hello @Former-Member
The idea of going into a mental clinic for the first time is frightening even for those of us who hold no stigma to mental illness.
Every person's stay is different. This factor is determined by your psychiatrist as he or she monitors the catch ups with you as well as some actually reading the nurses' notes.
There are day programmes. Again depending on the individual and how distressed they are attending these varies also. You will be able to gauge this once admitted. Allow yourself a couple of days to settle in.
If you feel upset, tearful, frightened or concerned let the nurse who is looking after you for that shift, know. (they should introduce themselves) if not, just ask who your nurse is at the nurses station in your ward.
Don't be frightened of the nurses either. I find the more that you talk to them, the more care you get.
The main thing when in hospital is to rest, breathe, let emotions come to the surface. Dont worry about crying your eyes out. Most people do.
As far as your family. You could say something along the lines of: I have talked to my psychiatrist and we have made a decision that I need a little more closely observed care at the moment. So please accept that I am looking after myself, be gentle with me and I do understand that you care.
Further questions. I need to focus on me to help myself get better. I appreciate your support even though you dont understand. I do love you.
hope this helps.
