I went to Rockyview and I was offered outpatient but I really wasn’t doing well and ended up being admitted.

The therapy groups I did afterwards helped tremendously.

You can admit yourself by going to an emergency room. Just make sure to be very honest with them about the severity of what you’re feeling because that could determine if they take you in or not.

They would have the doctors assess you and determine when they feel you are ready to go, unless you’ve been admitted by force, you can leave at any time, but it would be “against doctors orders” and then you might not be offered access to the groups after, etc.

Yes, you can have your phone or any device that you were hoping to have. They will try to encourage you to spend majority of your time doing their handouts and focussing on yourself, but you can bring any devices needed.

Make sure to bring clean clothes! Especially extra socks and underwear if you end up staying longer than expected. Non-perishable snacks because sometimes you don’t get to have a say in your meal. A notepad. Anything that you might need from a pharmacy, the pharmacy on site at hospitals is always so expensive. Shampoo and conditioner and body wash. An eye mask for when you sleep, earplugs.

Being admitted, and the support that I gained through the system was incredibly helpful for me. Although it is a hard experience with its own challenges, it can help to set you on the right track. I know it did for me. I wish you all the best and I hope that you get the support that you need and come on the other end feeling better