Posted by sweetmarie on August 12, 2001, at 12:15:12
In reply to Re: Help ! Rocky patch ... » sweetmarie, posted by shelliR on August 11, 2001, at 20:51:36
> Getting out of the hospital is a major major transition, up there with changing jobs,divorce, moving, etc.This is true ...
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?
I would be able to attend hospital on a `partial` basis if I actually lived in Newcastle (where I was in hospital). As I live `out of area` (in Leeds, 200 miles away) I can`t do this. However, I will hopefully be seeing a community nurse on a regular basis - although I`m not sure how regularly I`ll actually see her.
> 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?Yes, there ARE colleges where I could do a course - these usually only offer evening classes though. I`m not sure whether I would be able to cope with this at this stage, but you are spot on when you mention `structure`. It`s one of the main things that hospital offers, and it`s *crucial* (I think) for people recovering (or, trying to recover) from major depression. I have a place at a day centre, which I am intending to go to. It`s not a `typical` mental health day centre (grim surroundings, basket weaving (!) etc.), and really quite pleasant (even ambient) with various different groups. I DON`T want to go there - I`m completely terrified - but, I think that I`ll go however crappy I feel.
> 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.
It`s funny you should mention this ... last year (April), all the flats in our estate were given new kitchen fittings, new front doors, and double glazing. At the same time, the Housing Association gave all tenants £200 to decorate their places (I don`t know whether you have these in the States - they are charitable organisations which own properties and rent them out to people who are on the `lower` income brackets. They charge very reasonable rent, and are responsible for most of the repair work that`s needed). Anyway, I went out and bought a fitted carpet and bought paint (bright yellow) for the bathroom and kitchen. They stipulated that the work was to be carried out in 2 years, which leaves me approx 8 months to do it. So, I think I`ll actually do it. Thanks for the suggestion - I`d forgotten all about it ...
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.
You`ve been great ... have you never been to the UK? If not, you should - it`s good (honestly!).
> 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.
You`ve been wonderful - all your suggestions were helpful, and you hit the nail on the head when you talk about `structure`.
Thank you.
love,
Anna.
poster:sweetmarie
thread:74612
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010809/msgs/74777.html