Posted by fallsfall on September 17, 2003, at 20:54:53
In reply to Re: Hey, Are You There? » fallsfall, posted by Emme on September 17, 2003, at 19:49:31
I'm sorry you are still feeling horrid.
I know what you mean about going outdoors. My hospital has beautiful grounds (and even swings). Most people don't stay locked in for more than a day or two (there are exceptions, though).
A lot of hospital patients smoke. At my hospital the smokers smoked outdoors. They had scheduled cigarette breaks. I only saw one person who couldn't go out for a cig break for more than 8 hours (or so?) after they got there. They gave her a nicotine patch. People who weren't smokers could go out then, too (one of the staff took everybody out) if they stayed with the group (but not in the smoke!). So even if you didn't have privileges to go off the unit, you could go out with the smokers.
I saw one hospital where the smokers had a room, but you could get privileges to go off the unit when you were stable.
My hospital's grassy area is surrounded by lots of trees. The first time I was there I learned to associate the sound of the wind in the trees with being safe and comforted. I still feel that way when the wind blows through the trees.
I have found that climbing back up after a psychological crash is much harder than holding even. Just like it is easier to plug a small hole in a boat than to bail out the boat and fix a bigger hole. If you find yourself going down, please consider the hospital.
You could call them (they are open 24 hours) and ask about outside access.
((((Emme))))
poster:fallsfall
thread:260475
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030913/msgs/261165.html