To miss my mental health unit?

[UndertheCedartree]

I spent almost 3 years in a psych hospital after a breakdown. 2 years were on. Tier 4 Personality disorder unit as I have EUPD.

I have been out 6 months. And struggle a lot. There was a lot of support put into place but due to Covid it pretty much means nothing. I have no therapy, no OT, don't see my CPN or psychiatrist. My volunteer can't come round and they have now discharged me from that service. The kid's SW did come round but has discharged us now. My DD's pastoral care teacher did come round the other day which was wonderful. I feel so alone a lot of the time. All the things I imagined I'd be doing I can't do any of them. I miss the support from staff and patients, always having company and something to do. Equally time alone if I needed it too. A lovely clean ensuite room to chill in. Useful work, study and creative and sporting activities to do. I dreamed of having the time to get my house sparkling but due to Long Covid that isn't happening. I feel even more trapped now as I collapsed while out shopping the other day so feel I can't go out alone anymore. Has anyone been in this situation and how did you adapt to normal life?

Hi OP that sounds tough I can't say much to help but after spending 2 weeks on an acute mental health ward I found it hard getting back to normal life, so I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you. Don't be afraid to call GP again if you feel you need support, it sounds like you're doing the best you can do ❤

You were inpatient for a very long time. Even with a short stay, patients can get 'institutionalised' and dependent on 24/7 support in a 'safe' place they are protected from the real world. The things you miss you can try and do yourself. How are your children doing? Who looked after them when you were inpatient?
This adjusting to outside world will be tough, take each day. With covid so many people aren't having support, it's not good at all, but please reach out on here, we can help 💐

I have not been in a PD unit (I have EUPD) but have been in acute mental health units several times. These places help us feel safe and supported... day to day responsibilities are gone or taken care of and we have routine and structure. If we struggle, there is always someone there. It is true that it is easy to get institutionalised in such places. It is easy to see why when all the external triggers are gone and you are in a safe place... some people see it as a holiday from normal life. Acute units just keep you penned in until meds get you stable, but PD units are there to prepare you with skills and coping mechanisms to help yourself when you are back in the community. It is hard, but now is the time to look back on your time in the PD unit and put into practice what you were taught.