i have not been there myself, but my granddaughter was in several times until they got her meds right for bipolar. She was 16 the first time, and of couse she hated it, but it made a big difference in her life. She is now 21, happily married and expecting her first child. She is doing very well. Her mother, my oldest daughter, has also been in, and in her case I was able to visit her. It was a ward in the regular hospital, nothing scarey, just like being in the hospital for anything else, except she was up and dressed, and she went to group meetings and also met with various doctors or staff members. Everyone was very nice to her and her visitors, and again, it did a lot of good for her. I suppose it depends a lot on the place, and a lot on the individual. But if one needs that kind of help, I can't imagine that getting it would be more scarey than being without it. If you do decide that is what you should do, (and I think if you are considering it, you probably need it), we are all here pulling for you. As always, you will be in the thoughts and prayers of all of us. I pray that you will make the right decision, and that He will be there to guide, protect and comfort you until you are home again. Love and hugs

I am bi-polar, and the doctor recommended hospitalization, but I (and my family) were too scared to go- all I can picture is a straightjacket and people banging their heads against the walls. Please tell me it's not like that- because next time they want to hospitalize me, I should probably go for my own good.

I have been admited 2 times to the Goofy Garage(I lovingly call it this)It was not in the least scary to me,I knew I needed help and they were there to provide it for me.I had alone time with my Dr. as well as group time. But be aware if you ae not a threat to yourself or someone eles they will only keep you 72 hrs(3 days),thats our insurance we can thank for that. 3 days is not enough time to fix anything. So you have to say things like "Idon't feel safe with myself right now" or something like that. They can not release you if my harm yourself. Now I'm not saying you are at this point,what I am saying is try to stay as long as it takes to get things straightened out,and only you know when that is. I pray I never get back to the point that I need it again,but if I do ,I would not hesitate to check in again. For the most part it was positive for me,But that also depends on the place you go. My first time was not as good as last place. Good luck,sending prays and love your way (((HUGS))) SONYA

Ive been there and frankly it wasnt pleaseant it was many years ago and they were so crowed they parked me in the hallway>iwas suicidal at the time they kept me for 24 hrs and released me to my Mom.Because of my experince My Mom became a advocate for the Mental Health Indurty in Cal.She has made major progress there and changed many laws........

Thannk you ladybug. I am in fact considering this. But I posted it not for myself for for others here this morning. I have talked to some people who have been in there and they said they would not hesitate to do it again. They also said they made some good friends in there and they finally got the real help with meds that they needed. Finally! And they are living normally again. I am waiting for my insurance to kick in....if I get worse though or if my meds don't kick insoon I will probably check myself in. If I check myself in I can also check myslef out when I want. I like that control. I'm fed up with dr.s like so many others are. They just don't have the time to get us regulated on meds.

what do you do when you dont have insurance or money to pay for it?

My son was admitted several times. The mental health act over here is really scary. If you are in just to sort out the meds that is fine. Please check up first what your rights are before going in. You may well need to use them

I told my Doctor I was thinking I should go with all that happened to me. He turned and looked at me. And said good.

lostinpain, I know how you feel hun. I don't have any right now either, but I am going to go if I feel I need to. There are lots of things you can do. I just found out from the hospital the other night that they have some kind of forgivness plan, where they write off your hospitalization costs. The guy told me there is money just sitting there waiting to be used if you can't pay your hosp. bill. You just have to fill out a little bit of paperwork. They will also make payment plans for you. But all in all, Your life and the ones you love are worth whatever it costs to get you the help you need. In the long run it is worth every cent! If you need this help, don't hesitate to get it. Please.

LOSTINPAIN WAS MISUNDERSTOOD SHE MESAGED ME, "DO NOT WORRY I AM NOT GOING TO OFF MYSELF." READ THE JOURNAL HEADLINE 3 TIMES IT SAYS "JUST VENTING", SHEESH!!!!!!! HUGS TO ALL BUT SE IS OK JUST SORE AT HER HUBBY AND SORE PHYSICALLY!!!!!!

I know I need help but I just don't know

I wish we lived in the same area, we'd just go in together lol. Seriously hun. If you feel you need to you should go. I know I am going to . They won't put you in a straight jacket.

Knowing that you need help is the most important thing. And since you do know, you need to get help right away. Do whatever it takes, but get the help you need. As much love and support as we can give you, it cannot take the place of professional help, physical or mental. So please, seek the help you need. We will all be here to help you along, with our arms wide open when you can return to us.

Hi Dixie,
This is a very good topic.
I was admitted 5 years ago. My life and pain were out of control. This was before I was diagnosed with FMS. My Ex husband was literally driving me crazy because I was in so much pain and no meds to help back then. He thought it was all in my head, and said I needed to "get off my ass" and get back to work. I had a car payment and he reufused to pay it. I was so, so depressed, I had suicidal thoughts with a plan. I was going to drive that car just as fast as it would go, down the interstate and run it into a tree. HIS problems would be solved! I scared myself so bad with these out of control thoughts I went to a counselor. She called my SIL and told her to take me to the ER. The hospital "Baker Act"ed me into a local mental Health Facility. I was so scared! But it was the best thing I could have done for myself. I stayed 7 days, while they started me on anti-depressants, and did group therapy. I learned a lot there, and it gave me my self-esteem back and helped me to take control of my life again. It wasn't long after that I left that RAT ex-husband of mine, and I have been ok ever since.

I agree with whoever said it gives you time to put things in perspective and take care of yourself. Sometimes it's the only answer for us. It doesn't mean we are crazy, we just need some help to learn how to cope. All of the staff there were so caring and good to me, and everyone else. The best thing about it was, I was around other women who were going through alot of the same things I was, and that helped me, also. At least I knew I wasn't the only one who felt like they couldn't function. I still give that experience and those Dr.s and nurses a huge thank you from my heart.

I've been hospitalized twice. The first time was for suicidal plans that I had already begun. But, I had made a promise to my husband that I would tell him if I ever thought I would harm myself. I told him and he arranged the admitting process.

I was on close observation for a few days which meant that I had to stay in the day room during the day and in my bed at night. Someone had to be able to see me every 15 minutes. That ended and I was able to go to my room and take a nap if I wanted to. At some point, you will take some psychological testing which helps the docs know the best way to help you. We had group therapy, exercise classes, arts and crafts (I was really tempted to weave a basket), and community meetings. My meds were changed and I got out after two weeks.

The second time was for a few days before I started ECT. And then I had ECT done as an outpatient.

I had insurance, but my insurance decided not to pay. The hospitals involved simply wrote it off.

Baker Act or form 52 is used to place someone in the hospital against their will. The state will pay for the stay. You can also get yourself admitted by saying you are afraid you might hurt yourself. Usually the state will pick up that tab as well.

Medicaid can be helpful as well. You can receive medicaid help by collecting all your bills, including medical, and a paycheck stub for proof of income. If the outgo is far enough over the income, Medicaid will usually pay the medical bills.

All in all, Psyche ward stays are helpful. Any fears you may have will go away. You are surrounded by people who care and people who understand.