[Hemispheres]

And if so how did you deal with the effects of being released from the hospital and thrown into the real world?

I was arrested about 3 years ago and spent 5 months in jail, at which point I was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spend another 29 months in a mental hospital.

I was just released 2 weeks after after completing the graduated release system but I've been battling severe depression and anxiety ever since I learned I was leaving the hospital. I really miss everyone I built relationships with there - friends and staff especially. I also feel kind of institutionalized, almost as if I'm really out of place in the community after being in there for so long.

I read this is really common with older mental patients who spend YEARS in the hospital but I guess I'm just having a hard time adjusting.

I was wondering if this has happened to anyone else or if anyone had any advice to help me cope with the transition.

[CANDC]

Hi @Hemispheres - Welcome to MSF My Support Forum. I am sorry you find yourself in a stressful state of mind. It sounds like you have been through traumas, so no wonder you are feeling you are having trouble adjusting.

Did the hospital give you a caseworker or social worker you can call? That might help bridge the gap.

Most people in the hospital are on meds of some kind. Have you been taking those and do you have a prescription to continue those? That can help someone stay stable.

I am not aware of Virginia resources but a google search "virginiia club houses for mental health patient" turned up some resources. Food banks can help keep food on the table which can help with feeling good.

Glad you joined MSF. Hope you get the support you are looking for.

[downandlonely]

Hi @Hemispheres and welcome.

Maybe you can ask the hospital about outpatient programs that might help you ease back into society.

I also find virtual support groups for mental health helpful and can provide you with some links if you like. They are generally free or low cost.

I haven't been hospitalized long term, but I find that taking my psych meds as prescribed keeps me stable and able to work.

[Hemispheres]

Thanks for the helpful responses all. I just had a epiphany a few hours ago based on some medication adjustments they made last minute before my release which lead me to believe I'm not actually institutionalized but am in fact suffering from a manic - depressive cycle.

They never should have messed with my meds.

[eskielover]

Several times years ago I had only been in the hospital 6 weeks & coming back to home life was not easy....so I can imagine how you feel after that length of time.

Getting new routines set up that you are comfortable with takes time & this is a common issue even after 6 weeks.

Yes, your meds & the condition they cause can add a whole other layer to what you are experiencing too. Glad you realized that also

[Aviza]

I lived in a crisis house for several months. Meals and snacks provided. I always like that part. Otherwise I was put in hospital and outpatient programs. I was a real mess for a long time.

[MuddyBoots]

My longest hospitalization was only 2 months, but after they recommended PHP (Partial hospitalization) to sorta ease the transition and give me a schedule while I adjusted to sleeping/eating/etc on my own again. It was stressful but I think the groups and just having something to do that was similar to what I was used to but not as intense helped.

Maybe this is an option for you?

[Raven1976]

I was hospitalized for a year once. I didnt want to leave. Didn't know how I'd manage in real life again. It gets better. The longer you stay in the hospital the harder it gets. Do you have a Psychiatrist that can fix your meds to where they were when you were stable? You can dm if you want. I was at a state hospital also. If you are in Virginia maybe we were in the same one.

[bpforever1]

I was hospitalized once for about three months. It was awful since they highly recommend ECT also. I recovered from this experience. I also was hospitalized about 8 times. I have been working off and on since then. I also am compliant these days and this helps me from becoming psychotic then hospitalized. I think if you are motivated, you will survive in this jungle out here. But, you really need to have the MOTIVATION to survive. I have nobody in my life so I have to fend for myself. I have to survive to live on my own. It is hard to do everything on your own. BUT, your survival instincts will motivate you to persevere somehow. If you believe, you won't make it then you won't. So, please believe in a higher power- motivate yourself, don't give up, and continue to survive no matter what.