![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 26. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sonic_gb on December 5, 2007, at 9:28:22
Good Morning,
I'm hoping for some quick responses here. I got in early to see a Psychiatrist because the psych nurse was worried about my condition on evaluation yesterday. So I'm seeing this guy this afternoon for a 1+ hour evaluation. I have some questions:
1.)What should I expect from the encounter?
2.)How should I present myself, my situation, my goals, etc?
3.) What should I leave the appointment with, in terms of information, treatment plans, prescriptions, etc.?I _need_ this to be a productive meeting because I'm on a serious downhill slide in terms of depression.
For a quick recap, I have long term GAD, and quickly worsening clinical depression (atypical I think) that is far, far worse than I have ever experienced before.
I have tried most of the SSRI's (Paxil, prozac, celexa, lexapro, zoloft, and maybe more that I can't remember), Serzone, Effexor, Remeron, Moclobemide, Wellbutrin, Nortriptyline, all without benefit. I'm also having issues with needing escalating doses of benzos to control anxiety and insomnia which causes me to worry about dependance, and to suffer from side effects. On the other hand, when I relayed my concerns to my pdoc, he put me on a taper that I think is too aggressive, which also concerns me.
What _I_ want, is to try a second line AD, hopefully a MAOI (Because moclobemide worked so, so well for a short period), or a TCA. I also want a goal to treat my anxiety, whether it is tapering off benzo's in a proper fashion, or something else entirely.
I think I often understate the severity of my problems when I'm with a Doctor because I worry about sounding melodramatic and whiny. I think it was the inability to stop crying, and the detailed suicide plans that made the psych nurse so worried yesterday, and that's why I got in to see a psychiatrist so quickly.
Anyways, any suggestions, pointers, support would be greatly appreciated. I'm very apprehensive, but I think I have a bit of optimism that things could go well too. Sorry for rambling on here, and if you have read to this point I commend you for your superior attention span.
Thanks,
Sonic
Posted by torachan on December 5, 2007, at 9:46:32
In reply to First Psychiatrist Visit - Input Please!!!, posted by sonic_gb on December 5, 2007, at 9:28:22
He/she will likely discuss your life history, what sort of relationships you have with your parents and peers, if there is any history of psychiatric illness in your family or drug/alcohol abuse etc. Essentially trying to form an image of how you are as a person, and the psychosocial factors and personality traits involved in the determination of your disposition and attitude towards life.
Don't hide any thoughts or feelings about what you're experiencing. State in very explicit terms what you feel is troubling you. If you need treatment immediately, indicate the meds you've tried without success. I'd assume some suggestions would be Nardil or Parnate, maybe Doxepin.
Posted by sonic_gb on December 5, 2007, at 9:52:10
In reply to Re: First Psychiatrist Visit - Input Please!!!, posted by torachan on December 5, 2007, at 9:46:32
> He/she will likely discuss your life history, what sort of relationships you have with your parents and peers, if there is any history of psychiatric illness in your family or drug/alcohol abuse etc. Essentially trying to form an image of how you are as a person, and the psychosocial factors and personality traits involved in the determination of your disposition and attitude towards life.
>
> Don't hide any thoughts or feelings about what you're experiencing. State in very explicit terms what you feel is troubling you. If you need treatment immediately, indicate the meds you've tried without success. I'd assume some suggestions would be Nardil or Parnate, maybe Doxepin.Torachan,
Thanks for such a quick response. I appreciate your input very much. I think I'm apprehensive about going in, and knowing what to expect, and how to present myself eases that apprehension a little. Thanks again.
Sonic
Posted by Phillipa on December 5, 2007, at 12:21:24
In reply to Re: First Psychiatrist Visit - Input Please!!! » torachan, posted by sonic_gb on December 5, 2007, at 9:52:10
Sonic good luck will you report back on how it went? Phillipa
Posted by sonic_gb on December 5, 2007, at 12:48:26
In reply to Re: First Psychiatrist Visit - Input Please!!! » sonic_gb, posted by Phillipa on December 5, 2007, at 12:21:24
> Sonic good luck will you report back on how it went? Phillipa
Hi Philipa, thanks for the support. I will certainly report back, if not tonight then tomorrow morning.
