Have you ever had a positive inpatient stay

[User5637]

How long did you stay? Currently being asked to consider an informal stay

I was an informal patient for two weeks. They wanted to keep me in longer but I wanted to go home which was a mistake as I wasn't ready. My experience was largely positive as once you're in hospital you gain access to psychiatrists who can properly assess you and get you stable on medication. It's also a reprieve from being at home and isolated.

I actually want to go back into hospital as I'm not feeling great but I have a review in December. I would go in OP. If you organise yourself properly to get the most out of it, then it may be a positive experience for you.

I've had several positive stays, although at the time it didn't feel like it. I was in for 12 weeks last spring (under section).

I was inpatient under section last year. It helped (though I didn't see it at the time).
It was a break from the chaos in my head, gave me time to focus on just me and getting stable instead of trying to deal with the million and one things that are part and parcel of daily life.

I'm currently waiting for a bed as a voluntary admission. I'm struggling massively but I don't want to reach crisis point and go in under section again.

I agree with the above. At the time it might how feel like a positive experience but probably because you are so unwell. If you are being asked to consider an informal stay, it's possible if things deteriorate you may end up in hospital anyway, but under a section. I think it's definitely preferable to be an informal patient. People might have more advice if you want to say what the problem is? I hope you're feeling better soon.