Expect the anxiety to get worse. Sometimes to the point where you might need breathing treatments. Expect to be afraid of allowing the people in charge to control you, what you eat, and what you do. Expect no contact with friends or family members until they tell you it is ok to do so. Expect to either see no mirrors or mirrors that are so distorted you can not see yourself at all. Before, during or after mealtime expect to feel the emotions that food has been covering up all this time. The rage, anger and pain is intense. I would suggest when you feel it, no matter where you are, even in the dining room, don't hold it in. Most patients do because of embarrasment, but I would not advise it. The goal is to not stuff anymore emotions or pain than you already have. And you being in a controlled enviornment will be the best place to let all that out. People seem to think when they go IP, that they are to stuff more feelings and pain than ever by, pretending when meal time comes around, they don't feel anything. And they are wrong. Meal time is when the people in charge "expect" that emotions are gonna start flying around everywhere nonstop. And it does for those who no longer want to hold it all in anymore. This is one way the Therapists there knows who is serious about getting well and who isn't. If you are still hiding and pretending you don't feel anything, especially before, during or after eating, you're not serious about getting well. If you let it be known to the workers there when you feel intense emotions and pain, then you "are" serious about getting well. The ones who are serious about getting well, are the ones the Therapists and workers will pay attention to and work with. The ones that are still too busy hiding, they don't fool with. They don't have the time or the energy to put into that, so they really just leave those people go, without letting it show too much.

Follow everything about your program the best you can, and when your emtions of rage, anger and pain hit, let yourself feel it, let it out no matter where you are or who is around. Nobody's payin the hospital bill but you, so you do what you need to.
Take lots of written notes and keep all your meal plan menus.
When you see other people not working the program, just let them go, ignore them and focus on yours. When the patients who are control freaks come your way, wanting to control what you do or say, just ignore them because they just wanna see you fall. Report them to the Therapist or the person in charge if you have to.
My biggest advice is: Don't let other people use "you" as "their" therapist. Their only goal is to drain you, (no matter how nice you think they are or what best friends you both want to be with each other), Because these types of people "already know" they are draining you or trying to. I would just kindly tell them, "I'm sorry, I can't help you, you'll have to talk to one of the counselors". There are a lot of needy people in IP and they will walk on you in a second if you let them. Don't let anybody pull you away from the time you need doing your book work. Anytime there is a problem with your food, be sure to say something. If the food is cold and needs to be re heated, or if it's the wrong tray that was sent to you, don't sit there and put up with it. That is the worse thing you can do for yourself.

I hope that helped and things go well.

yeah janmar ! Im so excited for you.... listen and do what they say... really listen.... im so proud of you, you can do this.

Thank you both...................your support means the world to me right now:) And Yazzy - Im gonna get a squirrel massage while I am in there - haha. They better let me watch Survivor or all hell will break loose!

oh no ! what if survivor is against the rules !!! have someone tape it.. or you can watch it online...

I am so proud and happy for you JanMar. You are doing the right thing. You are right it is so scary but once you are there you will find support like never before and people who understand what you are going through. I can't wait for you to come back and let us know how everything went. I'm so excited for you and your family.

Congratulations! The best thing you can do for yourself, and of course you're scared and apprehensive. Make sure and take lots of notes, I still use mine sometimes. Keep everything. Make sure you take music, photos, something that makes you feel at home like a favorite pillow or something. Comfy clothes and slippers (your feet might swell, it's common) Sweats for yoga or whatever they do there. Notepads, pens, stamps and your address book. And don't forget to book your massage. :)

hugs x i am ever so proud of you x and always here if you need to chat x love from laura xx

Thanks DS friends...................your support means a lot and is realle helpful. Cell phones allowed for at night????? I am going to miss all my good TV shows and miss my nail appt......just trying to keep things humorous b/c I am scared shitless!

Ask them about the cell phone rule. We were allowed to have ours, but only certain times during the day. xo

So happy for you.I wish I could join you-after 27 years I am exhausted too.
Stay strong.

accept my best wishes , hope that u will emmerge as a winner.

YEAH GREAT NEWS JANMAR!!!!! i am so glad you are going and it is understandable to be anxious. take all of the advice that everyone gave you and give it your all.

so glad you're going. i will keep you in my prayers. will they let you use the internet there? if so, keep us updated.

I couldn't be more proud of you JanMar - you are being so brave and so sensible. I can only imagine how thankful and relieved your family are. It's very understandable to be scared. I think anyone entering IP would be feeling the same if faced with your situation. You're being incredibly sensible, your health is invaluable and it's so important for you to receive the help you most definitely deseve and need.

I'm glad you are able to keep some contact with people. I think it's important to stay in touch and engage with the outside world/normality.

I personally would take all of my comfort items... Whether that be a pillow, a favourite blanket, photos, arts and crafts, comfy clothes, magazines/books, puzzle books, cards etc to fill your time etc.

You might want to take a diary or journal to write in. Along with some letter/writing things, in case you want to send anything to anyone...

I know you're very scared and I completely understand why... I wish I was as brave as you. Lots and lots of luck, JanMar, I believe in you and you have my support and love through it all x x x x x x

Congrats on making the decision to go to IP. I spent a month in residential and a month in partial hospitalization (along with a bunch of other therapy) so I can kind of relate to you. At first, your anxiety might increase since you will be in a new environment with new rules. You'll adjust though. It might not always be your favorite place to be, but in the end it will be beneficial to you. You will get healthier and might even make some new friends along the way. Good luck! :)