Thanks for sharing your story. There is a huge need for more compassionate, less restrictive care for patients who suffer these symptoms. I worked an inpatient psychiatric unit as a group counselor and tech for a couple years. Thankfully, the staff and hospital were committed to trying to provide that kind of care. Restraints were kept to an absolute minimum. Even then, there are problems. As you say, a locked unit that feels very punishing for someone who can’t help being ill seems very wrong and there’s gotta be a better solution.
This is so interesting! My experiences sound almost like a day spa compared to yours. Granted, I am young, my first hospitalization was in 2020, and I live in one of the most liberal states (WA) in one of the most liberal cities in the US. I’m not saying the psych ward didn’t mess me up because it did that and more, but I am saying that I think progress is being made. I have schizoaffective disorder and have gone in once for my first psychotic episode and the second time for a manic episode. My stays were no longer than 8 days. They get you in, get you stabilized, and get you out as quick as possible. This does create a rotator effect, however, especially for people without support systems. I try not to make friends there but I am friendly.
I am so sorry you have lived these experiences. What a ride it is, eh?
I wanted to mention, I have three memoirs I wrote and I offer digital versions free with a paid membership, or I can sign and mail paper copies for $60 US. To learn more about my books and writing, visit www.edmontonwriter.com and have a wonderful day! Thanks for your kind words!
Hi Melanie! First off, I can't tell you how much I love Washington State. I used to live in the Canadian Vancouver and would visit often. Back then you could enter the US with just a driver's license
I totally agree with you about the situation with psychiatric hospitals. There will always be a requirement for a few burly nurses for when people are completely out of control, but, saying that, the rest of it is just impatient containment without enough engagement and therapy once you are stabilised. And nothing to do! Why can’t they have a more homely section with a garden once you have started responding to the medication where you can begin to recover the rest of yourself? And I agree that the public needs to overcome ignorance and be aware of mental health first aid and how to react to someone in psychosis correctly.
Hi Benjamin. Thanks so much for responding to my post. I am at the point now where I understand the violence, heavy medications and isolation rooms a lot better. I was a very ill and combative person when I was in psychosis. Thankfully time heals all wounds. If you are interested in learning more of my story, I am offering my three mental health memoirs as digital copies for anyone who gets a paid subscription. I will be contributing to the posts no less than twice a week and possibly doing a minimum of one podcast a week. If you prefer paperbacks, let me know and I can send these same books in hardcopy for about $60 US which includes postage and I will sign and personalize them. Have a great day and thanks for all you have done, it is not easy to work in those settings.
Thanks for sharing your story. There is a huge need for more compassionate, less restrictive care for patients who suffer these symptoms. I worked an inpatient psychiatric unit as a group counselor and tech for a couple years. Thankfully, the staff and hospital were committed to trying to provide that kind of care. Restraints were kept to an absolute minimum. Even then, there are problems. As you say, a locked unit that feels very punishing for someone who can’t help being ill seems very wrong and there’s gotta be a better solution.
This is so interesting! My experiences sound almost like a day spa compared to yours. Granted, I am young, my first hospitalization was in 2020, and I live in one of the most liberal states (WA) in one of the most liberal cities in the US. I’m not saying the psych ward didn’t mess me up because it did that and more, but I am saying that I think progress is being made. I have schizoaffective disorder and have gone in once for my first psychotic episode and the second time for a manic episode. My stays were no longer than 8 days. They get you in, get you stabilized, and get you out as quick as possible. This does create a rotator effect, however, especially for people without support systems. I try not to make friends there but I am friendly.
I am so sorry you have lived these experiences. What a ride it is, eh?
I wanted to mention, I have three memoirs I wrote and I offer digital versions free with a paid membership, or I can sign and mail paper copies for $60 US. To learn more about my books and writing, visit www.edmontonwriter.com and have a wonderful day! Thanks for your kind words!
Hi Melanie! First off, I can't tell you how much I love Washington State. I used to live in the Canadian Vancouver and would visit often. Back then you could enter the US with just a driver's license
I totally agree with you about the situation with psychiatric hospitals. There will always be a requirement for a few burly nurses for when people are completely out of control, but, saying that, the rest of it is just impatient containment without enough engagement and therapy once you are stabilised. And nothing to do! Why can’t they have a more homely section with a garden once you have started responding to the medication where you can begin to recover the rest of yourself? And I agree that the public needs to overcome ignorance and be aware of mental health first aid and how to react to someone in psychosis correctly.
Hi Benjamin. Thanks so much for responding to my post. I am at the point now where I understand the violence, heavy medications and isolation rooms a lot better. I was a very ill and combative person when I was in psychosis. Thankfully time heals all wounds. If you are interested in learning more of my story, I am offering my three mental health memoirs as digital copies for anyone who gets a paid subscription. I will be contributing to the posts no less than twice a week and possibly doing a minimum of one podcast a week. If you prefer paperbacks, let me know and I can send these same books in hardcopy for about $60 US which includes postage and I will sign and personalize them. Have a great day and thanks for all you have done, it is not easy to work in those settings.