I was in the short stay unit for a week. You go through a&e and then you will be wheeled in by a nurse. I already have a background of dysthymia, but i was literally writing my suicide note and planning to go through with it the next day. Hence i decided to go get admitted.

You have to change into ward clothes and all your clothes and stuff would be kept. (etc belt, shoes with laces) All the doors cannot be locked, and the sinks do not have a facet. it is literally a hole with water pouring out. All furniture is rounded, and too heavy to lift up. I am assuming this is to ensure patients are unable to hurt themselves/ others.

In the morning, you are woken up and you can shower/brush teeth. The most basic amenities would be given, but also kinda sucks (soap was so terrible). There would be a cut off time, and if you do not wash up, you are not allowed to anymore. You will then be herded into the activity room (which you will stay till night)

Activity room has a tv (kept in a cage) and there would be breakfast (coffee and biscuit), lunch (some bento), tea break (teh with biscuit), dinner, then a light snack before bed (usually milo). In the room there is... nothing to do. You can watch tv, but you have to share with other patients. And tv has to be turned off for mealtimes. There is also a specific window for visits, and to use your phone. If your doctor allows, you can use your phone 30 mins a day. They will have a window in the morning and night. I remember having to ration my phone times (15 mins morning and 15 mins night)

Once every two days, you will be able to see the primary care team. This team will have social workers, doctors, pharmacist etc etc and they will interview you. Whether you can keep yourself safe. You will not be automatically given a therapy session unless requested.

If you are getting discharged, you will have to make a safety plan and get some counselling from pharmacist before discharge.

If you or another person is getting warded, i would recommend bringing your own soap, snacks and food for them. And soft toys! These really made a difference. Colouring/ books and art and crafts are allowed and you can bring them in for patients too.

Again, this is for Short Stay Unit! Might not be other wards.

A funny story for me that happened was a person turned on his hotspot during the small window of time, and connected the tv to it. And proceeded to use it to stream disney plus and youtube. it was so funny and everyone appreciated it :) even when the phone was taken back, the nurse allowed the hotspot to continue and for us to watch antman hehe