Posted by Penny on May 3, 2004, at 15:25:46
In reply to T pushing for inpatient- scared, very scared, posted by Poet on May 3, 2004, at 14:55:16
It's not a wonderful place, Poet, but it's not a terrible place either.
What helped me the most was meeting so many others who 'got it'. They UNDERSTOOD how I was feeling. And, seriously, they were more help to me than the 'professionals' on the ward. And we were all in it together.
Remember - a hospital visit is a short-term fix, a way to keep yourself safe until the worst passes. And it will pass. And then you can return home and be better able to deal with the stuff in your life.
My T and pdoc called me frequently during my week in the hospital. Also, my pdoc called and arranged for me to be a 'direct admit' so I wouldn't have to go through the ER. Perhaps your T could do the same? It makes it a bit easier, I do believe.
I went straight from my pdoc's office, so I didn't have a bag, but it would have been better if I had. My roommate at the time brought me one. Absolute requirements (to me) are comfy clothes, comfy pjs, comfy shoes, books (or puzzle books - crosswords, word search, jumbles), hygiene items (I'm sure the rules vary from hospital to hospital), and a pillow, as the hospital pillows are hard as a brick. Other than that, it's go as you are. Oh - at the hospital where I was, a little pocket change came in handy as they had a drink machine in the hall and that enabled me to get my caffeine fix without resorting to coffee. :-)
Anyway, seriously Poet - it's not a terrible place. I won't lie and say that all the folks who work in a psych ward should be working there, but there are some who are in the right career and are helpful, and the other patients (IMO) can be more helpful than all the rest. It's just a bit of a break for you - a chance to step back and take a breather and know that you don't have to make any real decisions for a little while. And it really can help. It's certainly worth a try.
(((Poet)))
Please take care of you.
P
poster:Penny
thread:342891
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040503/msgs/342911.html