Posted by Racer on December 5, 2007, at 14:23:55
In reply to Re: First Psychiatrist Visit - Input Please!!! » torachan, posted by sonic_gb on December 5, 2007, at 9:52:10
First, the more honest you are, the better able the doctor will be to treat you. Often, in this sort of situation, the doctor will have a time limit, so less editorializing is better. Plus, doctors tend to tune out a lot of what patients say, so answer questions as briefly and to the I think point as you can. (I know, that really [emulates a Hoover], but it's the sad truth.)
As far as what you want to get out of it, the best case is another appointment, so that he can follow your treatment plan himself. Barring that, you want a treatment plan the psych nurse can follow.
Don't be surprised if MAOIs are not a first line option with this doctor. Sadly, many doctors want to try something they've had good results with in the past, with other patients, but the more calmly you can react to that, the better. Since you've already tried so many drugs, that gives you some ammunition to say, "Hey, tried that, didn't work. What else?" In my experience, the first time one sees a psychiatrist, it's best to offer up what other doctors have diagnosed, what medications you've tried, what symptoms are most problematic -- and only if the doctor seems open to it, offer up as questions any thoughts you have. Once you get a relationship formed with a doctor, then you can get a little more assertive.
Basically, what I tell people who ask me, is that the doctor's job is to make a diagnosis and prescribe medications. If you walk in with his job effectively done, the result won't be as good. (I even experienced this walking into a doctor's office and saying I had shingles and needed an anti-viral. The doctor just had to correct my diagnosis -- "Actually, you're having an outbreak of herpes zoster..." Um... Yeah, commonly known as shingles...) It's partly an ego thing, but it's also because so many people don't have the knowledge that we've gotten here, AND because even people with good knowledge of the disorders and medications for them won't necessarily have great insight into our own issues. (I denied for years that I had an anxiety disorder -- "It's not anxiety, it's just that I'm fueled mostly by adrenaline..." A doctor finally told me to stop and think about that -- it's almost a definition of anxiety...)
So, for instance, rather than saying you think you're suffering atypical depression -- which you probably are, since it's the most common type -- try walking in with symptoms. "I notice that I feel better when good things are happening to me, but I'm really crushed by even mild criticism. I sleep too much, and eat too much." Or whatever symptoms make you think it's atypical depression. And I always make a spreadsheet to take in, showing the medications I've taken, the side effects, the benefits -- if any -- dose, how long I took it, etc. That speeds things up, and saves a lot of the limited time you'll have.
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get this to you. By now, you're probably already there, or even back home. Do give us an update, though, 'K?
And I very much hope it goes well today.
Posted by sonic_gb on December 5, 2007, at 22:34:59
In reply to Re: First Psychiatrist Visit - Input Please!!! » sonic_gb, posted by Racer on December 5, 2007, at 14:23:55
As promised, here's an update from my first meeting with the psychiatrist. For a variety of reasons I'm being voluntarily admitted to the psychiatric unit of my local hospital for approximately the next week. I'm hoping to catch up on some very very badly needed sleep, totally change my medications, and get hooked up with a good counselor or psychologist. Although I'm worried about how this will affect my family, and also my work life, I think it's in everyone's best interest for me to sort out these issues on an inpatient basis. So I suppose it was a very good meeting, and I have some hope for the future again. I guess I won't be in touch for a while. Take care everyone, and wish me luck.
