What now?

[scout86]

Imagine that your buddies from here are right there with you & have your back. (I wish we could really do that, although it might be a bit of a circus.)

 

[Freida]

I am currently in the ER waiting area. Not looking forward to this.

You are doing the right thing!! Yes - it sucks. But it's the right thing. You deserve to get help....even if it means going thur the ER

 

[Deleted member 541]

@FauxLiz I seriously doubt that any of us would enjoy doing what you are doing right now. But..... You had the balls(ovaries) to do this... Give yourself a huge pat on the back for do8mg what is needed to do.. getting help and asking for it is a huge step!!!!!

 

[Joan]

Awww....keeping you in my thoughts. I hope it is beneficial. I am glad to know you are safe.

 

[FauxLiz]

So I have been on the unit for 24 hours and I am going stir crazy. I don't know if most units attached to a hospital are this lackadaisical or not but the complete lack of structure, the lack schedule, and the overall vibe of the unit is driving me crazier than they already think I am. The inability to understand that their entering my room without knocking thus surprising me has me jumping at every noise. I don't feel as though I belong here and my nurse this evening called this place a Spa for the Mind which not only seems a waste of time but also a waste of money. I don't know that I am going to do moving forward but at least we are allowed TV, Computers and music.

 

[desiderata310]

FauxLiz These settings are to give you a break from real life and while it may lack structure it does not lack oversight- which is what someone in crisis mode needs in most cases. What you described is also why I can't go to one of these: they can play havoc with PTSD.

Ride it out. You're there and safe and for now it's ... enough.

 

[Deleted member 541]

The psych ward I have been in.....

Structured from 7am till 7pm. Therapy sessions, art classes, group sessions, very little TV, nobody knocks, doors stay open at night. No, computers, personal phones and everything is searched upon entering, including a strip searching. UGH!!!! But shit, I would go bonkers having nothing to do but wander around.

Do they at least offer therapy or group therapy???? Hang in there!!!!

 

[FauxLiz]

@She Cat the tv, computers and phones are communal and they searched everything. When I got here I thought it would be very similar to River Oaks. I will meet with a Pdoc or social worker once a day and they have three groups total a day but no one attends and there is not an expectation to attend as they can't force you. I felt more productive and safe sitting on my couch at home so this really sucks and is not what I need as a crisis break.

 

[Joan]

I have been in a similar setting, but maybe with a little more structure for short term....it is tough, for me it was for my safety....we did have movies, no computer or cell though. Hang in there. Hopefully something will seem helpful. Sending positive vibes your way.

 

[DharmaGirl]

I wish I could have commented before. I have had several hospitalizations, and I know the ropes. When you meet with the Pdoc or Social worker, let them know how you feel. That you don't find this therapeutic. I found one place I went to was the same way. Do they have a partial outpatient program where you could go and take certain groups that actually meet?

 

[Deleted member 541]

@FauxLiz The place I went, meetings and groups were mandatory if you wanted to get out of the place. Funny, I now clean the house of one of the therapist that works at the psych ward I went to. I just said to him yesterday, I could use a rest and thinking of checking in. He laughed and said that due to insurance cutbacks, they can only keep a person 3 days, 5 max. That’s not a vacation, so I passed.....

Hang in there.....

 

[FauxLiz]

@DharmaGirl I did mention to the Pdoc and social worker yesterday that the lack of structure was not working. Today after meeting with me again and agreeing not to run away or hurt myself I have been moved to the "open unit". Which is a lot like it sounds other than still being a psych unit. The thing is even with being open the groups here are mandatory and actually take place. We have access to phones and computers and there is a TV room so hopefully this will be much better.