How to know what the right decision is

[Jessten]

I'm struggling to make a decision which is really playing on my mind.

I was admitted to the mental health unit overnight and freaked out as I had no idea what was occurring and everything was taken away from me and when leaving I was asked if I wanted to go elsewhere.

Since being discharged I have been given yet another anxiety diagnosis and once again given the option of inpatient services.

Where I'm struggling is whilst it sounds like it may help I'm freaking out as I'll be away from all family and friends who are my go to as they won't live in the same town

Whilst I don't judge as we don't know what others are going through i'm also worried I won't feel safe in a new environment away from everyone I know as the last time I heard screaming I freaked out and went into my shell before being told to come and socialise which scared me even more

I also struggling with the decision if I don't go then I may never learn coping techniques on what to do when I need to use them but on the other hand if I do go as I've always had someone guiding me on best thing to do am I going to freak out and just go into my shell and not gain any benefit.

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Jessten,

I am sorry to hear about the struggles you are going through. Deciding whether to take on an inpatient admission is a big decision.

"Where I'm struggling is whilst it sounds like it may help I'm freaking out as I'll be away from all family and friends who are my go to as they won't live in the same town."

Being away from family and friends while you are going through a health issue can be really tough and I hear that you are quite worried about feeling safe while you are in hospital.

My suggestion would be to start by writing a pros and cons list. Sometimes writing it down on paper can really help you see the weight of what is important.

I also wonder if you have discussed this with a health professional or therapist who knows you well, as perhaps they could help you go through this decision making process for you.

Learning coping techniques to manage anxiety and depression can be done in a lot of different ways. Individual therapy, group therapy, exercise, mindfulness training, are just to name a few. I am not sure how many different strategies you have undertaken towards your own healing but it might be worth exploring other options with your health care team?

I have worked in plenty of inpatient settings around the world, and they can be difficult sometimes, and other times the environment can be really calm and non-eventful. It really depends on what other people are in the ward at the time, and this is out of your control. Going into a setting of this nature can definitely cause some worry, but like any place that is new, in time, you will develop a tolerance to the newness and it would not take too long for the environment to become familiar.

Please continue to post here if it helps. Sometimes just writing about all the sensations you are experiencing can really help to process your thoughts.

Sending you strength,

Nurse Jenn