Sonic
Posted by Phillipa on December 5, 2007, at 23:44:20
In reply to Re: First Psychiatrist Visit - Input Please!!!, posted by sonic_gb on December 5, 2007, at 22:34:59
Sonic good luck and I hope you get the sleep you need and a new med combo that works for you. I will be thinking of you. I forget where your from? Phillipa
Posted by Racer on December 6, 2007, at 1:29:37
In reply to Re: First Psychiatrist Visit - Input Please!!!, posted by sonic_gb on December 5, 2007, at 22:34:59
Honestly, despite the pain in the cervical vertebrae of hospitalization, that sounds like a very good plan to me. I know for me, hospitals sometimes offer a huge benefit, just in change of environment. Not having all the issues of day to day life to contend with helps relieve some of the tension that fuels the situational aspects of my despair. Add in the benefits of being able to adjust medications more rapidly, and in your case getting access to a psychologist, it really sounds like the best outcome.
I'm very sorry for your state, and I wish I could offer something helpful to you. The best I can offer, though, is my warmest wishes for a successful change of treatments, and a healing sojourn in the hospital.
Best luck to you.
Posted by sonic_gb on December 6, 2007, at 8:59:40
In reply to Re: First Psychiatrist Visit - Input Please!!! » sonic_gb, posted by Phillipa on December 5, 2007, at 23:44:20
> Sonic good luck and I hope you get the sleep you need and a new med combo that works for you. I will be thinking of you. I forget where your from? Phillipa
Hi Phillipa. Thanks for the kind words. I'm from the west coast of Canada.
Sonic
Posted by sonic_gb on December 6, 2007, at 13:58:03
In reply to Re: First Psychiatrist Visit - Input Please!!! » Phillipa, posted by sonic_gb on December 6, 2007, at 8:59:40
No bed available. I guess there was someone worse off than me who needed the bed they had planned for me.
Posted by sonic_gb on December 6, 2007, at 16:30:51
In reply to Hospital admission put off until tomorrow. » sonic_gb, posted by sonic_gb on December 6, 2007, at 13:58:03
Hospital admission now put off until Monday due to a viral outbreak on the ward. I'm #3 on a waiting list for the neighboring facility.
I don't know if I can make it until Monday. I'm a mess. I'm not sleeping more than 2-3 hours a night, and the psychiatrist says my benzo use is much too high already. He prescribed me Nozinan to get me to sleep over the weekend...
I'm losing hope again.
Posted by Maxime on December 6, 2007, at 16:35:09
In reply to Hospital admission put off until tomorrow. » sonic_gb, posted by sonic_gb on December 6, 2007, at 13:58:03
> No bed available. I guess there was someone worse off than me who needed the bed they had planned for me.
(((Hugs))) It happens. I just came out of the hospital last Friday after a month of being stuck there. I had to wait *3 days* in Emergency before I got a bed (I am in Canada).
There are always people who are worse as you will see once you get there. Plus there are many patients who are there and held by the court.
Good luck to you.
Maxime
Posted by sonic_gb on December 6, 2007, at 16:45:48
In reply to Re: Hospital admission put off until tomorrow. » sonic_gb, posted by Maxime on December 6, 2007, at 16:35:09
> > No bed available. I guess there was someone worse off than me who needed the bed they had planned for me.
>
> (((Hugs))) It happens. I just came out of the hospital last Friday after a month of being stuck there. I had to wait *3 days* in Emergency before I got a bed (I am in Canada).
>
> There are always people who are worse as you will see once you get there. Plus there are many patients who are there and held by the court.
>
> Good luck to you.
>
> MaximeHi Maxime,
Thanks for the words of support. I'm in Canada too, so we both understand the way the medical system works here. On one hand, I really don't want to be admitted, but I know I need it so badly, or something terrible is going to happen. I just want to feel better. I just want to sleep.
Sonic
Posted by Maxime on December 6, 2007, at 19:09:48
In reply to Re: Hospital admission put off until tomorrow. » Maxime, posted by sonic_gb on December 6, 2007, at 16:45:48
Oh, so you know about the Canadian way! Ugh.
If you really feel bad you can go to the ER and they will give you a bed there. It might fast track your way to the psych unit. Although being in the ER for a couple a days is hard.
I can understand how you feel. I didn't want to go into the hospital myself, but now I am glad I did. I wish I was still there because I still don't feel safe.
