The Loneliness of the Psych Ward
I was going through some things, and I found a card from a friend. It was a nice homemade card. I don’t remember when she gave it to me. It got me thinking of my most memorable card. I can’t find it. Probably threw it out. I wanted to forget that time.
When I had babies, people were able to visit at pretty reasonable hours. They brought balloons, cards, flowers. When I was in the psychiatric ward, it was totally different. Restricted visiting hours and limited visitors. No flowers or cards.
They did have different groups and activities at a hospital where I stayed. I was in an art class and they had us make cards. I made a get well card for myself.
Lori,
I hope you feel better soon
From,
Me
With a stenciled design on front
I have been in 3 different behavioral health units. I feared they would treat me harshly. That didn’t happen. It can. There are grievance forms available and any complaints are looked into.
The first hospital I was in was like a holding cell. I was taken in on a 5150 (a 72 hour involuntary hold). I wasn’t a danger to anyone, but I was actively psychotic. There was a room with cots. They would bring snacks and drinks in on a cart. You were supposed to fend for yourself. I was deeply psychotic and had a very difficult time navigating the place. Some of the other patients helped me, but I didn’t see the psychiatrist until I was wandering-trying to find people I know. I could hear their voices, but they weren’t there. I was having auditory hallucinations. That was the first time I was taken to the psychiatrist there.
The second hospital was very nice. It was a low security so I had to be non-violent. I am not violent. I am not sure how they determine that. I shared a room. They had different classes during the day. That is where I made the card. They interacted with my family a lot and we had a group meeting before I was discharged.
The third was a lot like the second one. At first I was on the high-security side. There were fewer people to interact with and less to do. Mainly they changed my medication. Then, I was moved to the lower security side. There were 4 to a room. There were more patients and classes.
I never liked being in the hospital. I get lonely and miss my family. But, I have found it isn’t as bad as I imagined. I haven’t needed to go inpatient since 2005. I think that is in large part because I am now able to recognize symptoms earlier and my psychiatrist can treat them before it becomes a crisis. It is good to know there is a place like that if I need to ever go back.
