I JUST GOT OUT OF THE MENTAL HOSPITAL--- ASK ME A QUESTION

when you back?

did your shower have a pre-set temperature
and shut off every 15 seconds?

I don't know because I never showered. I was so upset from being there that I had no appetite and didn't eat anything.

what were you in for?

I had a situation that I panicked about and I was thinking the only way out I had was to kill myself so I voluntarily admitted myself for safety reasons. I have admitted myself a number of times over the years for major depression. Note to others: NEVER call 911 (they send cops and we all know how trigger happy they are) or go to the psych hospital. Just get to a regular hospital's ER because they treat you like a human being.

did they torture you while in there... notice anything after waking up...? food alright...? any sexual harassment or physical injury...?

Welcome back.

Did you get a breather from the World? Better now?

Scary thought about police.

Did you keep asking staff, "Am I crazy or is it hot in here?"

So I guess it wasn't a 3-day vacation with slippers?

They locked the door to my room so I couldn't lay down and sleep (so they could say I was in group which is the only way they get paid from insurance companies) so I just laid down on the hallway floor (no carpet, concrete) at my bedroom door. Food was okay from what I saw (again, I never ate because I was so upset my stomach was tense and I never had an appetite). Male staff were hitting on female patients. One woman had to be restrained and injected with meds to calm her down. They made everyone go into a room so we could not see (they said so we wouldn't get upset but I say it was so there would not be any witnesses) They also threw away everyones patient packets which included laws they have to obey and the numbers patients can call to report violations/abuse. Like I said, I've been inpatient a number of times in the '90's but not since then and I can't believe how bad it was this time. (I'm in Texas which ranks last out of the 50 states for mental health, also when Bush was governor he passed laws that made it impossible to sue doctor's/hospitals)

Yes, I couldn't wait to get back to my own bed to rest. After my panicking died down I was able to come up with a way out of the situation I freaked out about.

Actually it was quite cold. The best way to mess with the staff is to not talk. Don't say a word. The 2 things I do when I go in is 1. pretend I'm a prisoner in a ww2 prison camp and start planning my escape (it's not a crime to and they won't shoot you for escaping) and 2. when I can't sleep I read near the nurses station and listen to their gossip and get incriminating info against them.

You could wear your shoes but without laces.... I just stayed in my socks. It was quite an experience this time. I've been speaking with the state licensing board and they are very interested in hearing what I experienced and witnessed. I hope they get fined and/or shut down.

After my mom died unexpectedly, my doctor asked me if I wanted to go to the psych ward for a mental vacation making it sound like you just wear slippers and do crossword puzzles in a rocking chair for 3 days. Dude, that sucks. Glad you're out!

I really did laugh just imagining this. You are awesome OP!

Glad to hear you are feeling better. Sometimes a break from the situation can let you get a clearer head to deal with serious issues.

It was different in the '90's when I went. It was a good place to chill out and get positive help and support one needed. This was a whole different ballgame. I'm happy I'm out too. They treated the patients like animals and they are the ones who should be the most compassionate and understanding.

Thanks. Since it costs $1000 a day I think next time I'll just take a vacation. There are MANY things to take my mind off of things with a grand a day. ;)

If you don't have your health, you don't have much. What else could you really do feeling suicidal and depressed. You made the right choice IMHO.

Hope you're OK opie.

Thanks for your kind words. If there is ever a next time I'll try repeating over and over and saying nothing other than "I've got to get back to GLP!"

Yes, thank you, I'm doing great now. I guess the best thing I learned was nothing is really bad enough to harm myself. Just take things one day at a time. (That's the way drunks do it) ;)

Did you eat your meals with a plastic spoon?

Like I stated, I never ate, but what I saw they had plastic forks and spoons with silver/chrome plating. (which could easily be taken back to ones room and cut or punctured onesself with)

Seems you did nothing but rock the boat and cause trouble the whole time you were there. What's the point of that?

After a good night's sleep I was ready to go home but they wanted to keep me there as long as possible in order to get the most money from insurance company and govt. Taxpayers money wasted to line their company's pockets.

:goofy thum:

-did they force you to take any meds?

-did you have a psych evaluation? If so, what was that like?

(apologies if you already addressed these questions)

good, need to make room for the crazies talking of impending plague

I'm going to log off and get some sleep but will answer questions later. Thanks again to everyone for your support.