Psych ward- the dark place - don't know how it all works

[Raven801]

I don't know what to say other than because of being in pain every and the lack of sleep and just a constant string of Dr visits and hospital stays dealing with all my medical issues incontinence, diapers, just .... everything really I'm struggling yet again...I just ... feel so overwhelmed.
I'm having serious suicidal thoughts and ideations but the best way I can it like 2 voices arguing in my head one is the part of me that's just over it all including the mobility issues and the pain and just wants to "rest" and be done with life.... The other part of me is like no never give in ...let's get some help..etc. I know this sounds stupid..go ahead say it ..I understand.
The thing is that I'm actually really worried because to be honest its like the side of me that wants to just end it is winning. I know that sounds insane...but it the best way I can explain it. And sometimes its just situations that push me to the utter edge the other day for instance my IBS was flaring and I swear the second I would change...bam like 7 or 8 time's and after a couple changes I was mentally exhausted and physically exhausted it was bad day pain wise with my hip and back and the simple act of changing and cleaning my self up seemed monumental. I made it through it and fell asleep for a hour or two just to wake up in a puddle and realize my diaper had leaked severely as I had slept on my side and to top it off I had managed to mess in my sleep. It was the breaking point... I had like a small break down I just lay there and cried with the dark thoughts of ending it circling in my mind. I'm a proud person and I don't cry often as I was raised with the whole men don't cry mentality. Go ahead judge me I understand. I just couldn't find the will to get up and deal with it...and eventually fell back asleep....woke several hours later with a hell of a rash. First off I do have some one I talk to that is supportive...we text often..I actually met her on here ...she is amazing. But I don't want to burden her with all my negative thoughts and such, I have been seeing a psychiatrist but for some reason I do the same thing I always do Infront of people and put on a fake smile and pretend everything is ok..like an idiot.
So here it goes ....what's it like in a psychiatric ward? Is it like jail ? Do they treat you with respect or like a idiot? What about dealing with Incontinence in there ? What if your diaper leaks on the bed do they get upset? Will they help you change if you're struggling...with back and hip pain ...my home care was awkward ASF when they first started coming. But they were there to help and it was akward but appreciated.
Will whatever clothes they make you wear hide a diaper? How long are you generally stuck there ? Are the Dr there decent, Do they drug you ? And most of all will it help? Any input would be appreciated I've watched too much TV over the years and I'm hoping that what is in TV isn't even close but I don't know.....thanks a bunch everyone

 

[disabledinconben]

Usually your first couple of days you’ll will be wearing “close observation” clothing usually like scrubs or something like that. After that they usually let you wear your own clothes.
I think most “mental hospitals” are rapid stabilization type places. So usually a week or so. They make sure you are safe and have good aftercare treatment set up.
They can give medications, they’ll probably suggest medications, I don’t think they can legally give it without your consent unless they go through a court or human rights council, there’s lots of oversight to these kinds of issues.
Yeah I think it will help! It will keep you safe and get you to a place where you could be stable enough to engage in therapy and it can be very beneficial.

 

[Raven801]

Usually your first couple of days you’ll will be wearing “close observation” clothing usually like scrubs or something like that. After that they usually let you wear your own clothes.
I think most “mental hospitals” are rapid stabilization type places. So usually a week or so. They make sure you are safe and have good aftercare treatment set up.
They can give medications, they’ll probably suggest medications, I don’t think they can legally give it without your consent unless they go through a court or human rights council, there’s lots of oversight to these kinds of issues.
Yeah I think it will help! It will keep you safe and get you to a place where you could be stable enough to engage in therapy and it can be very beneficial.

I appreciate the insight. Thank you so much

 

[disabledinconben]

I appreciate the insight. Thank you so much

Of course! It takes courage to recognize you need help and seek it out. You should be proud of that

 

[soupy]

you may even want to go to the emergency room, many of them have a behavioral health center (read pych ward) as a part of them. what you see in movies or on TV is drama. Go get help somewhere.

 

[ORBaby]

I've been in that dark place too, and understand the voices. The psych wards I have been in are very supportive. For me it was a safe place where I could talk about my issues and had my meds adjusted/changed to get me stable. I just wore my normal clothes while there. I'm sure that they can provide help with changing when you need it. My stays were about 5 or 6 days, depends on how you are feeling and if you can be safe from harming yourself or others.
If you feel you are going to harm yourself please go to an ER and tell them. Get the help you need to be safe.

 

[slimjiminy]

With the scope of your suffering, I don't think anyone would fault you for the thoughts you might entertain. But never give in! Do you have any family or friends that can make decisions on your behalf if it ever becomes necessary? That might be a good idea. There is no harm in seeking help, especially with all that you have going on. Some help would lift some of the extreme burden that you're feeling. I'll pray for you.

 

[iatec779]

I worked in a hospital for many years and spent time supporting the behavioral health unit. I can assure you it’s nothing like you see in a movie. You can wear normal clothes, they are all there to care and help you through this. You can go to the ER and they will get someone to talk to you about your current status/thoughts.
I encourage you to go do this and don’t be scared. You will be in good hands.

