I’m going to hospital first post need reassurance

Hi @Newby

It's hard leaving young kids, and normal to be scared for first admission to hospital. I haven't been in a private psych hospital, but spent 10 days in a public ward. It was ok, though I am sure there are advantages to going private. For me it was restful due to the absence of demands, though too many Drs and sleep was problematic as I had to share a room. I found the other patients encouraging and there was a real sense of solidarity.

Once you settle in your kids will probably be able to visit, and typically people get day leave and later overnight, but it depends on your Dr and situation.

Will you have your own Psychiatrist in charge of your care? That would be ideal. It's hard, but try and trust your Dr and yourself and go with the flow.

I'm glad you found the forum. There are lots of really accepting helpful people here who can relate. Thinking of you.

PS @Newby just in case you're not already aware, to tag someone use @ then their name, and to see notifications click on the little bell in the top right hand corner of the screen - it says new. There you'll see supports, responses to your posts and notifications when someone contributes to a discussion that you are part of. I'll tag you in the Introduce yourself here thread.

I have been in a private psych hospital a few times. Saw my psychiatrist 3 times a week. They were group sessions 3 times a day. They covered a variety of topics about mental health.

My family are all adults so that made thins easier but I did meet people with younger family members at home. They told me that it was good to concentrate on their health and not have the daily pressures (cooking, cleaning, homework etc).

Take advantage of the time to heal, recover, learn new strategies so when you return home things may not be be so overwhelming.

Hi @frog

thanks for responding and your help.

My psychiatrist said she will visit me every day or 2nd day which is so comforting that I’ll have a familiar face.

We live in the country and the hospital is hours away so unfortunately they won’t be able to visit much. It’s killing me knowing I’ll be apart from them for so long. Getting a chance to rest will be amazing though! I need to focus on me. Thanks again for your reply

Private psych hospitals are generally much much better than the public wards. The patients may not be in such severe psychosis or mania, although this of course depends on the facility. I’ve been quite a number of times and each time found it okay. There are often psychoeducation and group therapy during the day and sometimes art, music, yoga etc. Some facilities even have therapy animals visit.

Generally you can take a iPad, phone, laptop with you too and some hospitals have wifi or a gym.

Each hospital will have a consumer consultant aimed at making your stay as healing as possible. If you have any problems during your stay, they are a good person to speak to.

Hi @Newby

welcone to the forum. I’ve just recently come home from a 2 week stsy in a private hospital. I needed a break and meds adjusting. My psych visited me every second day. We had group sessions meditation yoga and art therapy. We also have a gym. Although I’ve been in hospital quite a few times over the years I always find I’m anxious in day one. But after meeting and talking to other patients it feels ok to be there.

I can understand how you would be anxious about going snd leavibg your young children. But you need to look after yourself too. It’s times like this where I enjoy the break from everyday life.

I hope you find your stsy positive. Tske a book, iPad, colouring book or whatever you enjoy doing.

Take care xx

Thanks so much @Queenie

I am a little nervous about the other residents too I’m not going to lie! I’m so anxious!

Most of the other patients will likely be in a similar situation to yourself. Almost all private psych facilities require patients on general wards to be reasonably stable and non disruptive to fellow patients. I’ve been in a few private psych places both regional and metropolitan and this has been the case in my experience.