Posted by shelliR on August 11, 2001, at 20:51:36
In reply to Help ! Rocky patch ..., posted by sweetmarie on August 11, 2001, at 10:48:46
Hi Anna.Getting out of the hospital is a major major transition, up there with changing jobs,divorce, moving, etc. About six years ago I was in the hospital for almost six weeks, and I totally flipped out when I got out, so I ended up going back into another part of the hospital (a much less supportive unit for a week) ; then I really *did* want to go home.
The problem was that no one had worked with me on the transition. I had a new outpatient therapist and pdoc, but that was not enough. Later they developed a partial hospitalization program where you could go either everyday, all day, or pick a shorter schedule, like three days a week. Is there anything like that in the UK? Or more importantly, a program near where you live?
Also, there is any equivalent to what we call here community colleges? They are relatively inexpensive community based programs where you can go for the first two years of college, while creating a very flexible schedule for yourself. I had already gone to both college and graduate school and just went there to get some structure; I took art courses. It was very relaxing, non-competitive, and there were people of all ages--right out of college, also a lot of retired and folks on disabililty, because they were offered classes free.
Would something like that be available to you? If not, are there any other places which offer relaxing type classes, just to get you out everyday, or at least a few times a week. Structure is so important to create because you are used to a structured environment, where the structure was set up for you. And as you mentioned, the social aspect.
I think you are probably having a let down from having to face a scary situation, and I would think that the good you were getting from the meds will come back, once you are acclimated to the world again. And I think it was Susan who said to do nice things for yourself--maybe change things enough in your apartment that it doesn't trigger your prior feelings. Are you allowed to paint the walls? If so, maybe you could get a friend or family member to help, and pick out a wonderful color for you. In most apartments here you are allowed to paint the walls as long as they can put the same basic offwhite over it when you leave. I wish I knew more about the UK, so I could offer more ideas.
Feel free to reject any or all of my suggestions. I want you to know that I do understand, and that creating structure was the thing that helped me through it.
Take care,
Shelli
poster:shelliR
thread:74612
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010809/msgs/74692.html