 

[Edgewater]

I fully agree with your fellow friends above!!

All of us, fully support and care about you!!

Most areas start with entering ER and then moving to a in hospital wing and then to a longer care facility, if needed. In all cases your will receive great care!!

You state you have a friend that you have spoken to and I strongly recommend that you call her and say: I need your help as I am have difficulties can we talk or can you come over. I need professional help and I need your help!

Yup, Big Strong Guy Stuff, we fully understand and know what you are talking about! Time to let someone provide you a little help, dear friend!

Big, slow, deep breaths, hold and then long slow releases! Now a couple more! Okay, make the call and thank her!

You can do this, we all believe in and care about you!

 

[Floodingpants]

Usually your first couple of days you’ll will be wearing “close observation” clothing usually like scrubs or something like that. After that they usually let you wear your own clothes.
I think most “mental hospitals” are rapid stabilization type places. So usually a week or so. They make sure you are safe and have good aftercare treatment set up.
They can give medications, they’ll probably suggest medications, I don’t think they can legally give it without your consent unless they go through a court or human rights council, there’s lots of oversight to these kinds of issues.
Yeah I think it will help! It will keep you safe and get you to a place where you could be stable enough to engage in therapy and it can be very beneficial.

Yes, I am a Psych Nurse and what was said is true. Best to you. Take care of yourself.

 

[ParaRomeo]

So 2 things to start of your not alone!! I still have times where one if not all my disabilities have caused me those feelings and there are times where it's not one issue/thing it's usually a pile of them that add up but please don't act on it, it's a permanent solution to a long term issue most say temporary problem but incont and disabilities are long term and I still have days where something gets me down. Also it's takes the strength of a warrior to recognize when you need and to ask for help.

Though I personally haven't been in a psych facility in a previous life I worked in healthcare like many mentioned usually for the first 48-72hrs they need to make sure your not a suicidal risk so most have you wear scrubs or something without strings and alot of facilities do have no belts, strings, shoe lace policy so like you can wear sweat pants but they remove the strings and even after your deemed not a risk it's for everyones safety(it's for people like me you might take mine away but I will find a way so if there is none it's less likely). Also Hollywood makes them look really bad usually most people present to an ER for an assessment than they try to find an appropriate facility that has beds available, like they have many different types of facilities so like I will take myself for instance because I have a spinal cord injury I would go to a medical psych facility vs one for those without medical issues or impairments but I can tell you when I did my psych rotation they had diapers and pullups in the supply closet(this was before my injury so I didn't know but did ask why they had certain equipment including diapers and was told they get elderly and others that need them) but I also did a rotation on a medical psych floor which was different from the others and it was for those with medical issues but I can say both floors the staff is amazing and most choose to work on that floor or unit but these were hospital based there are many facilities that just mental health or what's called dual diagnosis so a person has addiction and mental health. Though my professional experience was gear more towards hospital based I did get to see another facility and the staff was dedicated but I won't lie in the US there is an abuse of the mental health system and there are what we call frequent flyers and for whatever reason(like some are facing eviction or criminal situations & going to a psych/detox facility can prolong or put those issues off) they present to an er and go to a facility numerous times which does multiple things it overloads the system but it also waters down the system because there are times where those with legit issues may get overlookednor not get the treatment they need. But don't let that deter you from getting help but because of insurance and other things facilities main goals are to stabilize a person so they can get outside help there really isn't many long term facilities for adults which is different than other age groups. Though there are long term facilities for adults but the normal stay is a week or less and that could be insurance or other reasons.

I can say from working on medical psych floors they can help with other issues while providing mental health care so being ic or having another issue shouldn't deter you I will say a big difference would be some will give you say a diaper as needed vs you having them.

Lastly I won't lie there are times where I don't tell my counselor everything and I get that hinders them in the care they can give but there are things they honestly or I don't think they can understand my situation.

End of day man you matter it may not seem like it now but you are here for a reason that reason might not be understood now. I am not sugar coating it there will be hard days ahead but get help and push on. If you need to vent feel free to message me directly

 

[Raven801]

I appreciate the input and the support thank you so much it really means a lot ..I'm trying to do everything I can to help myself and hoping to avoid hospitalizations but if it gets to that point I will do what I need to..

 

[Anemone]

My heart goes out to you.

If you are to self-admit you would not be subject to any special restrictions, beyond risk management rules local to the ward and which you would have to agree to as a condition of admission.

What a ward is like varies between wards, day to day and even hour to hour. In a world where funding is suboptimal they will generally make the best of what they have.

This can mean that it is difficult to get a bed and they may wish to discharge you sooner than you are comfortable with.

I would be concerned that you might also be inclined to "put on a brave face" - in which case acute care may be even less useful to you than the options you are already under-utilising, they simply cannot offer a bed to you (in the case of private providers for an affordable price) until your walls come down.

That said if you do not trust yourself to stay safe absolutely do reach out! Admission is only one option but they all start with "I'm not okay, I need help". In my experience some of the hardest words to say in the world but true.

