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utopiaSenior Contributor
So I arrived here at midday today.
Feeling a bit lost. Everything is so ... strange.
Not sure what to do now.
Starting to get a bit anxious. A bit teary. Trying hard not to think, or to feel.
Wishing I had a bourbon or some chips or junk food. Something to keep me busy and not feeling.
In response to: My Hospital Stay
soulSenior Contributor
So sorry to hear that @utopia. I can understand that being in an environment where you are looked after and have some company and things to do is a lot more attractive than your current situation.
I was really hoping that there would be supports in place so you wouldn't feel this way. I am so sad for you right now and really wish there was something I could do to help.
An anonomous Forum is one thing but it can't compare with real human companionship.
In response to: Re: My Hospital Stay
soulSenior Contributor
Living can be hard @utopia. If it wasn't for my kids, I couldn't really see a purpose. I think it's important to feel that you matter to someone and that some of the basic needs for social belonging and esteem are met.
We can often feel as if we are just surviving and not living at all.
Is it possible for you to find something to look forward to? You need something to fill your day rather than drifting along the hours blurring into each other aimlessly.
I hope you are eating healthily and getting some exercise. I'm sure that you know all this and it's a case of trying to make an effort when motivation isn't there. What about some past times you once enjoyed? You mentioned art classes that you did whilst in hospital. Could you pursue that?
Do you have any appointments this week? Is there anyone you can reach out to? A neighbour or friend? Could you help someone in any way. Sometimes this gives life meaning.
So much wish I could sit with you and lend you my ear. Make a cup of tea or a meal to us to share.
Hope you wake up in the morning with a bit of happiness.
In response to: Re: My Hospital Stay
SaharaSenior Contributor
I think you are lonely, @utopia. It's so hard being alone with our feelings.
Can you get out and join some kind of group?
I know it's not easy.
I was only thinking the other day, that until I met my husband when I was 40 years old, that I was lonely my entire adult life.
It was pretty much since the day I left home at 19, I became lonely. even though my home life (with my family or origin) was not great at all, at least I had company and I knew what to expect.
On my own.... it should have been exhilarating, adventurous, a time of learning and discovery.... but honestly, it was just lonely.
In response to: My Hospital Stay
oceanContributor
In response to: My Hospital Stay
confused_nomadContributor
Hi
hospital can be a really positive experience or a really negative one depending on the staff. I've been in hospital 7 times for mental health and I've had some terrible experiences and some really positive ones.
maybe get someone to bring in some things for you to keep you occupied (depending on how well you can concentrate) - listening to music, reading, colouring in etc. I always take my laptop into hospital with me so that in the rare moments of clarity I can get on with stuff.
are there any groups you can join in with? if so they're a good way to keep occupied and meet some of the other patients. I've found often in hospital it's the other patients that help you more than the paid professionals!
the anxiety is totally normal because it's all new and it's quite a strange environment. you might feel as if you're trapped in a box after a couple of days and that's totally normal too. I always get to about day 3-4 and then feel like it's pointless and I just want to go home, but then by about day 6-7 I'm ok with being there.
hope your stay is productive
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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