Hospital

[BeepBop]

My cpn has brought up the option of going into hospital each time she has visited over the last few weeks.
I was vehemently against it at first but things aren't improving. If anything, things are getting increasingly worse. I'm scared to leave the house alone as the only thought I have right now is one of harming myself irreversibly.
I'm just asking for advice/personal experience of others who've been there. What should I expect if I was to go to hospital as a voluntary patient, How does it work? Do I have to stay a fixed length of time? Can I discharge myself if I don't like it?
I don't want to make the wrong choice while I still have a choice.

I've been in hospital voluntarily (for meds changes) and on section (most of the other times).

You should agree treatment goals with your team (if your hospital is local, then your CPN might be able to come to ward rounds, which are weekly). You don't have to stay a fixed time, and you can discharge yourself as a voluntary patient (unless they feel you would be at significant risk). It might just be a case of getting on the right meds, and some wards have activity groups and psychoeducational groups, which can help. There are some things you may not be allowed in hospital, because of risk.

I'm happy to answer any other questions

@SnowyMouse Thank you for replying.
A quick google suggests the nearest MH facility is in the next town (about 10 miles away) so not sure if my cpn would visit. I also see an eating disorder therapist weekly..presumably all current therapy would be put on hold?

I'm just worried it will be like a general hospital..multiple people to a ward & no personal space. I really struggle with being near people.

The idea of a timeout is appealing. I've been trying out a multitude of different medication lately and it's becoming a huge struggle to keep on top of life while battling side effects etc. A timeout would be beneficial I think. I just really don't know what to do for the best.

I've ended up 25 miles away, and my CPN still came to weekly ward rounds, you could ask your CPN if they will before deciding? Sometimes I've had people attending my ward round via phone, so that might be an option too if cpn can't.

I'd tell your CPN your worries, they might be able to tell you what the facilities are like - female only, and individual rooms or shared ones?

It's a tricky decision, I hope you get support whatever you decide.

Going in as an inpt was such a good move for me, I had my own room and space regular groups and I ended up in for two months how I’m feeling at the minute I’d go back in a heartbeat

Yes, find out if they have own rooms. The hospital I was in had four and six people dorms. They had two single rooms but they were for very manic or psychotic patients. I was in four person dorm and it wasn't nice.

Hospital has helped me when I was at the point when I couldn’t keep myself safe. Not much else, TBH. But there were times when it was necessary. They can’t kee you there unless you’re judged to be a threat to yourself/others.

My local ward has en-suite rooms. You’re allowed phones, but not allowed chargers as they need to be checked by an electrician first. I’ve always smuggled my own lead/plug in my bra and covertly charged my phone—I couldn’t have coped without it.

I was allowed to visit my local ward to have a look around before I decide if I wanted to go in the first time. Don’t know whether other places would allow this.

The wards I have been on charged the phones in the office/a separate room - a labelled charger is good if they allow this. I believe some wards don't allow phones because of the cameras, so it's worth checking.