I saw this and knew that I had an obligation to respond. I'm not trying to scare anybody, but my 2 experiences at the hospital were horrifying and wrong. Both times, they threw me in a hole of a room and when it was time to talk to the doctor, my request for medication, or even therapy was immediately shot down. The doctor told me that he had no evidence that I was depressed, and he didn't even ask me anything. He just said that I didn't belong there and I need to quit seeking attention like that. What I don't understand is that I know it was obvious to any moron that I was depressed and suicidal. I banged my head on the wall violently in front of 2 nurses and another doctor. I will not go back to the hospital because it only made my problems worse.

I had 2 very good hospitalizations. The docs and staff were caring and I found help and caring from those who were in. No one really wants to go in, but when you need to get well, it's sometimes necessary. The food and accommodations were adequate, and I was fortunate that I didn't have a roommate either time as I needed to learn to be by myself at night (that's when the PA's hit the worst). If I had to go back in, I wouldn't hesitate if I knew I really needed it. Hope this helps you.

Yes Katie: I totally agree with you that it is a myth that could use some light shed on it! I had a hopital experience for my drug experiences. I had visited psych wards on occasion. Never admitted because there was always other places for me such as shelters and hospital beds. Even though I wished for psych ward! But when younger I did not have much of a say. I had many friends in the wards and all there experiences were healthy. Not exactly comfortable while adjusting to meds but the care was extremely proffessional as well as kind empthetic bed side mannerisms. One individual shared with me in a low whisper (i can actually say what my mind wants me too, AND THEY(nurses doctors) ARE LISTENING TO ME LIKE I AM NOT CRAZY!) They really understand me and what is tripping on my mind!
Now I would say that was a positive experience!
Great topic!
Sherose!

iv been in hospital on and of for 2 years last year i was in there nealy every week.but have only been in once this year and that was march.its not so much a hospital its a restbite home and all the nurses and support workers are great.u get ur own room and they do activitys in the day,and at night they have relaxation at night to help u sleep.

Great post!
I spent 3 weeks in a psych ward in 1978 for being depressed and suicidal, as a self admit. At first it was scary (fear of the unknown). After the first couple of days the experiance became very positive. Staff and fellow patients were very supportive and helpful. Us patients had some fun one day, still cracks me up. We got wind that a group of interns were going to come through the ward the next day. We were ready for them; each of us put on our "crazy person costume." I, for example had all my clothes on backward, including my shoes on the wrong foot. The females had a blast putting their makeup on in some outrageous ways. The staff loved it too. The interns were visibly uneasy...
To anyone who is in serious need of hospitalization, DO IT. My entire stay was paid for by medi-cal, because I qualified. The hospital stay not only turned my life around for the better, it saved my life.

I just got out of the hospital today. I think it was the best thing for me. I am on different meds and am feeling alot better. I didn't want to stay but my husband insisted on it. If I had to do it again, I would.

ive never actually been admitted - but i was put on a hospital floor kinda like that when i 0D'd, i was 14, miserable, in pain, n i had an autistic woman with the mind of a baby wailing really eerily all night (which i know she couldnt help but it was very frightenin !) n an old lady running around pulling everyones bed curtains open n screaming ! i was terrified. the doctors asked me a few times if id like to commit myself n ive said no. even though i think the constant advice n support would be beneficial, there really is such a huge stigma attached to what it's like there. no one really gets a clear picture. xx

I would not want any one that could use the help of a hospital stay to save their lives or get them through a difficult time not to go because of my post. However, I can tell you in my case, no matter how much time goes by, every health care worker who reads your chart for any reason (dog bite...) will always look down on you and treat you like a child. That never goes away and time does not have the ability to fix that. You are marked for life.

so the hospital...a place where people go to heal....it can be life saving as im sure we are all aware....they can give you the time to rest and get away from your life for a while. they can also diagnos you and treat your accordingly....you can meet people in simalar situations as you which can be like a support for you....you have no responsiblities and you can just focus on yourself and getting well....thats the good stuff

i have two bad things to say ... one is that there are people on the psyche ward who do attempt suicide while they are in hospital and that can be very harmful to your recovery...there are also people there who are very crazy [for lack of a better term] and that can be difficult to see especially if they are in the same room as you....people scream at night and cry all the time....it can be difficult....
the second thing is that you do meet people who you really connect with and share experiences with and you get close...then you leave or they do and you never know what happens to them .... sometimes you keep in touch for a while but usually you never see them again....

so to end let me say this... if you need to be in the hospital then you should....it can save your life....but its no vacation....

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I'm about to start working in the local drop in mental health centre (only as a receptionist) and I am very excited as I hope to be a therapist one day and working in that environment will give me great insight into the workings of somewhere like that.
Also, I'm excited that, even in a receptionist capacity, I might be helping people you know? Lots of these people may well have gone or be going through things I have experienced and I want to make them feel welcome and unafraid to seek help.

I spent three months on a psych ward and it was a mixed experience. I was sectioned and was angry at being locked up so I was not very co operative but now part of me wishes I could go back because it is the only place I feel safe. It can be a lifesaver for some people so it should never be ruled out due to stigma. Although I worry about how being sectioned will affect my future. I wish I had been more willing to accept help as I think this would have made things so much easier. I would say try not to refuse to go because it will help if you let it. There are dedicated staff around 24/7 and thats support you just dont get in the community.