I have and both my stays went very well. Felt safe nad did not want to leave and have to face the outside, but I missed my family. The first time i stayed 3 weeks and the 2nd 2 weeks. I guess it depends on which hospital yu go to and the staff.

I have been to both. Psyche multiple times, multiple units.
ED treatment, 3 times.
What i have found is when you are ready to accept the help no matter what kind, you will be able to get help. If you fight it it will be as horrible as you make it. Sure some of the hospitals themselves suck been on a few unit that were scarey, but overall not horrible.
As far as the length of stay, for regular psyche it was much shorter. 2-5 days, just enough to stabilize. But for the ED I was held inpatient anywhere from 2-6 weeks then outpt services after that varied as well.

i was at a adolescent unit for 10 months - i was surrounded by very ill people and tbh it didnt help me much... i got through it but i dunno if id do it again to get better. least i have the wisdom behind me this time

LOL, posted at the same time... here you go:

k... I'll just reply here but really you should make a new post... anyway, I was forced to go IP, I was horribly depressed/suicidal, I hated it at first but once I let myself open up and talk (I wasn't talking at all!) and let them try... in the end even if at first I couldn't see it, the time in there did help me because they helped me see things differently and learn new coping skills and how to advocate for myself, if it is what you need, GO FOR IT :) plus, you're already in a better place then I was when I went in, you're willing to get help, so it'll probably be even better for you

I'm scared to death of being away from home. That's a lot of what's stopping me. I tried moving out twice and panicked both times and moved back. Pathetic for being 21 eh? :(

I did when I was 18 and again when I was 19 for depression/suicidal attempts. The hospital you go to matters.

One experience I had was great - I went voluntarily and it was a private hospital devoted just to depression/bipolar/mood disorders. No psychosis.

The second experience I had was a result of making the mistake of telling an emergency room "I can't do this anymore". That's all I said. Next thing I knew I was sedated, placed in handcuffs, and escorted to the mental illness wing of a general hospital. Sedated because I put up a fight but in the state I lived in, it was a government mandate that if you go to an emergency room with an intent to hurt yourself, you are required to be hospitalized right then and there. Needless to say, terrible experience.
My suggestion is to do some research online and talk with a mental health professional first.

not pathetic, I'm 17 and I'm nervous, afraid I'll fall apart! do research like gameplay said, talk to your T (if you have one) he/she may help you get used to the idea...

well it isnt a country club. your under survelliance. theres no tv or chillin bed with a phone. Or at least that was my expoerience. The best thing is you will get help right away. and you will talk to a counselor. It helps put a jumpstart on therapy.

I have and so has my brother. My brother got excellent care and the right meds right from the door. He came out a new man for a period of time. Thats another story. I have been 2 times. You are given time to heal and think there. Tons of food and you have plenty of support groups and meetings there.

Thanks everyone for the repsonses! I'll definately keep them all in mind when I'm making a decision

I have been on both sides. I used to work at a local hospital on the psychiatrict unit. I was the person all the patients hated when they had to get put into isolation or sedated. I was on of those people who held the patient still or put in restraints. I know how some nurses treat their patients poorly. I have heard many complaints from patients of how rude their nurse was.

I have been hospitalized 3 times myself. 2 of which were not so pleasant (both of which I was brought to the hosptial by the police) and 1 that was really helpful. My longest stay was for 13 days on a mood disorders floor. The social worker was a wonderful help with CBT and getting things organzied for me. My stay for 13 days was not great in a way because I was out of my catchment area and my local hospital refused to admit me there.

It's a hit or miss. It takes a lot of courage to bring yourself to the hospital. Dont let anyoen take that away from you

I've been in a couple of facilities on about 3 occasions myself. For depression. They were both good places and helped me very much. I think most places will help you if you really want help. Some people who are forced to go don't do as well as some of us who decided to go on our own. We are more open to receive their help where those that are forced there are fighting against getting the help that they need. Do yourself a big favor and get the help that you need on your own.

been in there twice, i got the help i needed., the staff was so good, i felt safe in there, didn't want to come out,