I know you have wondered what in the world goes on behind the closed doors of a psychiatric hospital. Since you asked, let me tell you.
I do have first-hand experience. It's not as horrific as you may have imagined, seen on tv, or heard from horror stories. No, the patients are not bound in strait jackets all day or drugged up in a stupor. There are good psychiatric hospitals and not-so-good ones. What makes a good one? From my personal experience, the good ones have three distinguishing characteristics:
- A caring and sincere desire to bring hope and healing to the person suffering from a mental health issue.
- Psychiatrists, nurses, counselors and other staff who truly listen to the patient and have a team approach in communicating with the patient.
- The staff encourage the patient to participate in daily group therapy sessions as well as creative activities even though the patient does not see a benefit in doing so.
Due to severe episodes of major depressive disorder, I have had to be placed in several psychiatric hospitals. Most of these hospitals proved to be beneficial. I went willingly on one occasion and had to be taken against my will several other times.
The admitting process is not fun. You are in an unstable mindset, being asked a truckload of questions, some necessary and many push you to an even more unstable mindset. However, the questions are necessary in order for one to have a baseline for the best treatment. Before being directed to your room, you are required to surrender any and all personal items on the body that could be used to harm yourself or attempt suicide. Shoestrings are one of those items that I dearly miss having. You try to function in life without shoestrings! How does it work for you? Not too good for me either.
There is a nursing station, a common area, dining area, group rooms for small groups and art activities. There is usually a gym area and/or an enclosed outside walking area .
A typical day begins very early, as in 5:00 am. A doctor comes and wakes you up simply to ask “How do you feel this morning? How did you sleep?” You may have a brief amount of time before breakfast time around 6:30 – 7:00. Medicines are given to patients. Typically, groups are held, a brief meeting with psychiatrist or counselor, free time and lunch. Afternoons include creative art time, rest time, exercise or personal time. Then it’s dinner and evenings can include visit with family, tv time, phone calls, and personal time. Then it’s off to bed and the next day brings a repeat performance.
The goal for inpatient psychiatric care is to reduce symptoms, stabilize and manage medication. The duration of stay is typically 3-7 days. That can be increased if needed.
I hope this post gives you a positive peek inside the doors of a psychiatric hospital. Know that your family member or friend can benefit from a stay there. There can be occasions where the care is not the best or appropriate setting. Don’t be afraid to consider other psychiatric hospitals. I know for me that the doctor who finally found the best medication for me was at a hospital I had been before but his first time as my psychiatrist. God truly can bring about the stability and healing in His time! Pray and persevere.