Keep us updated.
Maxime
> Hi Maxime,
>
> Thanks for the words of support. I'm in Canada too, so we both understand the way the medical system works here. On one hand, I really don't want to be admitted, but I know I need it so badly, or something terrible is going to happen. I just want to feel better. I just want to sleep.
>
> Sonic
Posted by sonic_gb on December 7, 2007, at 7:23:28
In reply to Re: Hospital admission put off until tomorrow. » sonic_gb, posted by Maxime on December 6, 2007, at 19:09:48
> Oh, so you know about the Canadian way! Ugh.
>
> If you really feel bad you can go to the ER and they will give you a bed there. It might fast track your way to the psych unit. Although being in the ER for a couple a days is hard.
>
> I can understand how you feel. I didn't want to go into the hospital myself, but now I am glad I did. I wish I was still there because I still don't feel safe.
>
> Keep us updated.
>
> Maxime
>
>
>
> > Hi Maxime,
> >
> > Thanks for the words of support. I'm in Canada too, so we both understand the way the medical system works here. On one hand, I really don't want to be admitted, but I know I need it so badly, or something terrible is going to happen. I just want to feel better. I just want to sleep.
> >
> > Sonic
>
>Hi Maxime,
The ER was allways in the back of my mind , but I've heard psych cases aren't well handled by ER's. I'm glad you feel the hospital stay was worth it but why do you feel unsafe? Are you stabilized, or still having any suicidal thoughts? That worries me to hear you feeling unsafe at home.
Any way, I got admitted last night to a short-stay psychiatric treatment center. It's basically a small building with only about 12 patients at a time, so a little less scary than a psych ward. I got 2 hours of sleep, as there isn't a Dr on duty tonight, so my sleep meds haven't been adjusted. I'm a little scared here, and am already feeling strong guilt for leaving my family, lying to my work, etc. I'm not sure what the new day will bring, but I'm hopeful. Thanks for all your kind support. I hope you are doing well.
Sonic
Posted by Maxime on December 7, 2007, at 20:20:49
In reply to Re: Hospital admission put off until tomorrow. » Maxime, posted by sonic_gb on December 7, 2007, at 7:23:28
Hi
I feel unsafe because I am still struggling with thoughts of suicide ... with plans. I shouldn't be anymore.
DON'T FEEL GUILTY! You can't be of use to work or your family if you are not well. You have to get well. I was at facilty where you are when I lived in Calgary. It was part of the hospital but it wasn't permanent (in structure).
Take care.
Maxime
> Hi Maxime,
>
> The ER was allways in the back of my mind , but I've heard psych cases aren't well handled by ER's. I'm glad you feel the hospital stay was worth it but why do you feel unsafe? Are you stabilized, or still having any suicidal thoughts? That worries me to hear you feeling unsafe at home.
>
> Any way, I got admitted last night to a short-stay psychiatric treatment center. It's basically a small building with only about 12 patients at a time, so a little less scary than a psych ward. I got 2 hours of sleep, as there isn't a Dr on duty tonight, so my sleep meds haven't been adjusted. I'm a little scared here, and am already feeling strong guilt for leaving my family, lying to my work, etc. I'm not sure what the new day will bring, but I'm hopeful. Thanks for all your kind support. I hope you are doing well.
>
> Sonic
Posted by Sonic_gb on December 7, 2007, at 21:18:12
In reply to Re: Hospital admission put off until tomorrow. Â » sonic_gb, posted by Maxime on December 7, 2007, at 20:20:49
Maxime,
If you are having suicidal thoughts with a plan then you need to be readmitted somewhere this weekend. Don't feel like the first hospitalization was a failure. How can such a short stay like that be a cure-all? It sounds like you still need some med adjustments. And do you follow up regularly with a caseworker or psychiatrist? Do they know what's going on right now? You have to be honest with them. How's your support network in terms of friends and family?
