Getting used to life again after being an in-patient

[babyheaves]

I was discharged from psych hospital today after 6 and a bit weeks of being an inpatient. After the initial joy of being out and being back home, I'm finding myself crashing down again as the stressors that put me there are still here at home and I have to start to tackle them.

I do have support but leaving the protective bubble of the hospital, its all a bit overwhelming.

Has anyone else got any advice or has been through similar who would like to talk to me about it?

Well those sound good-I would try them both, I really would.
I'm sorry to hear you are struggling. Be kind to yourself, and make sure you try to register all the things you've managed to do, and not just the things you haven't.

Do you mind my asking about your diagnosis babyheaves - you mentioned depression but then mentioned "rapid cycling" which I didn't think were symptoms of depression.

I have had 2 major episodes of depression and each time 3 months on psych ward (last one Easter 2010) which I haven't fully recovered from, lots of ups and downs, more ups but it's still a pain. Were you just discharged or did you have "hours out" and sleeping at home for a couple of nights. This is certainly how my discharge was handled but it was all very difficult and did not feel well when I was discharged but was up and down whether at home or in hospital plus the psychiatrist was making it clear he wanted me discharged.

I can only echo what others are saying. You are in a kind of cocoon on the ward I know and whilst it can be very boring, at least you don't have to think of anything which really takes the pressure off you.

I had a CPN visit me weekly for a year after I came out and she was a realy good source of support to me and so I think whatever help you can get is good. Hope you can manage to get to the groups you mentioned.

Baby steps as others have said - be gentle with yourself and don't expect too much too soon.

Hi NanaNina, we chatted on my thread before I was admitted (under a different NN, PM me if you want to know).

I was admitted with an initial diagnosis of severe agitated depression. Half way through my hospitalistion I went a little bit bonkers on ADs which were then stopped, all my meds changed and was given a working diagnosis of bipolar II which was made firm on discharge.

I spent the best part of a week rapid cycling between depression and hypomania with mixed episodes inbetween which were truly awful. Low mood and high energy is a real recipe for disaster.

I have finally started to take the offer of help from the CT with things like getting out of the house and went out for a coffee with a support worker today. Because I'm usually so organised and, for want of a better word, managerial, I find it hard to admit that I need help with simple things like shopping, form filling and cooking, which before I was ill I would do without even thinking.

I am still struggling with my mood and getting used to being at home again, but need to keep going as I really couldn't put my children through another hospitalisation.

Hi babyheaves - I think I know who you were and I hope I'm right because this poster suddenly disappeared and I was really worried about her. Can't PM you because some little box appears that won't let you type more than one line.....so can you try PM ing me. Will have to get on to MN unless it is just a problem with my laptop - quite possible. xx

Oh it was ne being stupid babyheaves - I have managed to PM you xx