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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Manda on April 17, 2002, at 15:04:48
I've scared the only people with whom I've been honest lately. Now, they're saying things like, "Maybe you should voluntarily commit yourself- just for a few weeks or a month or so..." and "Maybe you should take a year off of school so that you can get better." Honestly, both suggestions scare me to death. I have no idea what life in a hospital would be like, and I can't imagine what my life would be like if I were not in school. What do y'all think about this? Any experience in either?? The fact that they would even suggest these things is kind of scary in itself. I feel like I've protected them from the very worst stuff, and yet they are still so worried that they're saying these things?? Anyway, I don't know what to think. Any words of wisdom (or any words at all) would be much appreciated. Thanks.
-Manda
Posted by kiddo on April 17, 2002, at 16:32:03
In reply to Taking time off for school or going to a hospital?, posted by Manda on April 17, 2002, at 15:04:48
Hi Manda-
I couldn't see any previous posts from you so if I ask something that's been asked before, I apologize. Do you have a pdoc (psychiatrist) or therapist? I'm not sure what all is going on in your life so this may or may not help.
Friends, family, and even strangers are often quick to give offer advice now I'll throw in my 2 cents worth :-). What do you think about going into the hospital? I know it's frightening but do you think it's what would be best for you? Are you working? Perhaps if things are too much you could take off one semester or lighten your course load.... are either one of those an option? What about a local support group?
Maybe you could sit down and write down the pros and cons of each one, and prioritize everything, seeing what can be changed and what you need to do.
Maybe one of those are an option?
Kiddo
Posted by Manda on April 17, 2002, at 16:48:51
In reply to Re: Taking time off for school or going to a hospital? » Manda, posted by kiddo on April 17, 2002, at 16:32:03
Kiddo,
I have a therapist, and I just got a pdoc (as in, about 30 minutes ago!). My therapist is concerned about how I've been doing, but she doesn't seem as worried as my boyfriend and my priest (probably at least partly due to her position and partly due to the fact that she hasn't seen me at my worst).
As for going to a hospital, I don't really know- it really depends on my mood (which changes constantly- part of the reason why they're so worried). Sometimes it sounds absolutely wonderful b/c I feel so overwhelmed with responsibilities and expectations, etc. On the other hand, it makes me feel like a failure or something. I've always been one to be responsible and take care of myself and others, so going into a program like that is so contrary to my nature in some ways. Also, it just seems like it would disrupt my life so much, and I don't think that my family and friends would ever treat me the same way. So many people in my life don't really have a clue that I'm having so much trouble, and there's no way to hide it when you go into a hospital. Hmm... I don't know...
I took a very light load last semester (9 hours, instead of 15+), and it didn't seem to help all that much. I still had major problems with getting all of my schoolwork done, even though it wasn't that much. That's part of why I'm so frustrated right now- I keep giving myself easier situations to deal with, thinking that I can just focus on getting better, but it doesn't work. Last summer, I didn't apply for a job and I didn't go to school b/c I wanted time to relax and get better so that I could start off better in the fall. Well, it did no good- my fall was worse than last spring. So, basically, I get progressively worse as time goes on, regardless of the situation. :(
Anyway, I don't have to decide about either today. Right now I'm just trying to survive this semester- I don't know how in the world I'm going to get through it, but I'm praying that I will. Hopefully, my new pdoc will be able to help me. I just wish that I could get in to see him before the first day of my finals. :( Well, I guess that's about it. I'm about to be late for my appt. with my therapist...
-Manda
> Hi Manda-
>
> I couldn't see any previous posts from you so if I ask something that's been asked before, I apologize. Do you have a pdoc (psychiatrist) or therapist? I'm not sure what all is going on in your life so this may or may not help.
>
> Friends, family, and even strangers are often quick to give offer advice now I'll throw in my 2 cents worth :-). What do you think about going into the hospital? I know it's frightening but do you think it's what would be best for you? Are you working? Perhaps if things are too much you could take off one semester or lighten your course load.... are either one of those an option? What about a local support group?
>
> Maybe you could sit down and write down the pros and cons of each one, and prioritize everything, seeing what can be changed and what you need to do.
>
> Maybe one of those are an option?
>
>
> Kiddo
Posted by shelliR on April 17, 2002, at 21:13:01
In reply to Re: Taking time off for school or going to a hospital? » kiddo, posted by Manda on April 17, 2002, at 16:48:51
Manda,
I think there's only a few good reasons to go into a hospital. One is that you are suicidal or coming unraveled and need time to gather your resources, or regain hope.
The other is if a good hospital program is available to you; one that might further you along in treatment (psychologically, and/or by implementing a drug protacol. A hospital should not *just* be a place to get away unless you don't feel safe.
Most hospitals are just a holding tank, until your insurance says "no more."
Hospitals stays which used to be a month, are generally only a week or so in the past few years.I used to go into a hospital program that was excellent some years ago. I think it was excellent because the whole staff was geared to working with the impact trauma has on mental health. There was lots of different therapies (art, psychodrama, and group) AND you had a individual therapy appointment 3x a week. That is unusual these days, so really look into the hospital programs that are available to you. You wouldn't want to give up school for a one week stay in a hospital. If you can handle school at all (even two classes), it is good to have some structure. You said that just resting did not turn out to be much help when it comes to fall.
One more idea: you might also consider cutting back to two courses and going to an outpatient day program. I think they can be more helpful for some people than the hospital.
Good luck,
Shelli
Posted by KB on April 18, 2002, at 7:53:13
In reply to Re: Taking time off for school or going to a hospital? » Manda, posted by shelliR on April 17, 2002, at 21:13:01
I had a period when people I cared about were urging me to go into the hospital, but my therapist and I managed to work through it on an outpatient basis by seeing each other twice a week.
I think that sometimes people in our lives who are not mental health professionals get scared for us and want us to take big steps like the hospital just because they want to be absolutely sure not to lose us. Mental health professionals see enough people in trouble to have a pretty good instinct about the level someone's at - and they have more objectivity - at least good ones do.
In the end, whatever other people say, it's your decision because you know yourself best.
Also, if you need a short break from responsibilities, maybe a vacation? Think of it as a "treatment" and go somewhere where none of the responsibilities can get to you.
Posted by Katt on April 18, 2002, at 13:04:03
In reply to Taking time off for school or going to a hospital?, posted by Manda on April 17, 2002, at 15:04:48
I think hospitals are terrible places. I have been hospitalized five times, and it is almost never a good experience. You spend countless hours in boredom, many of your rights are taking away, you are stripped to nothing, and often, the staff pretends you are either not there, stupid, retarded, or a toddler. They also tend to take away or change your meds, ignore your complaints about discomfort (whether it be room temperature or stomach pains), and you don't even get any therapy. You spend the entire day going from one group to the next and to be honest - each group feels like you are in class. I have never felt helped in a hospital and I've always been in because I've either done something to myself, or threatened to do something to myself. It's awful.
This is the end of the thread.
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