Inpatient Care

[Idontevenknow]

Hi All,

Does anyone have any insight on what its like to be in a specialised mental health inpatient unit. I might have a planned admission soon and not gonna lie I'm kind of scared as to whats going to happen. I've been admitted to hospital before but never to a specialised mental health unit. Any tips, advice, personal experiences would be helpful.

Thanks heaps

[PamelaR]

Hi I don't even know

Thank you for your post. You've come to a safe community and I'm sure there are many who have experienced being an inpatient in a specialised mental health unit. I'm responding to help get your post to the top again so those who had experience with being there may see your post.

From the things I've read here by others your experience should be okay. However, some people have different stories to tell. Some good, some not so good. Feel free to browse our forums and to do searches if you want to (no pressure).

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Rabbit33]

Hi I don't even know,

Thanks for reaching out. It's good to hear that you have a plan in action and are seeking some discussion on experiences. Sounds like you're on the right path!

I can only speak from my own experience as an 'in-patient' in a mental health clinic/unit. Mine was about 12 years ago but from my memory, it was actually really helpful, supportive and well ran. Mine was through the private system so i'm unsure of the differences between private-vs-public.

But the staff were amazing, with counsellors, psychologists running groups, 24/7 nurses in the facility to offer support and care. Appointments with a GP and your regular appointments with a psychiatrist to track your progress and medication. Interactions with other patients and plenty of food and rest!
They were really invested with my support and including my family etc.
Visitors were welcome and their were times where i could leave the clinic with family and come back, but this was all very strict and needed to be approved.

From my experience, i think it was very helpful! But that doesn't mean that everyone has the same experiences or thoughts around it.
Either way, this is about you. So just give it your best, listen to the support you're getting and advice by your treating/medical practitioners. At the end of the day, it'll be an experience and some extra knowledge, at the very least.

Wishing you all the best and sending you strength! 🙂

[Gidgy]

Hi!

i am a full time carer for my husband whom has been admitted twice in the last year as an in patient for help with military ptsd. I have found it so helpful and not as scary as you may think it is. It is calm, relaxing and focused on helping you!

believe it or not - really friendly ! Everyone there is scared and nervous and feeling isolated and different and very quickly you will find support and friendship in fellow in patients

try not to worry! I am very proud of you taking this step for recovery... ♥️

[Bear1922]

Hi, I don't even know,

There is a wide gulf between public and private Psychiatric Hospitals in Australia.

Public Psychiatric wards are triaged focused and more or less warehousing spaces. That is safe, secure & appropriate when you are in crisis. You forgo liberty for safety - it is worthwhile. Don't expect therapy or much individual treatment.

Private Psychiatric Hospitals are highly therapeutic & individual focused. The facilities are generally more salubrious and you maintain your right to liberty (sort of).

Neither system needs to be feared & both have their place.

I spent 3 weeks in a Public (Locked) Psychiatric Hospital and more than 4 months in Private Psychiatric Hospitals.

All the best with your mental health journey.

🐻 1922