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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by nicki on February 18, 2005, at 18:00:02
Seeing someone post about going to the hospital really pulled at my heartstrings, although I have no advice for this because I never have gone. Because I didn't need to? Because I thought it was just for crazies that need locked up? I don't know. But it did get me to thinking, I worked in a regular hospital with a psych ward.I am a physical therapist so I am quite educated but lets face it unless you work in that specific field you don't know. My question is this, when do you know when its time to go, how long do you stay,what goes on, I see "group" therapy and that freaks me out, or I see regualr people content coloring picures or making crafts. That is not me and I think that would make me feel worse. Anyone with experience. I have neglected my psych health really. When can you get committed without your wanting to go? It just seems to me that it wouln't help but just make me feel worse. and out of sorts.
Posted by Nixon on February 18, 2005, at 18:08:40
In reply to hospital stays, posted by nicki on February 18, 2005, at 18:00:02
> Seeing someone post about going to the hospital really pulled at my heartstrings, although I have no advice for this because I never have gone. Because I didn't need to? Because I thought it was just for crazies that need locked up? I don't know. But it did get me to thinking, I worked in a regular hospital with a psych ward.I am a physical therapist so I am quite educated but lets face it unless you work in that specific field you don't know. My question is this, when do you know when its time to go, how long do you stay,what goes on, I see "group" therapy and that freaks me out, or I see regualr people content coloring picures or making crafts. That is not me and I think that would make me feel worse. Anyone with experience. I have neglected my psych health really. When can you get committed without your wanting to go? It just seems to me that it wouln't help but just make me feel worse. and out of sorts.
Hi Nikki,
That's a good question and I am looking forward to seeing some responses. I don't have inpatient experience. JN
Posted by banga on February 18, 2005, at 18:21:28
In reply to Re: hospital stays » nicki, posted by Nixon on February 18, 2005, at 18:08:40
I don't have hospitalization experience here, so I cannot comment on typical length of stay--in any case typically there is pressure not to hold someone longer than absolutely necessary )i.e., often it is not long enough) as in past years there have been severe cutbacks in terms of how many beds are available in psychiatry ( I don't mean physical beds-I mean amount of resources for patients); but in terms of doing crafts and such, it does sound silly, but it is probably a good outlet --art therapy has been shown to work--and a way for people to get their minds-well, out of their heads.
In terms of committment, pretty hard to do--I think you need to either have uttered a very serious intent to do yourself or another person harm (have a plan), or also if someone concerned can prove that you are not able to execute good judgement and clearly are in harm's way because you are not able to take care of yourself. There is a 72-hour hold a pdoc can make and in that time he/she needs to prove this is the case.
Posted by Phillipa on February 18, 2005, at 22:04:57
In reply to Re: hospital stays, posted by banga on February 18, 2005, at 18:21:28
Anyone can commit someone in NC. You just go to a magistrate at the Court House and state why this person is of danger to himself or others. Then they are hospitalized where a pdoc dx them. They then go before a judge after 72 hours, and he/she decides whether this person can be discharged or needs further tx. Sometimes the person decides to sign-in voluntarily before hand which means they will probably get out sooner. I have been in the hospital, and also worked as a psych RN, before I got sick. Some folks love to do crafts, and others don't. I personally agree with you and find it demoralizing. Depending on the population {degree of cognitive functioning}, some insight Groups are very good and I've enjoyed and learned a lot. People share like AA. You gain a new perspective on Life from some of the stories you hear. Of course, if you don't have a good Leader you will have a bad experience and be bored. Hope this sheds some insight. And, most people that don't work on psych are very afraid of that "locked door". Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Maxime on February 18, 2005, at 22:31:42
In reply to Re: hospital stays, posted by Phillipa on February 18, 2005, at 22:04:57
I have had several hospital stays. I was commited twice for 30 days but was release after 7 days. Then there have been the suicide attempts where after I left the icu and then med ward I was sent to psych. And there have been times when I knew I had to go in.
