Being admitted to a mental hospital or treatment center for psychological problems is not a natural thing. Most people will only be hospitalized for 24 to 72 hours of observation. In extreme cases, the patient may need to be treated for a longer period of time. If the patient endangers himself or others, the patient may be detained in a mental hospital without his consent. Some people may prefer to be hospitalized to relieve problems that are causing severe stress. For whatever reason, being admitted to a mental hospital or psychological treatment center can be scary. To make the transition process easier within the nursing institution, try to get to know the rules before you start treatment, and make a plan to maximize the time you spend in the mental hospital.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Undergoing Treatment
Step 1. Understand the treatment plan and goals
Know what you need to accomplish so that you can stay focused on your recovery and also get out of the asylum. Try to ask lots of questions about the doctor's expectations that allowed you to leave treatment. Try to ask about your progress frequently, as well as what things still need to be accomplished.
- Understand your diagnosis, and try to understand the symptoms you are experiencing and may be related to your mental state.
- Understand the goals of treatment as well as the expected results of the treatment.
- Know what types of treatment will be carried out to help you achieve your desired goals: individual psychotherapy, group counseling, family therapy, and/or medication.
Step 2. Take a therapy session
Take full advantage of all available therapies. You are more likely to have individual therapy sessions, but you should also make use of group counseling sessions as often as possible. Psychotherapy can improve mood, increase empathy, and reduce anxiety.
Getting excited about therapy can be taken as a sign that you are committed and willing to go through the planned treatment, which may be a reason for you to be discharged early
Step 3. Follow the rules at the mental hospital
There will be many rules that apply. It is important that you learn and follow all these rules. There is a high probability that there are regulations regarding when and where it is appropriate for you to eat, where you can spend your free time, participation in treatment activities such as therapy, where and when to take your medication, when to use your cell phone, how to physically interact with other people., and also when and where to visit family. If you do not comply with these rules, you may be considered non-cooperative in the treatment process, and your treatment period may be extended, or you may even be transferred to a more restrictive treatment facility.
If you don't agree with the type of medication you are required to take, ask for an opportunity to discuss your concerns with your doctor. Showing that you're willing to talk about other options in treatment will look better than an outright refusal
Method 2 of 3: Getting Maximum Benefit in Treatment
Step 1. Exercise to improve physical and mental health
Take advantage of your time away from friends and family to improve your physical health. Exercising helps improve mood and may also distract from the feeling of being confined to the hospital.
Some hospitals may provide an outdoor area that can be used for exercise. If there is no outdoor area or exercise room, ask a member of staff to suggest the best place for you to exercise
Step 2. Try to start reading
Reading novels can improve brain health and also increase empathy. Finding pleasure in reading may help you to form new habits that you can continue after discharge from the hospital.
Reading self-enrichment books may be a good option under certain conditions, and it may also improve your mood
Step 3. Learn a new skill or hobby
Some hospitals may provide regular classes or activities that you can take part in, such as a crafting class. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn new things or find a new hobby. Spending time doing something interesting will make your treatment period feel more manageable.
If the hospital where you are treated does not provide regular classes or activities, you can ask for supplies and art books that can guide you to make various types of crafts
Step 4. Learn to be grateful so you can be more accepting of your circumstances
Even if you are in the hospital, there are many things you can still be grateful for, such as the time you get to spend outdoors, or the care from the nurses. Remembering things to be grateful for even in a hospital environment, can make you more able to undergo treatment.
Step 5. Take care of yourself as usual
For example, take a shower and brush your teeth twice a day, and keep your bedroom tidy. This simple action can show that you are taking care of yourself and shorten the length of treatment.
Method 3 of 3: Interacting with Others
Step 1. Avoid conflict
People are hospitalized for all kinds of reasons. Be aware that some people admitted to mental hospitals may be quick to anger and respond harshly. Make sure that you always avoid conflict, especially with people who are strangers to you so that you can ensure your safety. Throughout the hospital or care setting, there are staff responsible for preventing abusive interactions. Make sure that you always follow their directions, and talk about things that might be a problem with them.
If another patient tries to provoke your reaction to anger, and you can't ignore it, tell a member of the hospital staff, and ask permission to move to another area of the treatment area
Step 2. Make friends
This stage may not be important if you're only going to be hospitalized for a night or two, but if you have to stay in a mental hospital for a few weeks, things will get easier if you have a few friends. Some mental health care institutions restrict the use of cell phones and access to outside visitors. Friends in a mental hospital will reduce your loneliness. Getting a friend or two may speed up your recovery, as well as improve your emotional well-being.
- While making friends is generally a good thing, mental hospitals are not the right place to find a romantic partner.
- Most hospitals prohibit their patients from sharing personal data (such as phone numbers, social media accounts, etc.). Don't violate these rules if they exist because in addition to being dangerous, you and others can also get in trouble if caught sharing personal information.
- Remember that something caused your new friend to be admitted to a mental hospital. Make sure they have time away from you if they need it.
Step 3. Try to establish and maintain healthy boundaries
Remember, all patients admitted to mental hospitals or psychiatric treatment centers have certain mental problems, and most of them do not recognize reasonable boundaries. This is the most important reason for you to establish healthy boundaries.
- Decide whether you want to lend personal items or not. If you don't want to, you must politely decline the other person's request. Don't let other people make you feel guilty or bother you that you are forced to lend them things.
- Do not tolerate other people's abusive or inappropriate behavior. If someone is behaving in a certain way that makes you uncomfortable, ask them to stop. If that doesn't stop it, leave the area and try to tell a staff member about it.
- If this is your first time being admitted to a mental institution, you may be harassed for the purpose of "introducing" you to the unwritten rules there. Ask your friend for help if you think this is happening and ask the patient supervisor to come and help you. These patient supervisors usually live with patients and work in mental hospitals to help patients there.
Tips
- Don't be afraid or hesitate to ask for help when you feel threatened.
- If you need someone to talk to, ask for additional therapy sessions.
- Make sure that you always obey the staff.
- Not all mental hospitals have the same standards. Some mental hospitals have stricter rules.
Warning
- Make sure that you fully understand the treatment that will be carried out, and give consent when needed.
- Never try to escape from the hospital. This could be a reason for you to be thoroughly re-evaluated so you should stay longer. Some insurance companies will stop reimbursement of treatment costs if there is an attempt to escape.
- If you are concerned that you may be putting yourself or others in danger, tell a staff member about it as soon as possible.
- Make sure that you always take the medicine prescribed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any medication.
