Tales from the Psych Ward

One of my struggles that I face is bipolar disorder. And it has unfortunately hospitalized me a few times. Thankfully, I live in a time and place where my job, friends, and family understand that it is an illness that I have to deal with. Compared to even twenty or so years ago, mental health care (though still not perfect) is far better than it was. Overall, I would say my times in mental health facilities has been extremely interesting - to say the least.

Pictured: Random clip art I found so that this post has a photo on the home page. Pretend it's super interesting and relevant.

I was also lucky to have friends visit me while I was hospitalized. When they did, it became obvious that they were uncomfortable in the foreign environment. So, I wanted to share some random facts about my grippy-sock vacations that I hope you find interesting. As a quick disclaimer, this is limited to my experiences.

1: Some of the hygiene and other products used are actually really good

This is something I wasn't expecting. This is probably because my perception of mental health facilities was still tainted from how these hospitals used to be. For example, I still swear by the moisturizer that I was given. Even though it is less than a dollar for two ounces, the scent is nice and it really works! I also learned to really like the grippy socks that are provided. Once I was out, I started to wear them with normal shoes. I have never felt like my shoes were as much a part of my foot as when I'm wearing those socks.

2: Some nights you just ignore the screaming

This one is somewhat self-explanatory. Though people are typically relatively friendly, the ward has a seclusion room for a reason. Sometimes, when you are trying to sleep, you can hear someone... loudly protesting while they are dragged there. It's a part of some people's recovery (and I've definitely had some loud moments myself), so it shouldn't be judged. But it's still disruptive, to say the least.

3: You had better remember phone numbers

You can't have your phone when you are in the ward, so you don't have your contacts. Though facilities will typically provide phones (which look like old payphones), if you don't remember someone's number, you are SOL. I thankfully knew my wife's number by heart, but I didn't remember anyone else's. However, if you know at least one number, you can have your friend pass along numbers for other people. But, who remembers phone numbers nowadays?

Also, some facilities have computers/iPads available, so you can hop on Facebook or something and communicate that way. It's typically limited though and far easier to just call people.

4: You can wear your own clothes and makeup

Though you start with a set of patient scrubs, friends/family can bring things to wear in the ward. This typically takes the form of shirts as pants like jeans have metal and other things you aren't supposed to have. Also, depending on the facility, patients are allowed "comfort items" like makeup. I had to check them in and out with the nurses. One of the places I was at even would provide an electric razor for shaving (though you had to check it in and out also).

5: The list of items you can't have is odd

You know how a leaf blower is banned by the TSA (and we have all wondered who the heck brings a leaf blower on a plane or how it could be used to do anything)? It's similar to the list of things you can't have, which are typically for "safety" reasons. For example, you cannot have stuffed animals, crocheted/knitted items, blankets/pillows (even though they provide these things), certain types (but not all) lipstick, or hardcover books - to name a few. Some of these make sense when you think what can be used as a weapon, but it is a strange list.

6: It is super boring by design

Other than group activities, there is nearly nothing for you to do. And this is on purpose; this is done so that you confront your issues head on. Further, it incentivizes people to actually go to the group activities that are helpful for recovery. Even with this though, I spent a ton of time just pacing around or playing solitaire.

7: People get judgy about strange things

Since you have nothing to do, one of the activities you find yourself doing for most of your waking hours is interact with other patients. You meet some interesting people from all walks of life. But some of those people can get weird about certain things. For example, I was given a hard time for the number of visitors I had coming in. I was fortunate to have people coming every day I was there - not everyone is so lucky. Another thing people get weird about is if you have a short stay. Some people I met had been in the ward for over a month; I was out in a week. Once people found out I was leaving, I was met with a bunch of "you just got here!" and "how is that possible?" from the other patients.

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When dealing with the above, you have to remember that everyone in the ward is at a difficult part of their lives. Having empathy and being friendly to others is important (and, you know, just a good policy in general).

Lastly, if there is anything I learned through my experience, it's that having mental illness is both (i) something that can happen to anyone and (ii) is nothing to be ashamed of.