Okay, the arts and crafts suck. But I didn't have to do them once I was able to do one small project. They use occupational therapy to test your concentration etc. But I found having the time to get away from outside stressors helped a lot. I would color on my own and it would relax me. Or write in a journal. The groups are alright. Some fit the stereotype that it is almost amusing -"And Chad, how does what Maria just said make you feel?" UGH! One time I answered "it makes me feel horny". I couldn't help it. I was just so bored.
I found the other patients to be the most therapeutic part of my stay. You make friends. And everyone defines themselves by their illness. Or people will ask you what you have before they ask your name!
The food sucks and I grew to hate the sound and smell of the trolly coming into the ward. But you could see who was on zyprexa because they would eat all their food and I could pawn off mine as well!
2 weeks is typical ... sometimes more, sometimes less. If you are brought in totally manic and out of touch with reality you will be there for about a month.
My longest stay was when I was on the eating disorder unit in a psychiatric hospital. I was there for four months. I weighed 60 pounds and I was really ill. I don't like to talk about that hospitalization because it was hell.
Have I answered your question well enough?
Maxime
Posted by holymama on February 19, 2005, at 0:30:01
In reply to hospital stays, posted by nicki on February 18, 2005, at 18:00:02
Dear Nicki and anyone,
I was only hospitalized once, and it was for 6 days. I was extremely overmedicated (7 meds), withdrawel symptoms from some, side effects from starting othrs. I was shaking, having hot and cold flashes, having severe mood swings from day to day (I'm bipolar, but this was crazy), not eating much at all. When having depressive swings I had suicidal urges that I was afraid I wouldn't be able to control -- they were so strong. I made an agreement and plan with my therapist and psychiatrist that if I had any more urges that felt scary to me, I would admit myself to the hospital. It helped to have that plan, so I would know what to do when I felt so bad instead of hemming and hawing about whether or not I should off myself. I enjoyed the hospital! Like the last writer, I made friends and enjoyed talking to people there, group therapy was boring at worst, and I felt safe knowing I was getting my meds straghtened out and would leave better than when I came in. I did. Not full recovery (that took weeks), but much better and more confident and really changed. In fact, not I'm going back to grad schoool to study mental health counseling.
Posted by alienatari on February 19, 2005, at 7:36:54
In reply to hospital stays, posted by nicki on February 18, 2005, at 18:00:02
I am sure that not everyone has a bad experience when they are in hospital but I sure did.
Ive been in hospital twice now, both private hospitals which are considered to be a lot better than public ones.
Anyway I had a hell of a time. I was manic (stupid new psychatrist in the hospital took me off Depakote and the antipsychotic i was on) and that just got worse. I was euphoric though, I wasnt agressive at all I was just playing around and not being too serious. Anyway, in group therapy it ended up being everyone telling me off in the group. I had made a couple of friends though, and one guy was saying things like "i feel sorry for you everyones picking on you" anyway it wasnt fun but I didnt just sit back and take the abuse I had massive arguments with one of the girls, and this is what everyone in the group was yelling at me for. I changed on the board when no one was in the room to where it said "symptoms of depression: dry mouth" i changed mouth to "anus". I just cant believe how enraged people got from this. Out of the group one guy came up to me and said something of the likes that he was going to bash me up or do something to me. I told the psych nurses and I was assured I would be safe. Yea right! Whenever I talked in group therapy I was screamed at by other people, such as one time when we were talking about antidepressants and I said I have tried so many I dont believe they actually work (hey I was studying psychology at the time too and a lot of psych reports state that antidepressants work no better than placebo, whether its true or not I firmly believed it at the time because nothing had worked) and this girl in the group went off and starting screaming at me. Even the "psychologist", who obviously had minimal drug training, was saying how that It was just because I havent found the right one and they do work. How does that work? Ive taken almost every drug on the market in the country I live in. Im only left with Nardil and imipramine.
