Posted by Ilene on March 4, 2004, at 17:56:05
In reply to Re: Hospitalization » Ilene, posted by fallsfall on March 4, 2004, at 17:14:19
> Yes, it really can help.
>
> In my hospital they have a lot of group sessions where they teach coping skills and ways of recognizing problems that you have. There was a heavily educational focus. It was also possible to talk to staff members (but you had to ask - be sure to ask) one on one, and that was helpful, too.
>
> Lots of times people do med changes in the hospital (because if their meds were working well they probably wouldn't need to be there...). In the hospital environment they can keep an eye on you and so can do the changes faster.
>
> They keep you from nothing to a couple of weeks - I think the average now is 3 to 5 days. I'm a firm believe in the couple of weeks. I think a lot of people are discharged just when they stop being in crisis and they haven't had the mental energy to learn anything to keep the out the next time. I always try to encourage people to stay in as long as they can - but most people want "out" right away.
>
> The hospital also helps you understand that you aren't so different from a bunch of other people. That can help, too.
>
> Good luck.I need meds that work before I can utilize coping skills. I don't know what skills I can use that I'm not using. I feel like a zombie a good deal of the time. I think I'm aware of my problems, but I'm too depressed to do anything about them.
I'm taking an MAOI, which doesn't seem to be working. We've talked about adding lithium, and occasionally talked about ECT. ECT seems so risky.
I also have my son to think about.
Thanks for responding.
I.
poster:Ilene
thread:320157
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040219/msgs/320285.html