Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Not Heidi

(1,288 posts)
Mon Aug 30, 2021, 01:11 PM Aug 2021

checking myself in today

I'm checking myself into the psych hospital today. I need a safe place. Too hard to contain any longer the trauma of giving up my cats five years ago, and how I had to do it.

Cats? Pathetic. But I can't dismiss as pathetic something that's killing me.

I was in a psych hospital 35 years ago, at age 23. I expect some things to be different, but I wish I knew what those would be.

I'm nervous, scared, excited, anxious, apprehensive, terrified.

I want one specific thing to happen there today. I desperately want to be given a private room. My time there will be a lot easier if I don't have to contend with a stranger in close quarters. Trying not to get my hopes up, though.

I wonder: as in 1986, will they take away my belt and shoelaces? . . . pfft. Of course they will.

20 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

hlthe2b

(102,200 posts)
4. Love and caring from the DU community. Please get the care you need and the help to
Mon Aug 30, 2021, 01:18 PM
Aug 2021

be kind to yourself-- including forgiving yourself for the past, if necessary.

MuseRider

(34,104 posts)
5. Your reasons are not pathetic
Mon Aug 30, 2021, 01:18 PM
Aug 2021

in fact no reason is pathetic. You feel how you feel and your ability to cope is your ability to cope.

No shame at all, get it taken care of so you can live the rest of your life without that feeling.

I hope for the best for you. I hope you can get a single room and yes, as far as I know they will always take those things away, they pretty much have to.

Relax into it and do the work and come out with the best result possible.

Maraya1969

(22,474 posts)
8. I've been in psych hospitals a lot. There are a lot of interesting people in there
Mon Aug 30, 2021, 01:24 PM
Aug 2021

and if you get involved in their programs I bet you will find the experience goes by quickly. And I know you will feel so much better as a result.

I wish you the very best. Think of it as a kind of vacation. No beach or anything but you don't have to cook or clean or run any errands. It's a way to get away for awhile.

Response to Not Heidi (Original post)

bottomofthehill

(8,327 posts)
14. Thank you for being brave enough to do what is best for you.
Mon Aug 30, 2021, 01:49 PM
Aug 2021

Mental health has come a long way, and hopefully with new ways of coping be it therapy, medicine or other ways, I hope you find and get the help you need to feel safe again.

littlemissmartypants

(22,629 posts)
16. The hard decision you are facing head on today may serve
Mon Aug 30, 2021, 02:46 PM
Aug 2021

As the inspiration someone else may be looking for when trying to care for themselves. Stay strong. Be encouraged. You are loved. ❤

ShazzieB

(16,357 posts)
19. You're going to be just fine!
Mon Aug 30, 2021, 06:35 PM
Aug 2021

Even though I've never met you, I can tell you're going to be all right in the long run.. Why? Because you're going to get help. It's the people who DON'T get help with their mental health issues that I worry about. You're making the right choice, even though it's hard for you, even though you're "nervous, scared, excited, anxious, apprehensive, terrified."

The fact that you're making a choice that's hard for you, and you're going though with it despite your fears tells ne that you're smart and brave and wise. THAT is how I know you're going to be fine, in the long run. I don't know how long it's going to take, or what obstacles or twists and turns may lie ahead, but that's okay. None of us knows the answers to those questions when we set out on a new venture. They will reveal themselves in time. Being brave enough to make a start, even with all those unanswered questions hanging in the air, is what counts.

Some people think being brave means not being afraid, but that's a misconception. True courage means doing what needs to be done even though it scares the hell out of you. That's the kind of courage you have, and that's why I truly believe you're going to be fine.

ShazzieB

(16,357 posts)
20. You're going to be just fine!
Mon Aug 30, 2021, 06:35 PM
Aug 2021

Even though I've never met you, I can tell you're going to be all right in the long run.. Why? Because you're going to get help. It's the people who DON'T get help with their mental health issues that I worry about. You're making the right choice, even though it's hard for you, even though you're "nervous, scared, excited, anxious, apprehensive, terrified."

The fact that you're making a choice that's hard for you, and you're going though with it despite your fears tells ne that you're smart and brave and wise. THAT is how I know you're going to be fine, in the long run. I don't know how long it's going to take, or what obstacles or twists and turns may lie ahead, but that's okay. None of us knows the answers to those questions when we set out on a new venture. They will reveal themselves in time. Being brave enough to make a start, even with all those unanswered questions hanging in the air, is what counts.

Some people think being brave means not being afraid, but that's a misconception. True courage means doing what needs to be done even though it scares the hell out of you. That's the kind of courage you have, and that's why I truly believe you're going to be fine.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Mental Health Support»checking myself in today