Author: Subrina Singh
Majority of people living with bipolar disorder would agree that one of the most daunting experiences is inpatient treatment. For many psych patients, including myself, inpatient treatment is viewed as a punishment or failure. While inpatient care can be extremely beneficial, society, especially the media has heavily stigmatized this experience. Movies portray only the worst of inpatient psych care, often only showing the extreme measures possibly taken to maintain one’s safety. What we don’t see is the many therapies offered as well as groups fostering connection and comradery. I have been hospitalized 10 times and most times, I have committed myself, willing and knowingly in need of a higher level of care. I have been to psychiatric facilities that I dare to even call beautiful and I have also spent months on a psych ward. Although the two are very different experiences, in the end I have always left feeling rejuvenated, safer, healthier and overall better than when I was admitted.
Here are 10 THINGS, I wish I knew upon my first admission, as well as some tips I have learned along the way:
1. The admission process is extensive and extremely thorough. If it is a planned admission, eat before. Be prepared to remove clothing and to be searched. Admission typically takes over 3 hours.
2. You are allowed to bring a bag, including items such as clothing, necessary toiletries and books. Call admissions for specific details on what the facility or unit allows. Majority of inpatient psych rules are standard but each hospital does reserve the right to implement their own regulations. Generally speaking, however, do not pack clothing with strings, laces or belts. While some hospitals allow you to bring your own toiletries, some may not. Rest assured, these items will be provided for you.
3. You will be assigned a treatment team. This team will typically consist of a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner and therapist (social worker or psychologist).
4.Most facilities have groups and activities throughout the day. Some of these may include additional therapies such as art therapy, pet therapy and music therapy. Groups may be facilitated by mental health counselors, mental health workers and therapists on the unit.
5. You will also be given a physical when you see the primary care physician assigned to the unit. Be prepared to have blood test often, especially if you are taking medications that require frequent level checks.
6. Vitals are taken every morning. Needless to say, they will wake you up – early.
7. There are specific times to take medications as well, including night time medications that may help you to sleep at night. Generally, there is a “curfew” time set for lights out.
8. Status checks are often done every 15 minutes on the unit to keep track of all patients. They do continue overnight.
9. Not all hospitals or facilities allow time outside. Most psych wards in traditional hospitals do not allow patients to leave the unit until they are discharged.
10. Contrary to popular belief, you will have a say in your treatment and care. The only exception to this is when one’s safety is in question or they are deemed unfit to make decisions for themselves.
There is so much more I wish I could share to adequately express my appreciation for inpatient psych care. But I know first hand that until you experience it for yourself, it is hard to imagine. I often encourage doing your own research and finding a hospital that you feel comfortable with in case of an emergency. While I often speak a lot about research and preparation, I do understand, from first hand experience, that this is not always possible and that most often when patients are hospitalized for psych care, it is during emergent times. However, I still believe that it is important to destigmatize psychwards to demystify the media’s portrayal. This helped me a lot and allowed me to accept a higher level of care when needed. And doing so, has made a huge impact on not only my treatment but my overall quality of life.