Anyway I got sick of this, I left. They gave me a sheet of paper asking for my local doc to perscribe me benzo's. I was manic at the time mind you so I went dr shopping, got so many benzo's and was eating them like lollies. Got addicted to them, did some really strange things like trying to live on the streets because it was the "right" thing to do. I thought God was talking to me and telling me to change religions so i did that and I also legally changed my name (which my psych got voided thank God), but over this time peroid I can barely remember anything. Its very fragmented and I have to rely on what other people tell me how I was like. I guess this is because of all the benzo's I was taking. Saw my old psych again, got weaned off them and put on a mood stabalizer and an antipsychotic (my mania turned into psychosis at that point). Anyway, It took me so long to recover from this experience. And the things I did when I was manic I am not proud of. I put my family through hell with worry and It could have been avoided if the stupid pdoc in the hospital would have known better. But I still do take responsibility for my actions. Anyway, It still makes me angry. And this was a private hospital, the public ones are much worse (I know quite a few people that have been in them, including 3 family members and 2 close friends).BUT, I know people who have had good experiences in hospital. I just know I will try my hardest to never EVER end up in a psychatric hospital again.
Take care and sorry for the long post.
Posted by alienatari on February 19, 2005, at 7:38:25
In reply to hospital stays, posted by nicki on February 18, 2005, at 18:00:02
Oh yea. I forgot to say how long i stayed lol. I stayed 2 weeks but they wanted me there for something like 4-5 weeks. I left against their advice
Posted by Nixon on February 19, 2005, at 8:43:20
In reply to Re: hospital stays, posted by alienatari on February 19, 2005, at 7:36:54
> I am sure that not everyone has a bad experience when they are in hospital but I sure did.
>
> Ive been in hospital twice now, both private hospitals which are considered to be a lot better than public ones.
>
> Anyway I had a hell of a time. I was manic (stupid new psychatrist in the hospital took me off Depakote and the antipsychotic i was on) and that just got worse. I was euphoric though, I wasnt agressive at all I was just playing around and not being too serious. Anyway, in group therapy it ended up being everyone telling me off in the group. I had made a couple of friends though, and one guy was saying things like "i feel sorry for you everyones picking on you" anyway it wasnt fun but I didnt just sit back and take the abuse I had massive arguments with one of the girls, and this is what everyone in the group was yelling at me for. I changed on the board when no one was in the room to where it said "symptoms of depression: dry mouth" i changed mouth to "anus". I just cant believe how enraged people got from this. Out of the group one guy came up to me and said something of the likes that he was going to bash me up or do something to me. I told the psych nurses and I was assured I would be safe. Yea right! Whenever I talked in group therapy I was screamed at by other people, such as one time when we were talking about antidepressants and I said I have tried so many I dont believe they actually work (hey I was studying psychology at the time too and a lot of psych reports state that antidepressants work no better than placebo, whether its true or not I firmly believed it at the time because nothing had worked) and this girl in the group went off and starting screaming at me. Even the "psychologist", who obviously had minimal drug training, was saying how that It was just because I havent found the right one and they do work. How does that work? Ive taken almost every drug on the market in the country I live in. Im only left with Nardil and imipramine.
> Anyway I got sick of this, I left. They gave me a sheet of paper asking for my local doc to perscribe me benzo's. I was manic at the time mind you so I went dr shopping, got so many benzo's and was eating them like lollies. Got addicted to them, did some really strange things like trying to live on the streets because it was the "right" thing to do. I thought God was talking to me and telling me to change religions so i did that and I also legally changed my name (which my psych got voided thank God), but over this time peroid I can barely remember anything. Its very fragmented and I have to rely on what other people tell me how I was like. I guess this is because of all the benzo's I was taking. Saw my old psych again, got weaned off them and put on a mood stabalizer and an antipsychotic (my mania turned into psychosis at that point). Anyway, It took me so long to recover from this experience. And the things I did when I was manic I am not proud of. I put my family through hell with worry and It could have been avoided if the stupid pdoc in the hospital would have known better. But I still do take responsibility for my actions. Anyway, It still makes me angry. And this was a private hospital, the public ones are much worse (I know quite a few people that have been in them, including 3 family members and 2 close friends).
>
> BUT, I know people who have had good experiences in hospital. I just know I will try my hardest to never EVER end up in a psychatric hospital again.
>
> Take care and sorry for the long post.Hi,
Now that's what I call an interesting story. Good Luck. JN
Posted by Maxime on February 19, 2005, at 14:26:16
In reply to Re: hospital stays, posted by Nixon on February 19, 2005, at 8:43:20
I would like to add something.
