Admitting myself to a mental hospital for depression, any advice?

Try to be open to the help and participate in groups. Talk to others, even if it's hard. Take it as a chance to really dig in. I also recommend bringing something to color with if you need to decompress or some sort of word search or sudoku or books or a journal (for notes from group or for personal writing), whatever is your thing. You do have quite a bit of downtime outside of groups and doctors, at least in my experience. And if you want to try new meds, that is the time to do it so you can be around medical ppl in case you need help stabilizing. Also, prepare for no caffeinated beverages. Bring comfy clothes with no drawstrings or wire/metal and slippers, no shoes with laces. And if there is anyone you want to talk to while you're in there, have phone numbers written down that you can access. A lot of stuff, but it helps more if you are prepared. Everybody's experience is different, but if you put in the work, it can be really helpful. Good for you for taking this big step. Good luck. I hope it works out for you.

Comfy clothes! Slippers! A bath robe. Nothing with strings. They will have books or other material to read or keep you busy. If you bring a book they might not let you have it. You are not alone. My inbox is always open. Proud of you!

My experiences with mental hospitals has always turned out bad but if you need that support it is important to find it. I know how hard it is to admit you have an issue and need help, and I'm proud of you.

Best advise I can give is to keep your head up & be aware of your surroundings (not to freak you out or anything). Try and participate in group even if you dont really want to. Im proud of you and want you to feel better ❤️ you may want to give up but dont. We are all here for you even if we never met

I know you don’t know me but I know what you are going through and all the things can be really hard but you are doing it you are getting help step by step it takes time to feel better. Most hospitals won’t let you bring very much for mental health stays I recommend houseshoes, some pjs, they prefer stretchy pants and if needed sports bras. Hope you feel better soon!