I had a pretty frustrating day. I think I'm more hopelessly depressed and and definitely more sleep deprived than pre-admission. And although I'm pretty suicidal too, I'm not in much of a position to act on anything except for the fact that I am here voluntarily.
There is one psychiatrist for this 12 patient facility. Apparently, he comes in for ~2 hours each weekday. He did not see me today. He saw one patient and left. So I have no treatment plan, other than withdrawing from all benzos and stopping Wellbutrin. Today and the coming weekend feel like a complete waste of time. I slept for 2 hours last night, and haven't eaten in 24 hours. The nurses don't seem to know what to do with me. None of the other patients seem as remotely badly off as I am (maybe its just self-pity). I'm wondering if I'm in the wrong place. I will be back at work on 12/17 whether I'm stable or not, otherwise I think my career will be over. So to not have a treatment plan of any kind depresses me terribly. And they forgot to order the right dose of Nozinan, so I didn't have any last night, and none for tonight either. So another sleepless night ahead.
Anyways, enough rambling self-pity. Maxime, after looking back through some archives, it looks like we have a *lot* in common. I would like to babblemail you if you are interested. That way maybe we could get into a little more detail? I'm not sure if I can figure out babblemail from my Blackberry anyways... Keep in touch and please take care of yourself.
Sonic
> Hi
>
> I feel unsafe because I am still struggling with thoughts of suicide ... with plans. I shouldn't be anymore.
>
> DON'T FEEL GUILTY! You can't be of use to work or your family if you are not well. You have to get well. I was at facilty where you are when I lived in Calgary. It was part of the hospital but it wasn't permanent (in structure).
>
> Take care.
>
> Maxime
>
>
> > Hi Maxime,
> >
> > The ER was allways in the back of my mind , but I've heard psych cases aren't well handled by ER's. I'm glad you feel the hospital stay was worth it but why do you feel unsafe? Are you stabilized, or still having any suicidal thoughts? That worries me to hear you feeling unsafe at home.
> >
> > Any way, I got admitted last night to a short-stay psychiatric treatment center. It's basically a small building with only about 12 patients at a time, so a little less scary than a psych ward. I got 2 hours of sleep, as there isn't a Dr on duty tonight, so my sleep meds haven't been adjusted. I'm a little scared here, and am already feeling strong guilt for leaving my family, lying to my work, etc. I'm not sure what the new day will bring, but I'm hopeful. Thanks for all your kind support. I hope you are doing well.
> >
> > Sonic
>
>
Posted by Maxime on December 8, 2007, at 14:03:27
In reply to Re: Hospital admission put off until tomorrow. Â » Maxime, posted by Sonic_gb on December 7, 2007, at 21:18:12
I would be frustrated as well. I hope you see someone soon. Being in a psych "place" can make your depression worse.
I can't go back to the hospital. I was disgnosed as having "a little bit" of borderline personality disorder (borderline borderline!). Once you get tainted with that disorder, no one wants to touch you. That's why they discharged me from the hostpital. The pdoc said that meds would never help me. That is untrue because some meds have worked in the past. And anyone can have a "ittle bit" of borderline personality disorder.
Take care.
Maxime
> Maxime,
>
> If you are having suicidal thoughts with a plan then you need to be readmitted somewhere this weekend. Don't feel like the first hospitalization was a failure. How can such a short stay like that be a cure-all? It sounds like you still need some med adjustments. And do you follow up regularly with a caseworker or psychiatrist? Do they know what's going on right now? You have to be honest with them. How's your support network in terms of friends and family?
>
> I had a pretty frustrating day. I think I'm more hopelessly depressed and and definitely more sleep deprived than pre-admission. And although I'm pretty suicidal too, I'm not in much of a position to act on anything except for the fact that I am here voluntarily.
