I'm in a private mental health hospital AMA

[Gigi20]

Arrived here a week ago

My first question is why?

And how much freedom do you get? I didn't think you were allowed phones or internet in mental health hospitals, so I find that quite surprising.

Did you choose to go there yourself, or were you forced?

I've honestly thought of going to a private inpatient centre a few times in the past when I've been scared of my own behaviour.

How does it work?

Are you having therapy in there? Is there group therapy? Do you interact with the other patients? I hope you feel better soon.

How are you doing OP?
Do you feel hopeful they can help you?
Have you a diagnosis yet?

Sending my best wishes to you 💐

☘️

I can understand this all too well

I was under the crisis team. Went to see a private psychiatrist who recommended going into hospital .
I had to go to the local NHS hospital which absolutely frightened the life out of me. I took an overdose .

Thankfully I have private health insurance and they found me a bed in a private hospital.

Yes you are allowed phones, maybe depends on the reason you are here I guess. But no phone charger. They have to charge it for you

It's more group therapy. I would say most patients are in here for addiction, they separate the groups.
lots of eating disorders.

They said I have severe depression. Trying to sort out 1to1 counselling. I feel worse because of the overdose, I have worried my family and I'm very ashamed of that

I really hope you start to improve soon.
I understand you feeling guilty about worrying your family but sometimes you can see no solution to your problems and reach crisis point.
Hope the only way is up now OP

Thank you x

Please don't feel ashamed, beating yourself up will only fuel your depression.

I'm guessing you felt there was no other way out other than to end it and to think like that you couldn't have been mentally well. So please be kind to yourself, you have an illness and you need to heal.

Do you find it helps being around others who are also struggling? I'm only asking because I did. In my real life I felt so alone and that everyone was coping and I was so weak I couldn't manage like everyone else.

I really admire your courage to reach out and try and get help, living with depression is so so hard. Good for you.

Yes I did find it really difficult being around people.
All the nice thing gs they were planning and I couldn't get any enjoyment from anything.
To be honest this was a long time coming.

Seeing the NHS hospital made me realise how lucky I am. I mean it's not great here but I could be in a lot worse places.

Does it drive you up the wall having to ask every time you want to leave the ward?

How long do you think you'll be there?

Do you have children?

We can leave the ward whenever we want but I can't go out.

Not sure, how long I will be staying. Not too long I think.

I do have children, they are older and know where I am

Are you not on a secure ward? Where can you go when you leave the ward? How come you can't go out?

Are you going to be following a specific type of therapy? Or are you just getting meds sorted if you say you won't be there long.

Hopefully your DC can visit soon.

It's pretty old fashioned to not allow phones or internet, most places allow them.

They have a dining room, outside space and a small lounge. You are free to move around but are not allowed on the other wards.

I can't go out as I'm classed as a suicide risk. Can leave with a nurse if I want to pop to the shops but that's it.

I don't think I will be here too long as I'm not sure if the insurance will pay.

Is being there helping? And, if it is, do you think its the therapy, or just being able to stop, admit that you are not coping and being looked after? Or something else?

Therapy isn't great. But it's nice to stop and have a complete rest.

I wasn't sleeping well or eating properly and that has improved

Hi OP. I have spent a very long stretch in a private hospital and mostly patients stayed 28 days due to insurance limitations.

How are you feeling? Do talk to the staff if needed, especially at night xx

I found inpatient good for helping with those things.

Realistically, you're not going to be able to do any proper therapy if you are only there a short while. Are you doing Occupational therapy? That really helped me.

I hope you have community care in place if you are discharged after a very short time. Hopefully they will have got your meds sorted.

What frightened you about the NHS hospital?

Yes they do have OT may give it a try thank you.

I only saw bits of the NHS hospital. The patients I saw were very very ill. I think I would have left worse than I went in.
Also, I had spoken to a few people and was under the impression that the care is t great. They just do not have the time and resources to help people.

Yes I'm hoping they can get my meds sorted so I can function better when I get home.

Are you allowed to be in your room by yourself or are you forced to mingle?

No you can stay in your room, even take your food there. They like you to go to classes but. Don't force you.

No questions my love but wanted to say well done on seeking help. Please take this time to recover and focus on yourself. Sending you love.