When hospitalized for bipolar against your will - what happens when you are in the hospital?

Question

My therapist last week wanted to admit me to the hospital because I was telling him all the things going thru my mind. (suicide, depression, insomnia, paranoid, etc) and I told him no - scares me very badly. I have never been hospitalized for mental issues. Do any of you know what really does happen? Have you ever been hospitalized. Can you call people? can you leave if you want to? Are you a zombee? Do they tie you to the bed? Do they give you your med's that you are already on? I have thought about it since my last visit. I'm not finding any help for my mental issues. Should I tell my therapist that I will try the hospital to get the medicine figured out?

Answer 1

Basically, you will be admitted to the adult psychiatric unit. It is a locked unit. And no, that doesn't mean that you are locked to your bed, it simply means that the unit is locked to protect the patients and keep them safe from harming themselves. Your day will begin with breakfast, and then a "psychosocial group" to discuss patient's feelings, concerns etc..., next, there is usually down time to relax and rest, lunch, followed by breaks to smoke outside. During smoke breaks, you will be escorted by staff at all times. Then, you will probably have another psychosocial group, or meet with the staff Psychiatrist too assess your mental condition and discuss medication. Next, is dinner, and usually more down time followed by bed or "lights out." The staff will not treat you like a child, show genuine concern, and ensure you receive the best care possible.

Answer 2

Yes, about 25 years ago. You are allowed in most places to make calls, but not during counseling session time or group talk time. You can only leave with a Doctors release. You aren't a zombie unless you react in a way that would make them give you a tranquilizer. Stay calm! Again, they don't tie you down unless you are swinging or become dangerous. Stay calm! Sometimes they give you the same meds and adjust the dosage, other times they change the meds. That is one of the purposes of being in the hospital, so that they can get you on the right medication and the right dosage. I would try the hospital so they can figure out the right medication and dosage. That way, if the reaction is not favorable, they can correct it right away and you won't have to suffer.

Answer 3

My sister has been hospitalized for suicide attempts. After the 72 hour observation, she is allowed to call her friends/family (it's only a matter of waiting for the phone to be free), have visitors, participate in group therapies, recreation, alone time (if you want it), etc. It is a good experience if you're willing to get the help you need. If you go in there with a bad attitude, they will not go out of their way to be nice to you. They'll let you do your own thing until you come around. You are not a zombie, like in the movies. If you are on meds, they continue to administer you your meds. If you're not, they won't put you on any just because they feel like it. They do not tie you to the bed unless you are being violent and are under watch for something. And at that point, it's for your own good unti lyou calm yourself down.

You might benefit from it. It might seem scary since you've never been there, but you also can always check yourself out.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Going to the hospital for a mental issue is a scary thing. You will be admitted to the unit and they will first make sure you don't have anything on you that you can hurt yourself with. They will do an evaluation on the severity of your needs and explain to you what your visit will entail. Usually you have a roommate with you who is going through the same thing you are. This is helpful. The staff are not judgemental and are very understanding. You will eventually meet with a psychiatrist who will determine what kind of meds and counseling you will need. You can call people and they also let you go outside for smoke breaks or just to get outside if you don't smoke. They don't tie you to the bed, they treat you like a human being who just needs professional help. :) Hope this helps and I wish you the best.

Answer 5

its not that bad....i was scared to death too....it turned out to be like a big slumber party with really fun people who are just like you and understand what you are going through....for the first time in my life i wasnt ashamed or embarassed about my panic and anxiety because everyone had some form or another of it....you can call people, you can leave if you want too if you are over 18 and sign yourself in, you are not a zombie, they dont tie you to the bed unless you are a nut that is causing harm to yourself or someone else, they will give you the meds that you are on and maybe try to find some that will work better for you....i was in for 2 weeks and the doctor decided i could go so i made up a story about wanting to harm myself so i could stay in longer...everyone there understood me and i am still in contact with some of the people and my anxiety, depression, and panic attacks is very much in my control now and i am med. free at this point...i would say give it a try and good luck and i wish you the best

Answer 6

hospital are scarey places,,, i know excatley where ya coming from but belive me youre better going in on youre own according getting section is'nt a good option they follow you around they watch you go for bath they watch you sleep ,, in some hospitals anyways :) you are better going in on youre own,, it is much more better,,, you will see people like you ,worse then less ill then you,, but just try youre best give it go ,, i being in out of hospital for years with depression parnioa,,etc i used to be self-harmer but now got over that part,,,, it is helpfull being on ward as the doctors and nurses can see excatly what is going on ,,, and sort out the right meds,,, im in uk so depending where you are im not sure if u could leave ward or not i know over some hospital let you out on day release if you feel up to it/, good look :) be safe hun tgcccxxxx al;so you should still be able to use phone etc ,,,suicdie isnt a option im so glad i did'nt kill myself and miss out on the fun i now got with my family :) and friends ,,if it wasnt for the mentel service's i wouldnt be able to speak on here now,,,, they really helping me ,, yeah its hard work and takes time but its all worth it in the end good luckxx and stay postive,,,

Answer 7

if you are having suicidal thoughts, you should seek help. if you are admitted to the hospital on the advise of your dr, you can be held anywhere from 24-72 hrs. no, you won't be tied to the bed or zonked out on meds. you really should get help, if your meds aren't working, your dr should change them. admitting yourself into the hospital, depending on your symptoms, means you can leave when you are ready but i advise staying until you are no longer wanting to hurt yourself. good luck

Answer 8

go to hosipital early if really need,cos bipolar disorder can cure easily in the early state.
http://www.bipolar-disorder-recovery.com/index.html

Answer 9

usually they try to determine the correct meds and dosage and keep you safe

Answer 10

i have bipolar but it's controlled by Zoloft

please seek the help that you need.