Posted by fallsfall on September 29, 2004, at 9:39:56
In reply to Re: Did anyone *like* being in hospital psych ward » B2Chica, posted by iris2 on September 28, 2004, at 15:14:34
I've been avoiding this thread because I know that when I start to talk about my times in the hospital that it means that I'm not doing well...
I know that the accounts on this thread are true, and I think that it is unforgivable that such "treatment" and such places exist. But I do want to go on the record to say that not *all* hospitals are awful. Some are very, very helpful. I'm not going to go into how wonderful my 2 hospital stays were (I have told about it on other threads in the past). But they were important and helpful to me. I didn't like every minute that I was there... But overall, I think that it was a really good thing that I went.
I don't want everyone who reads this thread to say "I'm never going to a hospital because hospitals are awful places" because some people really need to go some times. And if they only hear the horror stories, they will be afraid to go - and that could be catastrophic.
I think that it does make sense, before you are in a severe crisis, to research your alternatives. Hospitals DO differ immensely. Find out about the hospitals in your area. Which ones take your insurance? Do your therapist and pdoc prefer particular hospitals over others? Can you talk to anyone who has been in any of these hospitals (find a local depression support group, I bet you can talk to some people there)? Go for a tour (this can really help with your anxiety if you do need to be admitted - to know what the place looks like and sounds like). It is scary to think that you will ever need to go into the hospital, but if you are having suicidal thoughts, I think that it makes sense to do a little research. Then if you do end up in a crisis you can tell them which hospitals you prefer. Of course, whether you get to go to your "favorite" hospital will depend on whether there is a bed available. At least this way you can be an informed consumer.
It is truly awful when the place you go to get help is hurtful. That should never happen. My heart goes out to those of you who have had bad experiences in the hospital.
poster:fallsfall
thread:29525
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040923/msgs/396787.html