Just want to wish you well.Hope you get the advise you need.xxxxxxx

First, let me say how brave you seem!! i have never been hospitalized, so i cannot help you there, but i did want to commend you for taking control of you and doing this. some of us would be too scared to do it, so kudos!

From my experience Liz, they do the assessment over a couple of days - monitor your mood and behaviour. As you are going in voluntarily, you can leave any time you want. Any thing new is scary, but there are a lot of good facilities out there, and at least this way, they will determine if it is BP2 or not. I'll be thinking of you sweetie xx

I don't know what the hospitals in Canada are like. Most of the ones I have been in have been in Iowa have been alright. Some of the units were a bit scarey at first but became more of what you put into them. MEaning you are not there for the pretty decorations. Take time to focus on you and work on you. My eval times and med adjustment stays were much shorter stays. My ED treatment was up to 6 weeks though.
I do wish you well and I know that you will make the best of it and come out so much better. Good luck to you, you will be missed!!

i'm an expert at this. here we go:

most of the time insurance will not pay for you to stay more than 3 days. that said, if you enter voluntarily, you can release yourself, but they generally require 24 hours notice, and the doctor must approve it.

also, if you are a reader, take lots of books. take crossword puzzles, sudoku, coloring books and crayons. most hospitals will allow you to have items that are not dangerous to yourself.

also, be prepared for them to take your clothes. a lot of hospitals require you to wear a scrubs for the first 24-48 hours, and they do not allow you to have belts, shoelaces, headphones, etc.

most hospitals do not have an exercise or activity program these days. be ready to do yoga, sit-ups, push-ups and exercise, but do it calmly. if you look like you're getting too upset, they'll intervene.

hospital food sucks, and i refuse to eat it. if you do not like it, pretend to eat it. if you do not eat they will get pissed and write it down in your book. get food, sit down, move it around on your plate, etc.., then hide it/throw it away.

spend time in the common area, even if it's miserable. people staying in their bedrooms too long worry the staff.

communicate with the other inpatients, even if they are all drug users (as most psych wards are also substance abuse wards). it looks good for you.

take your meds with you, but they will keep them and issue you new ones.

for me, the worst thing is the restlessness; the not being able to go anywhere, or do anything, so take a lot of "harmless" things for you to do. watch tv if that's what you like (though you have to share), do a puzzle, etc.

absolutely make it look like you're trying, at all times, and it will get yo places in the psyche ward.

good luck.

bump.i really need advice......im i going to feel like im in jail??

I think plebein gave good advice.
Best of luck my friend!!

Eight

Most likely there will be a locked door keeping you in, but you will not be confined to your room(unless you make yourself a danger to you or others). You may be monitored by cameras but you should have to ability to pace the halls or go to the day room or whatever main areas they have for patients. Plus during the day they should have groups and some of the units I have been on, their group either meet off unit or involve something outside of the unit.
you will only get strapped down if you are very naughty LOL

thanks for all your advice.......

iv been there its scary, but ok, everyone is very supportive, they do the basic medical stuff, blood, bp etc, they assess u by talking 2 u, questionnaires etc, u and them will rate your mood etc periodically.

u will be fine xx

I had no problems in the hospitals I was in. If you behave they treat you well. The food was good for the most part. Where I was kept there were activities, like puzzles, and art. We were allowed visitors to see us. We were also allowed to phone people using the ward phone. Where I stayed, since I had a month long stay, we were given supervised outings, where an activities director or nurse took us for walks or shopping. It is not a prison setting. The only people who are not allowed out are those who disobey the rules or who are a danger to themselves or others.

Hi there. Going to the hospital is an enormous step. I should know..I was in one in September. I never thought it was for me because I was "crazy". But it ended up being one of the best things I ever did. They assess you and watch you over 4-5 days. They want to get you on meds and see how they help you. They want to get you in a routine and help you find coping skills. It is really nice if you are open minded. I met alot of great friends who were going through the same issues. The first day I was really scared because it was lonely and I didn't really want to talk. As I opened up I saw all the good that could come out of it. Its a huge step in the right direction, and your doctors will be able to help you so much more when you get home. I hope that helped. Your sooo brave!:) Don't be afraid. -Tabbs XOXO

good luck xxx