Posted by baseball55 on September 28, 2015, at 21:30:37
In reply to Re: experiences in a psych ward » joe f, posted by Brot on September 28, 2015, at 20:39:52
I have been in psych hospitals several times. They are not spas. They are for people who are a danger to themselves or others. Each time I was on the verge of suicide and was grateful to be in a safe place. Sooo - boring, whatever. If you feel you are about to kill yourself and need to be safe, that's what they're for. Generally, I was so depressed that I barely got out of bed each time, so not being free to go out and do things was not an issue - I was not going out and doing things anyway.
As far as staff goes. My experience was very good except at a for-profit hospital I went to, where coverage was minimal. I went to teaching hospitals with lots of attendings and residents and social workers and highly experienced nurses. Every one was kind, attentive. I never lacked for someone to talk to if I could get up the energy to talk. I spoke with a psychiatrist and social worker each day, usually for as long as 1/2 and hour each. There were lots of groups, once I felt well enough to attend.
They did not overmedicate me. Just tried to find drugs that would get me up and moving and stop ruminating on suicide.
That was my experience. The ER experience, though, is a different story. Left alone under constant observation for hours while they search for a bed in the region. There is a shortage of psych beds and ER stays can be endless while they wait for a bed to open. Also, once you go to the ER and they decide you are a suicide risk, you are totally stuck there and there is nothing voluntary about it.
poster:baseball55
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