes from a friend of mine who was Baker acted, and what she says about them isn't too hopeful.

So what are hospitals like? Am I put somewhere else if I voluntarily commit myself rather than getting acted? Are there different kinds of hospitals? Do they actually help?

[Blue_Bird]

Hi SoulUnderGuillotine, where I live there's "Crisis Centers" then there's psychiatric hospitals. I've gone to the Crisis Centers voluntarily before. They're like a step down from full hospitalization. Usually there's some form of that everywhere, whether it's what I went to or Partial Hospitalization Programs. These places are voluntary, so it's a little less strict.

Then I've been in psych hospitals involuntarily several times (not something I'm proud of). Usually you get sent there if you're a danger to yourself or others by a therapist, psychiatrist, or the police.

You can't have any strings, sharp objects or jewelry. Generally, you have a roommate. In the beginning they do an intake, which goes over why you're there and your mental health history.

During your stay there you see a psychiatrist everyday for medication management, and diagnosing. Some places let you see a therapist.

There's usually what's called a "Day Room" where you spend your time during the day, some places let you go back to your room if you want, some places don't allow that and you have to stay out all day.

Some places are filled with activities while others you literally just sit there in the day room with a T.V and nothing else to do. I would recommend bringing a book to read or a crossword puzzle or coloring books. Also, bring a journal. It's interesting to document your experience there plus it's good "release" for your thoughts.

There's always group, sometimes more than once a day. It's important to participate in this.

There's meals 3 times a day, plus snacks.

Now for the question, do they help? I believe they do. They keep you in a safe place where you can't hurt yourself or others. Sometimes it takes awhile to find the right medication, just be honest with your doctor about side effects, how you're feeling. Again, all hospitals are different, therefore your experience may vary from mine. They certainly don't fix everything but they can help get you on the road to recovery.

Each hospital is going to be different from the other.
I would share my experience, but it's probably going to be nothing like your experience, and I'd rather not share if it has no purpose.

I think the best thing you can do is talk to the professionals working with you and see what you can come up with. I'd also consider day hospital before going full inpatient if you can help it. Sometimes day hospital is more intensive than inpatient because in inpatient there usually isn't a lot of therapy going on, it's mostly for med stabilization.

[ifst5]

This is a loaded question as it depends on why you need such hospitalization and what services are available to you. As you intend to be voluntary you should have more rights and a clearer understanding of the hospitalization process. Usually the better moneyed places have better facilities but expensive care isn't always better - sometimes they're out purely for your money so you need to be very very careful, check the regulatory inspections and ask as many questions as possible. Firstly, ask about staffing levels - poor staffing levels equals poor management and poor structure. Ask about their treatment programme - can you get more therapy sessions and a better quality on a outpatient service? If so that should affect your decision. What is the deescalation process and crisis management like? Is a general hospital near by or do they have on site doctors ready to help with emergency situations? What kind of patients do they accept? Is it a single or mixed ward? Is the ward locked (secure)? Also ask about observation levels and whether you'll be informed of them or able to see any notes being written down. Then finally there are the practical considerations...can you get home in an emergency from that distance? Can you get emergency leave or does this need to be prearranged? What are the local amenities like? What's the visitation process?

Every hospital will be very different but there are always pre-set standards to ensure safety and appropriate practice. Do your research, be honest about your reasons for going and expect waiting lists or criteria lists you don't meet. If you stick to your resolve you'll find something eventually, you might have to compromise along the way but if you're sure hospitalization is what you need (and i recommend getting a professional opinion on that firstly) then go for it. All the best.