When in the hospital they monitored my medicine. They had to administor it. I was in there for 2 nights.

I was hospitalized in the middle of June from Monday to Friday. I was at in inpatient psychiatric hospital. Yes I was very confined and limited the entire time. There were many rules and restrictions. You were discouraged from being in your room and were only allowed in there to change, nap, shower, or go to the bathroom. The hospital messed up my medications ( non psych ones) so I had some issues steming from that. I basically spent over 12 hours a day in a large room sitting in chairs with nothing to do. There was one TV but we weren't allowed to have the remote. We were forced to attend childish "group therapy". I did not feel that I got anything out the hospitalization except a feeling of safety.

I do feel that being in the hospital really did help me during that moment because I was a danger to myself. I met some really great people that I am in still in contact with almost on a daily basis but besides that it wasn't helpful.

You can message me if you have any questions

I was hospitalized a long time ago and through an odd set of circumstances worked as a psych tech (did not need certification then). In addition my wife was in a number of psych units and she was quite ill physically. As belledujour said it is often tedious. It can be helpful as well. Raising, lowering or changing medication sometimes needs to be closely monitored and it can help one through a crisis. From what you posted a psych unit attached to a medical facility might be your best bet since they would be better equipped to deal with (and understand) non-psych issues.

All medication on a psych unit is typically distributed by staff for safety reason. They would not deny you what you need.

I have never come across any policy in any psych unit (and I have seen quite few) that would limit someone's access to a restroom. I am pretty sure you could sue them for that.

You may not be allowed off the psych unit but you should be free to move about within it. As for lying down periodically that does vary, but if it is required for a medical reason it is unlikely they would deny you.

Hope this helps

I can relate to your apprehension to the 'mental' ER; although temporary, my stay seemed eternal until a bed was available in the Inpatient (Behavoral Medicine)...the Adult wing of the Inpatient stay offered much more independent living (within one's safety restrictions); they monitor all required medicines; meals; group therapy sessions...I had two voluntary stays - it was definitely a needed break from the stressors & triggers of every day life...

I have been hospitalized 3x and no they do not limit your bathroom time, need to lay down, etc. They do encourage you to stay up and go to meetings, join games, and do art. To me that was helpful because I am someone who doesn't want to get out of bed.

Try it, I don't think you will be too disappointed

Oh yeah, they frown on going into each others rooms. Hope this helps

It saved my life! I was so down over being arrested for something I didn't do and facing possible jail time for it. I wanted to end it, but checked myself into the hospital. They offered me different views other than my severely obscured views! I didn't find it restrictive in any way, but you have to have an open mind and listen to what the professionals and other people have to say in order to help yourself. It was definitely a well needed break from life! If you have a Catholic hospital near you, Saint... they will not turn you away and your care is not based on your ability to pay, so if you are anywhere near the shape I was in, do it and stop thinking about it!

Secret: Yes, many many years ago I was hospitalized and I feel, in my case it did not help. I was young and it was during a time when long hospitalizations were being paid for by insurance.
Currently most psychatric units will only keep you until you are more stabilized.
There are Intensive Outpatient Programs at some mental health centers and hospitals which offer structure during the day but enable you to be home at night.
My opinion is that for either inpatient or outpatient they should take your medical issues into consideration and not pretend that they don't exist. For legal purposes, most places will distribute your meds unless their are extraordinary circumstances. They are also trying to stabilize the depression so they need to keep track of what you are taking AND since many people admitted to these units are suicidal they don't want meds floating around the unit.
I think there are some great programs...do some research if you can or ask someone to help you to find the right program.
Good luck and your safety is important.

yes five times the last one was two years ago they let you go to the bathroom when you want they discourage you from laying down because they want you to go to groups they try to give all meds that are prescribed psych and non psych