>
> There is one psychiatrist for this 12 patient facility. Apparently, he comes in for ~2 hours each weekday. He did not see me today. He saw one patient and left. So I have no treatment plan, other than withdrawing from all benzos and stopping Wellbutrin. Today and the coming weekend feel like a complete waste of time. I slept for 2 hours last night, and haven't eaten in 24 hours. The nurses don't seem to know what to do with me. None of the other patients seem as remotely badly off as I am (maybe its just self-pity). I'm wondering if I'm in the wrong place. I will be back at work on 12/17 whether I'm stable or not, otherwise I think my career will be over. So to not have a treatment plan of any kind depresses me terribly. And they forgot to order the right dose of Nozinan, so I didn't have any last night, and none for tonight either. So another sleepless night ahead.
>
> Anyways, enough rambling self-pity. Maxime, after looking back through some archives, it looks like we have a *lot* in common. I would like to babblemail you if you are interested. That way maybe we could get into a little more detail? I'm not sure if I can figure out babblemail from my Blackberry anyways... Keep in touch and please take care of yourself.
>
> Sonic
>
Posted by bleauberry on December 8, 2007, at 20:48:52
In reply to Hospital admission put off until tomorrow. » sonic_gb, posted by sonic_gb on December 6, 2007, at 13:58:03
Not meaning to crash the party, but I found hospital stays to be something to avoid, not something to pursue. Hospitals are for the most part do not have the means to provide what you need. Even if they did, or some do, a week is a joke. Heck, my last day of a week in the psych ward I was on my knees in the hallway crying and sobbing with depression that was worse than when I arrived. They let me out the next day anyway.
The experts you are hoping will care for you in the hospital rarely exist.
Meals are decent, but dreadfully lacking in the nutrients we need. Especially since they don't even test to find out if you need magnesium, chromium, zinc, B vitamins, etc that could all easily be playing a huge role in your depression.
No outdoors. No sunlight. Locked doors to the ward. Surrounded by sick people. Nurses learning the ropes. Doctors learning their way up the ladder. Lonely. Very lonely. Family at home without you. Man oh man. The whole thing is just not conducive to healing.
If someone is deadset on killing themselves, then the hospital serves a purpose of buying some time, stalling the event, and hopefully turning a page to a different chapter. But is one going to leave the hospital any better than they went in? After just a week? I never saw it.
I do know one guy who was admitted as suicidal. They started him on prozac. A week later, out of the hospital, this guy was a brand new guy, happy, bouncy. Prozac worked fast for him. Hospital made the event happen. But for the most part, that is a very rare success story.
Posted by Justherself54 on December 8, 2007, at 21:28:03
In reply to Re: Hospital admission put off until tomorrow., posted by bleauberry on December 8, 2007, at 20:48:52
When I was very suicidal my GP put me in our small local hospital while I was taking ECT treatments in the city (they never worked). To this day I don't know why he didn't admit me to the pysch ward in the city but maybe he felt I would get better faster in my home town. I'm glad I was able to stay where I could have visitors and family come and go (no enforced visiting hours). I know most of the nurses and they were very kind and supportive. I was there for a month until meds started working. I saw him once a week while I was getting established with my pdoc. He has a reputation for being crusty and arrogant, but I sure saw the softer side of him while I was in crisis..
Posted by sonic_gb on December 9, 2007, at 0:47:44
In reply to Re: Hospital admission put off until tomorrow., posted by bleauberry on December 8, 2007, at 20:48:52
Wow, bleauberry,
That's not much of an endorsement for inpatient psych care. I'm sorry your experiences have been so negative, but I am still hoping that this ~10 day stay will be productive. I know I needed to be admitted somewhere or I would have ended things, or had some sort of separation from reality. I'm not expecting to leave cured, and I expect my depression may persist for some time. My goals are to get off the benzos, totally change my AD's, and get set upwith some sort of talk therapy or CBT.
The kind of facility that I'm at (and I think Maxime was at too) is nothing like a locked down psychiatric ward. It is a house with 12 "short stay emergency patients" who are, for the most part, free to come and go as they please. It is staffed by psych nurses 24/7, and there is a single psychiatrist here on weekdays.
