Any other parents whose children are in psych hospital?

[thornykate]

Just wondered if any other parents on here have or have had any children who have gone into psych hospital?

My teenage son is in voluntarily for assesment at present. I do have a pretty good understanding of the system as I used to work in mental health services but I am finding it difficult to talk to anyone in RL about what is going on & I am constantly worried sick about him.

How old is your son? Has he gone from home straight to psych hospital or from a boarding school?
I dont know the ins and outs of psych hospitals but am more than willing to listen to you and help you find the answers you may need. Do you want to say abit more about how its got to this this situation ect?

Hi thanks for the reply.

He is in hospital voluntarily for a 4/6 week assesment, he's never been away from home before apart from the odd night with other family or friends. He knows he isn't well & so do we but it does feel very strange having him away from home when he is at his most vulnerable even though rationally I know he needs that help.

Hopefully in time we will all find our feet & work out the best ways to support him & each other.

how old is he? did this come out of the blue or has he been experiencing problems for some time? must be v v worrying for you (and him obviously). why do you feel you can ask for rl support? hope you feel you can talk on here. v happy to listen.

I can't really help from experience thornykate, but I wondered whether Young Minds might be able to offer you some advice and support from a parent's perspective.
I hope his school and his friends are staying in touch with you and with him.

Is the hospital local to you? Are you able to visit him during the 4/6 weeks. Has been taking medication before this assessment? I think you need to get people to talk to , great that you are posting. But are there family close by or friends. I think you will be surprised how people will want to help when you let them know you need it eg a coffee and a chat.

Why don't you ask the hospital for a support group you can both go to (I am guessing you are married) or anything else that they know can help families/support who are going through this>? They have have someone connected to them you never know until you ask!!
How long has he been there so far?

Thanks for the replies; He's been there for 2 weeks now & they are pretty relaxed about visiting which is good.

Think I will try young minds as they were helpful in the past, the hospital weren't able to direct us anywhere apart from mind but I will ask again & hopefully find a group nearby.