 

[diaperedEMT]

I can relate in so many ways. I struggle with my own mental health issues on a daily basis, both from PTSD from childhood abuse and from trauma working as an EMS provider. Reach out and get the help you need. All of these folks are professionals and will help you with any issues you have. This includes your mental health and incontinence. They also will have access to more long term assistance. If they don’t or seem super judgmental call me and I’ll come scissor kick them in the back of the head. Just trying to get a smile out if ya.

But for real I struggle with major urinary incontinence and wear a diaper 24/7 so I can understand the depression and feelings of hopelessness. Trust me the logistics of changing in between calls during a 24 hour shift is a hassle. Then as a 911 dispatcher and EMT I know how mental health issues affect everyone differently. My job is to provide a means to help. Even if it’s just to listen and care that’s what I’m gonna do. Sometimes something as little as a hug can be so therapeutic. Everyone has their own story but yours doesn’t need to end today. Call 911 or go to the ER. Maybe the EMT that comes to help could be my diapered ass.

 

[chiaochai]

it seems i am gonna be the only one with this opinion, but id like to say it anyways...

my time in those places were absolutely horrible. i was stripped of my autonomy and treated like a criminal for being mentally ill. it did far more to traumatize me than it did to help me and i would really strongly advise that you be careful you dont do or say anything that would enable them to keep you there against your will.

i think seeking help is a great thing, i just dont exactly recommend a grippy socks vacation. i hope you are able to get the help that you need <3

 

[babyraggydolls]

I was admitted to a psych ward once when i was very ill and I was lucky to get out. I got no real help or support in there. I don’t know how I got out, for a few days I looked as if I was socialising with others, then I kicked up a fuss because they wouldn’t give me my hormones that were prescribed and then I just told them I was doing better and 5 days later I was sent home. I hate those places, I was in a mixed sex ward and at night this guy kept peeping through my room window, another patient, sometimes fights broke out, people smeered poo on the wall and one guy ripped the paper dispenser off the wall. I know they were just ill but I don’t believe in mixed sex wards I’m sorry

 

[Anemone]

it seems i am gonna be the only one with this opinion, but id like to say it anyways...

A hospital - of any kind - should be seen as an option of last resort. I agree that they are not pleasant places but I do think the circumstances of entering a ward affect one's experience of it.

Compulsory admission and treatment, as it sounds like you are describing, is not a nice thing for anyone - especially the person suddenly subject to controls. It is however a different experience to enter and leave of one's own volition, especially if appraised of the full and proper information as to what to expect.

I will also offer to dispel the idea that hospital staff are on the lookout for grounds to detain individuals, at least in my experience. They are difficult places to work and attract decent, if imperfect, people to staff them. Also no one has time or inclination for the extra paperwork and stress it entails. The Ratcheds of the world gravitate towards education and justice nowadays, possibly HR too.

 

[Sapphyre]

I have a hard rule against entering hospitals without accompaniment by my own bodyguards, and it would apply to psych wards as much as it does medical wards. I was in hospital for an acute health condition once, and learned the hard way that:

(1) There is a document maintained by the hospital that is the official record of your stay. What is written in this document is history and officially happened. What is not written in this document is not history and did not officially happen.
(2) Some unscrupulous staff are very well aware of (1) and take advantage to engage in very physical "fun and games" at the expense of patient safety, especially if they are a sexual minority.

People are people, and will try to get away with anything they believe that they can. I recommend against any situation where one has both no control and no ability to document events; that's very dangerous, at least in the US.

 

[Raven801]

it seems i am gonna be the only one with this opinion, but id like to say it anyways...

my time in those places were absolutely horrible. i was stripped of my autonomy and treated like a criminal for being mentally ill. it did far more to traumatize me than it did to help me and i would really strongly advise that you be careful you dont do or say anything that would enable them to keep you there against your will.

i think seeking help is a great thing, i just dont exactly recommend a grippy socks vacation. i hope you are able to get the help that you need <3

Grippy socks vacation It definitely sound like you're experience wasn't positive at all.
I'm hoping if it comes to it my experience will be more positive than that. But one never knows..

 

[chiaochai]

A hospital - of any kind - should be seen as an option of last resort. I agree that they are not pleasant places but I do think the circumstances of entering a ward affect one's experience of it.

Compulsory admission and treatment, as it sounds like you are describing, is not a nice thing for anyone - especially the person suddenly subject to controls. It is however a different experience to enter and leave of one's own volition, especially if appraised of the full and proper information as to what to expect.

I will also offer to dispel the idea that hospital staff are on the lookout for grounds to detain individuals, at least in my experience. They are difficult places to work and attract decent, if imperfect, people to staff them. Also no one has time or inclination for the extra paperwork and stress it entails. The Ratcheds of the world gravitate towards education and justice nowadays, possibly HR too.

it sounds like you and i agree here, so im not really understanding why it seems like youre correcting me? i never said they are on the lookout for grounds to detain individuals. im saying its not a fun time if that does happen to you so just be sure to avoid it.