What I find particularly depressing in your experience was the lack of caring pdocs or nurses. I still haven't met the psychiatrist that works st this facility yet, but I'm hoping that he will be caring, empathetic, and willing to spend some time working on a treatment plan with me. I know the psychiatrist who had me admitted here, who I only met once, seemed to share all of the qualities I was hoping for. He will be the one to take over my treatment when I leave here.
Anyways, I guess this experience will really determine what my general thoughts are on inpatient treatment. I still have some hope.
Sonic
> Not meaning to crash the party, but I found hospital stays to be something to avoid, not something to pursue. Hospitals are for the most part do not have the means to provide what you need. Even if they did, or some do, a week is a joke. Heck, my last day of a week in the psych ward I was on my knees in the hallway crying and sobbing with depression that was worse than when I arrived. They let me out the next day anyway.
>
> The experts you are hoping will care for you in the hospital rarely exist.
>
> Meals are decent, but dreadfully lacking in the nutrients we need. Especially since they don't even test to find out if you need magnesium, chromium, zinc, B vitamins, etc that could all easily be playing a huge role in your depression.
>
> No outdoors. No sunlight. Locked doors to the ward. Surrounded by sick people. Nurses learning the ropes. Doctors learning their way up the ladder. Lonely. Very lonely. Family at home without you. Man oh man. The whole thing is just not conducive to healing.
>
> If someone is deadset on killing themselves, then the hospital serves a purpose of buying some time, stalling the event, and hopefully turning a page to a different chapter. But is one going to leave the hospital any better than they went in? After just a week? I never saw it.
>
> I do know one guy who was admitted as suicidal. They started him on prozac. A week later, out of the hospital, this guy was a brand new guy, happy, bouncy. Prozac worked fast for him. Hospital made the event happen. But for the most part, that is a very rare success story.
Posted by Phillipa on December 9, 2007, at 17:55:15
In reply to Re: Hospital admission put off until tomorrow. » bleauberry, posted by sonic_gb on December 9, 2007, at 0:47:44
Since I worked as a psych nurse criteria today is suicidal and they only keep you a couple of days. No theraputic like it was when I was first a patient. Oh well. Even my pdoc said no and only the three days at most. Phillipa ps or very psychotic, homicidal
Posted by PinkJade on December 9, 2007, at 22:55:02
In reply to Re: Hospital admission put off until tomorrow., posted by Justherself54 on December 8, 2007, at 21:28:03
JustHerself,
Did it help to have your family and friends visit? It would have helped me very much when I went through my depression, but my friends and family basically deserted me, or at least ignored me. That was the worst part of the whole thing - not having anyone who seemed to care if I lived or not.
Posted by Justherself54 on December 10, 2007, at 7:50:36
In reply to Re: Hospital admission put off until tomorrow., posted by PinkJade on December 9, 2007, at 22:55:02
Yes, it did help a lot..as I live in a small town I had lots of visitors (too many at times). I wonder if people are scared to visit a psych ward. Maybe they think they aren't allowed to visit..and sometimes they just go into pure denial that a friend or loved one has a mental illness..perhaps our behaviour leading up to the crisis alienated people too..I know I was extremely irritable and wasn't the nicest person to be around..I isolated myself and didn't want to speak with anyone..family persevered but a lot of friends just stopped trying, as they didn't know what was happening to me..prior to my hospitalization I had two stays in the crisis centre we have in the city.
IMO there should be more crisis centres than pysch wards..we have a travelling unit so if you live outside the city the nurses come right to your home, assess you and take you with them to the centre..you're in a homelike environment, placed in a regular schedule of eating and sleeping, with round the clock psych nurses and the pdoc visits every day..family and friends can visit in the living room..in fact it was as a result of chatting to a psych nurse that I disclosed some behaviour I had been experiencing which finally led to a proper dx of bipolar..there is no way I would have received that type of care in a ward..but they usually have a limit of time you can be there..3 weeks max I think..in my brother's case he had to be in the ward as he was withdrawing from massive doses of clonazapam and who knows what else..Sorry to ramble so much..just having my first java of the morning!
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