Friend is in a psychiatric unit - any advice?

[slightlybonkers]

A friend of mine has been in a psychiatric unit for the last couple of wks. I've arranged to visit. Situation is difficult. she's a mum in process of divorcing father of her kids. kids with the dad at the moment
i'm going to avoid talking about any of this with her in case it upsets her further - is this the right strategy?

I last saw her about a month ago and she was in distress - paranoid, wasn't sleeping, talking about tv programmes as if real, slurring words. no idea what she has been diagnosed with but apparently she is on a lot of drugs in there. the whole thing has been preying on my mind. any advice for visiting? Was going to bring her in some nice toiletries & PJ's- good idea??

Yes nice bath products is a really good idea and PJs - also a lovely idea. When I was in an inpatient it was little thoughtful luxuries like that that made things seem a tiny bit better. A friend of mine brought me some really nice moisturiser, it was like a little piece of calm in a nightmare environment.

Also maybe some snacks like cereal bars - I found the food was terrible and I had no motivation to eat at all, so snacks kept me going.

So sorry for your friend, it sounds like an awful situation. I'm glad she has a friend like you. BTW - you prob already know this - but children are not allowed to visit with you (just in case you have children and were thinking of visiting with them).

thanks for your reply, will bring her in some cereal bars too.

Agree that the toiletries sound like a lovely idea. Just try not to get anything that is in glass bottles because they tend to take stuff like that off you.

The hospital I was in had a family room that could be booked for visits if you had children with you. Don't know if this is the norm though.

I think you have the right idea about not talking about her divorce. You may find that she doesn't want to talk much at all. I'd just take the lead from her.

DH brought me in a really lovely fleece blanket and I really appreciated that as I just had a couple of those rubbish hospital blankets.

Had 2 friends in there : her reactions will depend on if she wants to be in there or not food is awful : take in favourite muchies, soothing music cds a dressing gown/day robe and fresh undies .Staff are there and trained for her to talk to ; they must listen if she wants to talk.Normal to be put on meds 98% are

Havn't any advice for you slightlybonkers but wanted to just say, you are already doing the best thing for your friend by being there. You are being a devoted friend and she will remember that forever. I was really touched by your post and just had to reply.

Vic. xx

I would go for fruit rather then sweets, as most anti-psychotics make you hungry, and many patients put loads of weight on while on them- often eating up to 6 Choc bars in one go, or several helpings of dinner, or order late night takeaway to the ward- yes, that's often allowed! There is usually vending machines/ shops with sweets and crisps, as well, but access to fruit tends to be rather more limited. Not been Pat myself, but Ex-P was inpatient many many times.