What to Expect in a Psychiatric Hospital

I've been to 5 different psychiatric hospitals and they have a lot in common.

Things not to bring to any hospital
Anything with strings
medication,  even over the counter meds including chap sick

Things to ask about bringing
Underwire bras
Personal Hygiene
Personal blankets and pillows
Money
Anything other than flip flops or shower shoes

What to expect
When you first enter a psychiatric hospital,  you will answer questions about your general health, what meds you are on, then you will have base line blood pressure and temp taken.  At some point you will have Labs drawn and a tb test done. You will get assigned a room, usually with one roommate.
On a day to day basis,  you will attend processing and education groups serval times a day,  see your doctor, and usually a counselor and/or a social worker.

Usually you have to stay in the common room all day, go to bed at a certain time, and wake up when they tell you to.

Also, at most places, you are only allowed outside time for short time each day. If you smoke, those breaks are carefully controlled in most places.

Hints and Tips
Get to know your fellow patients, it will make your stay not only more pleasant but shorter as well. Attend every group, you are here to learn! And most importantly, remember to cooperate with the doctors, counselors, and social workers.

Starting this back up

After a year off to have a baby and get stable again, I'm ready to come back to blogging.

The little munchkin is 5 months old, and yes, I ended up in the hospital before I felt good again, but its been totally worth it.

I'm sorry I haven't written.
I've decided to stay a series of drug review, from my own personal experiences. Please feel free to add your own comments on the drug.
Today... Prozac
Prozac is pregnancy class C. It works well for me and doesn't give me many if any side effects. It is by far my favorite anti depressant.

Sorry I haven't been blogging, I've done nothing but sleep, work, and eat in the last few Weeks.

I'm trying to set a schedule, but its not working out great so far. I just have trouble sticking to it.

I have no idea what to say today.
I've been sleeping and working so much lately that I haven't had time to update.

The baby is doing well

Me though, I've been emotional, and I'm not sure If its the lack of meds or the pregnancy. Everything seems to make me cry lately.

I'm getting frustrated easily too. There is a guy at work that drives me insane. He acts like he is my boss and he's not. I talked to my counselor about him, and I need to confront him in a calm manner and let him know that I don't appreciate being told what to do in the nicest way possible so I don't blow up on him later.

I've always sabotage every job I've had, either I start not doing my best or not going or something, even when I like a job. I have to stay focused, I don't want to loose this job, and I want to be well liked enough to come back after the baby is born. I always get discouraged that I deserve the job or that working isn't right for me or something stupid.

I had a little depressive episode last night. Nothing too bad, but it kinds scared me, I don't want to spend this pregnancy in the hospital.

Its about time for me to go to work and for the first time, I'm not excited about it. I just don't feel well, depressed, sick, cramping, just blah.

Anyone who has gone though pregnancy and bi polar, and I know there is a lot of us, is a saint.

So we told the world about the baby... Aka Facebook :)

Those of you who have found me due to your therapist or psychologist or psychiatrist, welcome, feel free to ask questions in my comments or on the forums, this community is yours.

I'm trying to stop smoking... Its hard even with the motivation of a baby on board. I'm smoking because I'm anxious, and I can't take my anti anxiety meds.... Class d.

My thoughts lead to my feelings, I just need to remind myself of the thought process.

I'm feeling like crap, that's for sure, what thought leads to that feeling? Nervousness I guess. The morning sickness feels like nervousness sometimes. I'm scared that's for sure. I'm thinking about the loss last year and hoping it doesn't happen again.

I have every right to feel nervous, I have lost a baby before, but miscarriages are rare, I have good care, and I've delivered two healthy babies.

The excitement of my kids over another addition to the family makes me happy.I need to get that excitement from them