Going into Hospital to help with Mental health voluntary

[Now]

I’m just wondering if anyone has voluntarily gone into hospital to help with their mental health. I have heard people say the private facilities are good with programs etc, but not all people can afford private health. What are people’s experience with public systems and what do they have to offer in the way of programs etc, and at what point would an individual consider this as an option. I dont know much about public options or which would be beneficial, just seeking some information, thank you

[Croix]

Dear Now~

It's a little difficult to answer as I've no idea what reason you have for considering admission, unfortunately your username brings up more instances that anyone could handle when doing a search:( so I can't see waht you have written elsewhere.

I've been in public hospital only, - they vary greatly - and that was for depression and suicidal matters. While it was a very mixed experience and not enjoyable, in fact the other persons in the ward tended to make me feel bad -out of empathy - it has however been beneficial.

Voluntary does not always mean no restrictions, your admitting doctor has to be clear about his/her wishes on that.

There were two main benefits for me, and the first was isolation, being away from normal life and all its pressures made a huge difference.

I remember sitting looking out a window, this was right up high, maybe 5 stories, at the people going about their business in the street below, small, foreshortened and remote. Some trees, looking tiny and with little birds flying in and out of them (probably pigeons).

I was no longer part of it - peace, no demands, no looming future - and that really helped.

It was also a place to change meds under supervision, which was a reasonable step. Where I was the staff were not that friendly, all except one who went far above and beyond, left a lasting and very positive impression on me. No way to tell that person now -a pity.

I read a lot, it was an escape.

Perhaps Now you might like to say more?

Croix

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Now,

Good to see you reaching out on the forum. I have been employed at both private and public mental health settings in a variety of countries and every enviroment is unique. There are some fantastic public hospitals that have very strong group and supportive programs for people who are admitted there. This is the same for most private settings as most have strong program streams. But not every centre is built the same. The other side to the coin about both private and public hospitals is that everyones admission is individual and unique and it can depend on the other people admitted to the setting at the time.

For example, you may go into a public hospital and be admitted for an assessment and you could develop a good rapport with the other people who are admitted there as at the particular time you arrived, people with similar issues are all around you. You may could also find that you were assigned staff members that you felt connected to and supported by etc.

On the other hand, you may be admitted to the same facility and there could be a cohort of people admitted who are not people you 'gel' with. You may experience a stressed nursing team due to other people admitted who have high needs or who are aggressive and you might find yourself wanting to be discharged.

In the private system, you might find that the people admitted to the setting are less 'acute' and are voluntary but you may still find them annoying. Generally, the private system is more flexible and focused on treatment where the public system is often forced to be focused on assessment. However, some public settings have day programs and group programs that are focused on treatment and are absolutely fabulous.

In short, you won't know until you go. You could speak with a health professional or your GP and they may be able to offer an option of what is available in your local area. One suggestion might be to go to a private facility and get a orientation to the centre (if this is available). This could help you understand what a private centre looks and feels like. It is difficult to know if this is the right option for you without understanding what your needs are specifically so I would advise you to discuss this with you GP, psychologist, or another health professional you have been involved with in your care.

I am hopeful that others will share their experience on the forum if they are comfortable doing so.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[Summer Rose]

Hi Now

When my daughter was 13 she fell very ill with OCD and we made the decision to voluntarily seek help in hospital. I say "we" because she was too sick and too young to make the decision alone.

I knew this was our only option because there was simply no alternative. She could not keep going in the state she was in and the treatment she was receiving at the time wasn't working.

I toured the public and private hospital options available to us. I asked a lot of questions and talked to the staff. I sought opinions from others involed in my daughter's care ( GP, pediatrician, etc).

In the end, I chose a public hospital primarily because of the treatment programs available, the age of people admitted to the unit (max 18 years, compared to 21 in the private hospital) and the nurse to patient ratio.

For my daughter, the experience was very beneficial. She was able to commence medication and the right treatment. It was hard for her though, very hard. But she turned a major corner. The hospital experience didn't cure her but it put in her in the best possible place for future success.

Today, 8 years later, she is in recovery and living her best life. A full life, with study at university, friends, travel and part time work. People fall sick but they also get better.

For her, at that time, inpatient treatment was an important piece of the puzzle. I don't know if it will be the same for you but it can be helpful.

Is there anyone involved in your care or life that can help you with this decision? I ask because so much depends on the particular hospital, your condition and you.

Kind thoughts to you

[Now]

The reason u ask is because I have anxiety/depression/chronic pain that I have managed quite well with my GP and Psychologist. However 2 years ago I was bullied in the work place, I resigned and my conditions have increased. My professional suggested hospital at that time, I was against it. My professsionals are my only support and fantastic, my husband is not, I have an interfering MIL & things for me are perhaps slowly improving but I can’t work full time, u have a so. With special needs and I have no family alive myself. I struggle but keep going. But was thinking a period of intensive therapy may help, but you still need to be able to function in society, even if you went to hospital. My leaning would be toward private because of discussion with another person and there programs, but I need private insurance and only manage 15hrs of work a week. I do everything suggested by my professional supports. I just don’t want to feel I’ll all the time. But also dont necessarily want to go to hospital as it would be something to explain to my husband and he wouldn’t get it, and that is ok if he doesn’t think I have anxiety/depression, but I want to get stinger again and be well and work and live like I used too without feeling scared to work and threatened in the workplace.