Has anyone ever stayed in a serious psych ward?

Question

I was just wondering if anyone has stayed (recently, like the last five to ten years) in a serious mental institution- like an insane asylum, a serious state place. Is it really bad? Did you benefit from it at all or did it make things worse? I need to know, because I may be in a place very much like that.

Answer 1

     Not a state run institution, no, but a psych ward, yes.  I found it quite helpful.  I had a good doctor, and the nurses were kind and helpful.  Perhaps I was just lucky, but my experience was a good one.  I do hope your's is too, if you have to go in.

Good luck

Mike B

Answer 2

Yes and the people in there drove me insane so I left. Most of the doctors were  in worse shape than I was.

Answer 3

first let me say this - if your going in for diagnosis such as depression, bi-polar - your not insane.

Okay - I have been in both private and state facilities. As usual the private is always better as far as care, cleanliness, food, difference in both workers and patients.

  State facilities - hhmmm? My state is horrible for mental health period! However, when you have no insurance (like myself) and need care that's where ya go. The difference is as stated above. The problems with patients are almost always more severe (think about it b/c these people don't have health insurance either). You truly learn a lot.

The main focus here is you - you getting the proper treatment that you need. Each state is different, so while Louisiana sucks - yours may be one of the better!!  If you are recommended to inpatient/outpatient treatment in either type facility - focus on you and make sure to ask/watch about anything you need/want/feel.

It's all about you and how you handle yourself and your care. That's what your there for and in the end yes you will benefit.  

Answer 4

Man, could I tell you stories!!!!  

Answer 5

You usually get sicker in state hospitals before you get better .It's like the school of hard knox.

Answer 6

both my husband and i have and the problem with just hearing about peoples opinions about it is that each place can be extremely different..can vary a lot by state also

some place are very good and some places treat you no better then a criminal

Answer 7

not me'

Answer 8

I have stayed on psych. units quite a number of times.

They were not state hospitals.  For the most part they helped to stabilize me enough so I could be discharged with a medication change and continued therapy.  In the beginning the door to the unit was not locked.  The last few times I was there, the door was locked from the inside.  The last time was a bad experience for me.  I will never go back to that psych. unit again.  God forbid, I will choose to go someplace different if need be.  I hope you stay well enough so you will not need to go to a psych. unit.  Good Luck.