I've not been inpatient but have done out patient and visited a friend who was inpatient. In patient. The one I have delt with (which is a good one) will not all you to have anything with strings, cords, or the likes. So she will want pants that are comfy and warm (it tends to be cold) which doesn't require a belt or anything. slip on shoes are the best. If it has laces - she'll have to take them out. I know my friend had meetings thoughout the day to "talk" in group. There will be people at all different levels possible. Some who are ready to commit sucide to those like your wife. She will be hearing many different stories. I was shocked at how many people in my outpatient group were sexually molested.

The doctor I think visits once a day or every other day. It's best place to be if she's really stuggling!

When you go to visit during visiting hours - your wife will need to give you a code. Ours you have to ring a buzzer - give them the patient code and your name. Then they do a cross reference and if you pass (your name is on her list and you give the right code) you are allowed in. You may also not bring anything to drink or eat in. If you bring her clothing it will have to go though them first (check for strings and such). I had to cut the string out of some sweats for my friend but they allowed them in after I did that.

During the day I'm not sure all what goes on except they work with you to get you back on track. A good program will release her to an outpatient program.

Best of luck! I'll be praying for you all as it's not just her going though this.

-Mags

I would highly recommend not doing it. Find a different doctor. Yes they make a ton of money. The people that work the most with the patients have next to no training at all. Most feel that the patients weren't disapplined enough and do very odd things to them. Get a therapist that can handle the tough stuff.

You know, when my wife needed to adjust her meds, the doc tweaked things a little at a time until it was right. I can't see how hospitals could adjust the medication any better. Make sure that all tweaking of medications goes through a doctor, though.

you wife is in my prayers

My adolescent daughter is currently on her 3rd in patient hospitalization. While not exactly the same as the adult unit they have different levels and with those levels come different priveleges. While on suicide watch she can't have shoelaces, drawstrings, belts, jewelry, or a number of other things that most of us would not even consider using to hurt ourselves. We have visiting hours between 5 and 7 every day and specific times that we can call the unit. As noted in one of the other posts there is a code word that must be used for all phone calls and visitations in addition to an approved list of visitors and callers. I know that it sounds extreme and intimidating but if your wife is not feeling safe then the hospital is the best option. She will be under constant observation and unable to hurt herself while at the same time her meds can be adjusted in a controlled environment where she will see the Dr. at least once a day.

I spent 7 days in inpatint emotional health unit. It was a good one. Saw doc every day and did therapy groups all day every day even sunday. We had visting days twice a week. We could call during the time we didn't have therapy. Food wasn't the best. But I got through it. A medication put me in deep depression so I got off it and felt better even though I had chronic pain. I went to outpatient for 4 weeks and then I go to support group twice a week. The doctor also decided I was a addict and I go to AA because I can't go to NA in my town. It will be one year next month and I'm doing good. It went by fast and I had great support from friends and family.

I don't know how long that will take, because I never had to detox. It really depends on what she was taking. I was in the hospital for about 3 days. It isn't fun and you get little privacy. If you stay in the bathroom too long they come and check on you. Every day you're woken up by a nurse or student nurse who takes your vitals at about 7:00 am. Oxygen levels are tested with a device that clips on the finger. I hated the peeing in the cup part, but they have to do this to see what they can put you on. They feed you very regularly. I hated choosing what to order. Most people in the hospital I was at wear their own clothes and the hospital's non-slip socks. The socks are cool. They don't let you have much in your room. Some of your things they lock up. They encourage you to be in the common room with the other patients most of the day. That is the place where the visitors come, the food is served, and the psychiatrist meets you. The common room had a TV, some not very good books, couches, tables, and chairs. The beds are not very good. My bed was almost too small. The psychiatrist comes once a day. They get people out as soon as they can. The other patients are often very annoying. I had one of them fall in love with me. It wasn't pleasant. Students will come in and do therapy sessions with the group. Attendance is required if you are able to attend (not too sick or seeing the psychiatrist at the time). Patients are allowed to use the phone during certain hours. Visiting patients in their rooms is not permitted. All areas except the bathrooms have cameras. The patients are allowed to wash their own clothes. Smoking is not allowed. Patches and gum are provided. She will need to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, clothes, and grooming supplies. Soap and linens are provided. Patients usually have their own rooms. Males and females are usually on the same unit. Touching other patients is not allowed. Sometimes food brought from outside is allowed. Religious counsel can be provided if asked for. Some meds don't require detox. A list of rules and rights should be provided to each patient on check in.