What is a Psyche Ward Like?!
Question:
What is a Psyche Ward Like?
If anyone has been in a psyche ward for a suicide attempt, what is it like? I don't ask this because I plan to be in one, but I am writing a story and I'm just curious.
Answers:
Ok, I am your woman then. I have been in about every type of counseling that you could think of. Well you said suicide attempt...so is this person being forced to go by some sort of authority like the police or doctors? Well, if he or she is, then she is 302'd. If he or she goes voluntarily (which they usually give you the option of before they 302 you) then it is a 102. A suicide attempt would cause a person to go to an inpatient facility. These facilities, because of insurance, usually hold you for 1 or 2 weeks up until a month. Long-term psychiatric care is called residential, but that's different.
Ok, what is it like? Well, we're assuming this person is an adult? It isn't like in the movies with straight jackets and the padded rooms and all of that. Most of the people there are just depressed or angry. Everything is monitored so you don't commit suicide. You can't have belts at night and they look in on you every 15 minutes throughout the day. They will give you real silverware at mealtimes, no steak knives though and will make sure you give it back.
Sometimes one will go in there on a 102 and be 302'd because they say something homicidal or suicidal. If a person is 302'd they only keep you there for 72 hours. But, this is negotiable because you're a liability. If you something suicidal or homicidal in those 72 hours, obviously they can't release you until another 72 hours goes by without you saying anything.
Some people who go in there are more of the stereotype of "crazy." Like there was this lady this one time who screamed for hours straight so they gave her tranquilizers and strapped her to the bed and counseled her by the bed until she got better.
But the day in the last place I was at (voluntary, I mean, I took myself there, as mine always were) went bed whenever you wanted, breakfast at 8:00 (if you don't get it, you're not eating) exercise group, counseling group, lunch, free time, craft, dinner and evening group, free time, snack. All groups were voluntary as such but if you lie around in bed all day all the time they're probably going to 302 or recommend a stay.
If you need anymore, e-mail me at desousa758@yahoo.com