Join a Community That Understands You

Get answers from those who share your health journey

Left Image 1Middle Image 1Right Image 1

Warning:The content may contain sexual or violent material that could be triggering.

avatar

lifeismid

Updated 4mo ago

Struggling with Trauma: Considering a Mental Hospital

What's it like going to a mental hospital as an adult? TW: my life falling apart lol So basically everything started in September when I got roofied at a bar. Stuff happened and ik I wasn't the intended victim but it was still traumatic. Fast forward a couple of months and I lost my job that I loved, couldn't refill my ADHD meds anywhere, my car got totalled (not my fault) and snowballed into my boyfriend of 2 years telling me he doesn't love me the same way anymore. Ever since then, I feel like bad things just keep happening like one new life changing/lowkey traumatic event happens every month. Ever since my now ex left me I've been debating going to a mental hospital but for personal and financial reasons I've been trying to avoid going. My life basically keeps falling apart and my therapist is surprised that I'm holding it together and not doing any of my trauma responses (or trying my best not to). I just wanna know what it's like because I'm scared and don't know what to do. Note: I also live alone now for the first time ever so that really hasn't been helping and I can't move in with family and don't have room for a roommate.

Can you help? Connect today

Your Alikes say
AI-generated answer based on the text from previous posts and comments

Based on the experiences shared, being admitted to a mental hospital can be very traumatic for some people. One person mentioned that they had been admitted four or five times and each place was diffe...See More

avatar

Abigailborja

5mo

Well when I was in the hospital at first I was thinking everyone hate me but I was feeling depressed and crying alot but when the Days past I feel much better and everyone was taking to me to try me feel better and I lost my job too for my bad decision but I will fund another job and much better sorry but I'm Spanish my English is a little mess up I hope u feel much better I wish the best 👌
avatar

Bre19

5mo

❤️
avatar

jvier

5mo

awfull I hated it
avatar

Bre19

5mo

I can't imagine
avatar

stacey75

5mo

Back when I went I put myself because I just couldn't handle stuff that was going on at the time and I needed a break from everyone and everything. I also was dealing with the loss of a miscarriage and I had to deal with it on my own because my husband at the time wasn't paying attention to me and my kids and every one else always came first. So to me it was a vacation and I didn't want to go home when my time was up but had no choice.
avatar

Bre19

5mo

❤️
avatar

HealthKick

4mo

I think everyone by default needs to periodically experience therapeutic assistance concerning their mental health. Similar to a routine physical, it wouldn't hurt to have routine (mental) check ups. Mental health is so underrated but so necessary to monitor or treat. I commend you for taking care of your mental health. It's great you understand the need to love and take care of yourself. Awesome job, stay on it! 💕
avatar

brobie

4mo

I started going to psych units as a younger person and into my twenties, and it's always felt homey to me here. the schedule is very routine and there's ample free time, but also groups where you'll do an art activity or a guided discussion about a mental health topic. you usually choose your meals from a menu the day before. I've always had my own room in adult units. scheduled medicine times. nurses and techs are always somewhere on the unit if you need them. usually see your doctor about once every day. maybe guided stretches. if your unit has an outdoor space maybe time outside in a fenced in area. no clothes with strings and I've never been allowed to have my phone although I have seen people online that somehow get theirs. maybe it's a state by state thing? I suggest bringing comfy clothes that you feel cozy in and a book or two, maybe a journal. be aware of the patients not currently recovery minded and don't let them influence your upward journey. lots of people from different walks of life but all people who know deep pain, you won't be alone here ❤️
avatar

lifeismid

4mo

thank you for this, I was looking for an answer just like this whether it was good or bad instead of short comments like "I hated it" or "it was good." This gives me hope that if I ever need it, it hopefully will do me more good than bad.
avatar

HealthKick

4mo

This is the most thorough reply ever. Also, most facilities do initial body searches, which may feel embarrassing but is definitly necessary. But, you summed it all up in specific details. Great answer 👍
avatar

