Being admitted to a psychiatric hospital is something that anybody would find scary, especially for the first time. Knowing first hand just how scary an experience this can be, I thought that I'd give you a run-through of my admission and write a guide for anybody being admitted for the first time.
Arriving at the hospital
When I arrived at the hospital, I was led to a comfy room where my admission papers were taken care of and I was introduced to a few members of staff. Although it may be scary, stay as calm as possible at this point - kicking off or attempting to abscond will escalate the situation and make things harder for you in the long run.
After my admission papers were completed, I was led to the 'search room'. Here, staff will search you by patting you down. But don't worry! It isn't as scary as it sounds. They will simply be checking to make sure that you haven't concealed any items that you shouldn't have. You will also likely be scanned by a metal detector, as well as your bags and their contents going through the same process. Anything that is deemed as being unsafe will be put into storage, but you can ask for it back when you're discharged!
You'll usually be introduced to the other patients and be shown around the ward, although this is dependent on how stable you are at that moment in time.
Personally, none of my hospital admissions have been planned in advance, so I've never had the opportunity to pack my own bags. If your admission is planned and you're able to pack your bags, here is a basic list of items to take with you:
Things to bring with you:
- Clothes
- Socks
- Underwear
- Pyjamas
- Jumpers
- T-shirts
- Jeans
- Comfy bottoms (such as jogging bottoms)
- Slippers
- Shoes
- Toiletries
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothpaste and a toothbrush
- Deodorant (roll on only - NO AEROSOLS)
- Hairbrush
- Shower gel
- Hair removal cream
- Things to keep you occupied
- Puzzle books (crosswords, sudoku, codebreakers etc.)
- Colouring books
- Pencils and pens
- Books
- MP3 player (without a camera)
- School work
- Crochet/knitting
- Arts and crafts supplies (nothing sharp)
- Portable DVD player and DVD's
- Money for when you get leave
- Snacks to store in the patient kitchen
Therapeutic timetable
Throughout the day, we are encouraged to engage in what is called the therapeutic timetable. The therapeutic timetable is basically a plan for your day, taking into account your therapies, education and activities. It is good to engage in the timetable as it reflects positively on your progress and although at first they may not be your cup of tea, the activities often turn out to be really enjoyable! The timetable offers things such as Occupational Therapy sessions, Psychology sessions, education sessions, mealtimes, time off ward, free time and room access times.
Bedroom access times
Onto the subject of bedroom access! Most units are quite strict on when you can and when you can't access your bedroom - although this can be frustrating, there are valid reasons behind it! Being unable to access your room throughout the day decreases the chance of you isolating yourself, and it also makes you more likely to engage in the timetable.
Where I am currently, we have to be out of our rooms by 09:00am on weekdays and 11:00am on weekends, then we are allowed back in at 06:00pm.
Being detained under the Mental Health Act
Being 'detained' is often referred to as being 'sectioned'. The Mental Health Act is a legislation that allows people to be kept in hospital and given treatment against their will. This isn't something that is used lightly, so don't worry too much about it - often, people are sectioned if they are too unwell to make decisions for themselves or if they are unwilling to voluntarily engage in treatment or a hospitalisation.
If you are sectioned, this means that you are not allowed to leave hospital as and when you wish. This can be upsetting and feel very restrictive at first, but after a period of stability, you can be granted something called Section 17 leave, which is another law that allows a detained person to leave the hospital for a period of time.
If you are sectioned, the staff in charge of your care have a legal duty to read your rights to you. Some things included in your rights include the right to vote (if you are over 18), the right to an advocate and the right to appeal your section.
What is an advocate?
An advocate is somebody that you are entitled to speak to should you have any worries or concerns about your treatment. An advocate is able to speak up for you if you feel unable to speak up for yourself. You have the right to speak to an advocate whether or not you are on a section, and this service is free of charge.
Medication
If you are unwell enough to have been admitted to hospital, then you are likely to be put on medication. People who aren't sectioned have the right to refuse medication, although if your health care professionals are worried that this will be detrimental to your well-being, you can be sectioned and given the medication against your will.
The best thing to do is to take your medication whether or not you agree with it, and you might be surprised by the results! I was put on medication when I was admitted, and I was adamant that it wouldn't help at all, but it's done me the world of good.
Ward round
Ward round is a meeting between all of the professionals involved in your care that happens on a weekly basis. In ward round, you are able to make requests such as requests for leave, medication reviews, permission to have items in your bedroom and discharge. Ward round is a time to discuss your progress and to see whether anything surrounding your care needs to be changed or altered.
Appealing against your section
If you are on a section, one of your rights is the right to appeal. You have the right to a free solicitor and an advocate who can speak for you. When somebody is sectioned, you will be told how you can make an appeal and the process will be started if and when you choose it to be. Some time after you have appealed, you will have what is called a tribunal. A tribunal is a meeting where your primary healthcare professionals and independent healthcare professionals all meet to discuss whether or not they think you are well enough to be taken off of section.
The more you comply, the faster you will get out;
In the end, the only way that you'll ever get better and you'll ever be allowed to leave hospital is if you comply with treatment. Take your meds, engage with activities, eat at every mealtime, don't abscond, don't kick off, and don't isolate yourself.
It may seem hypocritical of me to be writing this as I have been guilty of all of these behaviours in the past, but I've learnt from them. When I was first admitted, I was defiant and angry and I didn't want to get better. But, if you are taken into hospital, try and turn it into a positive experience. Think yourself lucky for being given treatment and care 24/7, and make the most of it. If you do what you're told, although at first it may anger you, you will get better sooner and as a result, you'll be able to leave hospital for good.