Another positive about hospital stays is that (if they are going their jobs) you get homework to complete in group therapy or sometimes a psychologist will come and see you and also give you homework. Here are the difference patients and scenarios you will see:
1. People who are there for their depression but can still function. These patients are not allowed to stay in bed. They are encouraged (okay forced) to be active. They have to shower every morning, go to group and be as active as possible.
2. Depressed people who are almost catatonic. They are expected to reach little goals each day. Having a shower can be one. Talking to some of the other patients can be another. They do not go to groups because they can barely function. I have been in that category.
3. The patients with bipolar illness who went off their meds and are sooooo manic. Being bipolar myself I feel I can say this, but they provide the comic relief. I know it's awful to be manic but it's interesting to witness someone going through it especially if it's a good manic. They will talk and talk and be zipping around. Again, I do not mean to offend ANYONE here who has been in that condition as I have been there myself.
4. People who are there to receive ECT treatment. Poor souls. The days in between their treatments they are able to talk etc. but on the days that they have their treatment they are so out of it. But it is beautiful to see these people come to life after their a few treatments.It truly is.
5. Geriatric patients who should not be there if they are not mobile. I once spent a lot of time helping an old lady get around. I was there to get better. But the nurse didn't have time for her. I couldn't just watch her suffer.
6. Psychotic patients. It can be scary to see what they are going through. They don't scare me, but it hurts to see the pain they are in. Often they are in seclusion if they are too disruptive. Once they are stable they are brought out of seclusion. And I am not talking about being locked up in a room. They are in a different area of the psych ward where there are 3-4 rooms for these patients and the door to that area is locked. This is in Canada. When i was in the US for a year I was in the hospital for 5 days (psychotic reaction to wellbutrin) and there was a room to seclude out of control patients and we could see the room. We had to pass by it to get to the dining area. It was sooooo painful to watch and hear as they went crazy in this room.
ADVICE: I'm not sure how it works in the US. But when I have been in the hospital in Canada and it's "med time" I will look at what is in the cup and if there is something I don't recognise I ask. If I don't want to take it I don't. I tell the nurse that I will talk to the pdoc the next day. They of course take notes .... But you have the right NOT to be overmedicated.
Okay this post is getting long, so I will end now.
Maxime
Posted by pretty_paints on February 20, 2005, at 9:30:39
In reply to Re: hospital stays, posted by Maxime on February 19, 2005, at 14:26:16
Hi Nicki,
Hospital is really not bad at all. Well I guess for some people it can be.
I had an okay time. I went in for 3 weeks as I was psychotic. I wasn't locked up though.
The food was greaaat (but I was on Zyprexa! he he). The people were all a bit weird and I couldn't be bothered with them.
As for arts and crafts, ahh, I would have loved this! I understand what you mean about it being demoralising, I mean 6 months previous to hospital I was studying at Cambridge Uni. And from that to...ooh, cut a tree out of cardboard and stick it on with glue. But ACTUALLY, I really don't care about that. The point was, I was too ill to be doing things I'd done in the past. And arts and crafts and simple things helped me forget about the difficult stuff. I could actually achieve something again. Anyway, I do a lot of stuff like that now, 6 months on. A gardening group, an art group, meditation, etc etc.
Actually in hospital it was crap. There was NOTHING to do all day but watch tv in a dirty room. Urgh. Or be in your room, bored. I would have liked to try group therapy too, but there was none.
I felt safer in hospital, and would go again if things got bad. If anything, I could easily go in at the moment just for a rest. I'm in the middle of changing from Seroquel to Abilify, and I feel lousy. I would like to have the pressure taken off and just be able to go in for a few days to not have to think or worry about anything.
Anyway, there was another post about hospitalisations. I wrote a really long post for it. Try on the search engine!
Anyway, hope this info is helpful :-)
Love Kate
Posted by Phillipa on February 20, 2005, at 16:39:02
In reply to Re: hospital stays, posted by pretty_paints on February 20, 2005, at 9:30:39
Kate, Ed and I were worried about you. I'm glad to hear you sounding much better, with totally organized thoughts. Fondly, Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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