Lunaloves

4mo

It felt like torture and was probably the most traumatic time. The first time I was in the psychology ward. My abusive husband coursed me to admit myself because I was so distraught and beside myself . He threatened me with divorce and said if I love him I would go to the psych ward because he can't handle me anymore. Then I found out while I was trapped in there for 11 days that he went out of state on a guys trip with his college friends. I was 20 at the time. 20 and married. The second time I was in the psych ward was completely my choice because I was suicidal and going through a divorce. My previously mentioned husband was physically, mentally, spiritually abusive, and got arrested because my neighbors saw him beating me up outside our apartment. I didn't know who I was during the year long criminal trial. I didn't want to get divorced and didn't know how to fit in with anyone my age anymore when i tried to go back to college. I also got sexually assaulted before my 2nd hospitalization. Happy ending is the 2nd time I was in partial hospitalization program instead of full in patient, and it was very helpful. When you are down and out and feel like everything is falling apart there are people who still want to help you and see your strengths and worth. I would go if you feel like you don't know what else to do and don't have anyone else committed to helping you or letting you lean on them.
avatar

finnigan

4mo

voluntarily going inpatient should be a good experience. you can leave whenever you want after a 3 day evaluation. i was involuntarily admitted and it was an extremely traumatic experience. it’s very different if you choose to go. it definitely benefited the people i met there who were voluntarily admitted.
avatar

finnigan

4mo

also look into partial hospitalization programs. that was probably the most beneficial to me. after i got out of full inpatientcy, i transferred to partial. i went to the hospital from 8am-1pm and i got to go home afterwards. it was so much better to not feel trapped there but there was still a focus and community while i was there and it was comforting to know id be going home at the end of the day. they also do some of them via zoom. so you have online groups from the comfort of your home. there’s so many options and i’m hopeful you’ll be able to find one that works for you 💓
avatar

lifeismid

4mo

that's sounds amazing actually, I'll have to check it out!
avatar

CosmicBri

4mo

I know I'm late to this, but I have been to a few psych units in my lifetime, the first one was when I was 12. It was like a vacation away from my parents and I got to eat candy all the time. I just felt bad because they were so worried about me. I was self-harming and they didn't understand the difference between that and attempting suicide. Anyways fast forward 30 years and I thought everything was going good, I had gotten sober, had gotten out of 15 years of abusive relationships, a brand new apartment, but then I had a breakdown... I ended up being going to the ER because I was hearing voices and thought people were trying to kill me. I had three stays in 2 different hospitals over a 6 month period. The worst part about it was they take your clothes and make you wear this white disposable underwear and they didn't give me back my clothes until I saw a doctor. I wasn't suicidal but they still kept my shoelaces. Oh and my roommate thought I was trying to steal all her clothes that she just bought from her stimulus money. She sat there and showed me every piece of clothing and then said but you can't have it. I was like no hunny its okay I don't want it. But she still went to staff and said I was trying to get her clothes. Still makes me laugh because of how absurd it was but 😂 I couldn't be mad at her because we all have problems but thankfully they did move me. My biggest recommendation is to bring comfy clothes and flip flops as you have no one to impress there(they'll probably take your strings from your hoodies but if you take them out before hand they should let you have them) find out what you can and can't bring to keep you occupied because that's the worst part about it- just sitting around watching tv all day waiting for meals. So if you like to read, bring books. If you like to write, bring a composition book or paper and pencil or pen. Nothing with a spiral edge. They allowed me to have my gel pens every place I've ever been at and coloring books. The food is usually hospital decent. Find out how the phones work- sometimes they're free and sometimes you need to bring quarters or a phone card. Also find out if you can bring in food and candy. (Chips, cookies, anything prepackaged sealed still and nonperishable) Sometimes having those little items makes it a little easier. If your psychiatrist isn't sure of something then you can always call the unit directly they're usually very pleasant to deal with. I've never had a psych nurse I didn't think was doing it because s/he cared. Some more than others but you'll feel out which ones you can talk to if you're having a problem etc etc. And just remember you're going to get help. Sorry for the length but I hope some of it may help. Think of it as a little mental health vacation. Our cars need tuneup sometimes. So do our brains. I wish you luck and I truly hope everything turns out good for you! Ps. My psych stays were about 3 1/2 years ago. I finally got on the meds I needed to be on and have had no problems since. I know that everyone's experiences are different but I just want to let you know there is a light waiting for you at the end of the tunnel. Even if it takes time. You got this!! Much love & positive vibes 🤗
avatar

QuwnnLadyJ

4mo

Don’t let it scare you I was worried about all this stuff and I overcame it

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

feed-footer-0

Free unlimited access

to all community content

feed-footer-1

Find others who are

medically similar to you

feed-footer-2

Pose questions and join

meaningful discussions

pp-logo

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

appStoreBtngooglePlayBtn

© 2020-2024 Alike, Inc