What is hospital like?

[wombatsandaplant]

I have the option of going into hospital. If I don’t improve, there’s potential sectioning too. I would ideally like to avoid both scenarios but it’s looking less and less likely.

My doctor mentioned around 4 weeks, which seems like a very long time.

Anyone got any advice to try and help me make a decision?

I know hospitals differ but I’m autistic so any new scenario freaks me out.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

You would be better agreeing to go than being placed on a section for assessment and Treatment for 28 days under the mental health act. They will assess your needs and prescribe the appropriate therapy and Treatment for you, and there will always be staff around to support you when you need it. I'm a retired Nurse in mental health myself, the buildings are various designs and layouts, my last Project that l worked at had 18 private single rooms and specialised in Mental health Rehabilitation.

It isn't a nice place OP. You don't get rest and lots of therapy and support like people think. You don't get much sleep because the lights are always on and people scream all night and you will be given meds and made to take them even if they make you feel worse. You don't get a say.

I'd rather kill myself than go back.

If you can make ANY choice that doesn't involve hospital then do it. Make every effort to improve because you do not want to be in there, trust me.

My friend has severe depression. She went in voluntary. Like the last poster it wasn't want she was expecting and then had difficulty getting back out.

If it’s an NHS hospital avoid at all costs. It’s not a therapeutic environment, it’s little more than holding. However, if they put you on overflow to a private hospital seize it. That saved my life.

I just wanted to balance this a little bit OP. Not all hospitals are the same; some are rubbish and some aren't. Private is definitely not always best and I have seen some truly awful ones.

Bed space is at an absolute premium now, more than ever. If they are saying you need to go in, it's likely that you do. A voluntary admission may be a lot gentler for you than a section. You might feel a little more in control? Take in things that will comfort you like photos, books, favourite clothes, toiletries that you like etc

Sending lots of positive thoughts your way

The doctors concerns are that I’m psychotic and having voices and thoughts about killing others and myself. They’re trying to manage it in the community but I’m not sure how much longer it’s manageable.

My concerns about hospital are that I’ve been told it’s not calm and quiet or restful. I have that at home but I’m not coping very well at home.

My dear friend was sectioned for a month. It was horrific. As PPs have said, lights on 24/7 and no rest. When she was discharged she was sent out wearing no underwear, no footwear and just a hospital gown.

My son with ASD was sectioned. It was not the therapeutic environment it should have been. I would avoid if you can. It was noisy with poor levels of staffing. There were also lots of rules which were very dehumanising. Take medication at home. Try and get support and therapy as an outpatient. I honestly think mental health care is a national scandal.

OP I am sorry that this thread is not being slightly more constructive. It sounds like the decision might soon be out of your hands and making you feel terrified definitely isn't helpful.

I have worked on numerous wards and our bedrooms have definitely had lights out at night. Yes it can sometimes be noisy but it really isn't always. Some hospitals are awful and some aren't. Plan as much as you can to think about how to make it as bearable as possible now, get things together etc, so you aren't caught out without your stuff if you were admitted quickly

Some staff are great to talk with about how you're doing/strategies if you do end up going in. I second the thought that it's best to go informally if you can, I've done both, my last stay was 12 weeks earlier this year for psychosis/depression, and I think the sectioning made it a longer stay. It maybe that they need time to check meds changes are working if they do that.

Every hospital/ward is different. Some more therapeutic than others. Sometimes it depends on the patient mix too.

Has your doctor told you what kind of ward or even the name of the ward? You might be able to find an overview and pictures online.

As a nurse I sit down with new people to the ward and explain what the ward is, what we do, who is who etc. I will ask if you understand why you are there and if you have any questions and will show you around the ward. I’ll explain meal times, medicine rounds, explain any activities on offer and introduce you to your named nurse.

I have been on a ward. I had my own room and bathroom. Lights were out at night and I slept fine. You are checked on regularly but you get used to it.

It wasn't always therapeutic, but the nature of hospital is that there are other people there who are really unwell. Hospital also isn't a setting where you should expect lots of psychological input. Patients who go into hospital are acutely unwell; the ward is there to keep people safe, stabilise them and then discharge back into the community for ongoing treatment.

If hospital is being discussed then you are probably quite unwell and in need of that support. My hospital stay helped me turn things around, when being treated in the community was no longer helping.

I was relieved when I went from constant supervision to 15 minute checks, and finally to hourly checks. I found playing cards with patients and staff therapeutic, it motivated me to stay out of my room in the day.

It can be noisy and chaotic, but most of all... it is utterly boring. If your team are talking about admission then get a bag ready anyway.... nice PJs, your favourite toiletries, books, colouring stuff if that helps. If you have a tablet, get some favourite films loaded on it ready.

If you have the option of hospital then accept it. Sectioning is a removal of all your rights, and they can do things like restrain you and force you to have medication. Am not trying to scare you with that, but being under section and experiencing things like that can make you feel a whole lot worse.