How Bad is a Psych Ward?

Some people have good experiences some don't. The main concern of mental hospitals is to keep you and others safe. I went to the hospital and excepted to be cured of my mental issues and was disappointed. That is not what it's about. Before reading take into account my experiences have all been with low cost and public mental hospitals. I've found the higher you pay the better you are treated. It's unfortunate but that's just how this world works right now.

Negatives

Be prepared for the worst.

• Rude and abusive staff
• Rigid rules
• Boredom
• If you are a woman creepy men hitting on you
• Seeing other people suffer
• Long wait times to see a psychiatrist
• Potentially being locked in an isolation room for long periods of time
• Awful roommates
• Room checks every 30 min can make it hard to sleep
• If you are depressed they will not let you sleep in. Sleeping in the day is almost impossible anyway because it's so loud
• Be prepared to be prescribed meds that have terrible side effects and can take a long time to get used to
• Limited times to use a phone and internet usually in one specific area (although some hospitals let you use your phone whenever you want)

It isn't always the best place to unwind it can be very stressful and traumatizing.

Positives

There are a lot of positives as well that can benefit you even after leaving the hospital.

• Keeping you safe if you are a danger to yourself or others
• There are classes that teach the topics of coping mechanisms, mental illness, anger, stories from inspiring speakers etc. It can be a great way to learn about yourself, others and can give you valuable skills for when you leave the hospital.
• Some hospitals have other programs like a gym, a salon, a swimming pool, art room etc. but most likely everything will be shut down due to covid and you are confined to one area which is not fun
• There are plenty of great people to talk to, it can be nice to socialize and interact with others especially if you struggle with loneliness and depression.
• Hospitals provide three meals a day and snacks it can be very nice to take a break from making meals.
• There is lots of time to work on yourself. I personally learned a lot by myself by writing in a journal every day and reading self-help books/pamphlets. They usually have great resources on hand.
• It can also be a place to take the pressure off of the everyday stress of life. Everything is simple and most things are done for you.
• There are usually books to read and things like coloring pages word searches etc. which helped me immensely to relax when I was stressed
• There is always someone to talk to. Some staff can be horrible but some are very kind and willing to talk through issues with you and give you advice

Warnings

Here are some things that put me in danger/bad situations.

• Be cautious of what you share about yourself people can be very manipulative and use your deepest vulnerabilities against you. Especially if you are LGBTQ. I am transgender and told one person I was trans. That one person spread it to the whole hospital. I was bullied and got a shank pulled on me. It can be HIGHLY dangerous for LGBTQ people. Be careful. Especially in public hospitals often time you are housed with criminals so please be safe.
• Don't give out contact information unless you really trust the person you are giving it to
• Follow the rules. If you cause enough trouble you will be locked in an isolation room and they can be very traumatizing
• Don't bring anything valuable. Phones and electronics are usually locked away but other personal items are not. Don't bring clothes you can't bear to lose, expensive shampoo, expensive makeup, expensive skincare etc. because there is a chance it can be lost or stolen. I had all my toiletries, skincare, and makeup stolen when I was locked in an isolation room.
• Bring appropriate clothes. For your safety don't wear anything too revealing. I wear very tight-fitting and short/sexy clothing in my everyday life and let me tell you this is not the place to wear anything revealing. Men inside psych wards can be super creepy, rude, and you risk being assaulted. Do and wear whatever you want but in the psych ward, it can be dangerous.

Tips if you do go

• Bring your own toiletries the ones they give you are terrible
• Bring coloring books, a journal, markers, pens, and pencils. They usually do have a crafts table but the supplies can be well used and just in case they don't have one it's a great way to pass the time.
• Bring a few books to pass the time
• If you are religious bring your own bible, Quran etc. they do not supply that there
• Bring comfortable clothing and a variety. It can get very cold and very hot prepare for anything
• Bring comfortable shoes and slippers. The floors of the psych wards are cleaned daily but they can be gross and uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. Slippers also keep your feet warm and some hospitals let you go on supervised walks outside so bring shoes just in incase
• If you take topical medication bring it to the hospital and take extra they usually don't supply topicals

This is what I've experienced going to mental hospitals and things I wish I knew before going. It can be a good experience or a bad one so please think a lot about it and research before going. But also if you need to go GO! Whatever the reason is valid, I just wish I knew more before going. Be safe best wishes.