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| Hospitalization |  You might need to go to the hospital if you:
• Are seeing or hearing things (hallucinations)
• Have odd or paranoid ideas (delusions)
• Suffer from thoughts of hurting yourself or others
• Are thinking or talking very quickly, or jumping from topic to topic and not making sense
• Feel too tired or depressed to get out of bed or take care of yourself or your family
• Have problems with alcohol or substances
• Have not eaten or slept for several days
• Have tried outpatient treatment and still suffer from symptoms that interfere with your life
Several facts about hospital
• The aim of hospitalization is to create a safe place to let serious symptoms to pass and medication to be applied and stabilized. There is nothing to be ashamed of, because it is not punishment.
• You may be on a locked ward. At first, you may not be able to leave the ward. Later, you may be allowed to go to other parts of the hospital, or get a pass to leave the hospital for a short time.
• You may have a schedule with set times for meals, groups, treatments, medications, activities and bedtime.
• You may have to undergo physical or mental health tests. You may have blood tests to examine your medication levels or look for other physical problems that may be worsening your illness.
• Your doctor may check on you or interview you from time to time.
• While you’re on the ward, you will probably talk to several different doctors, nurses and staff members. You might have to ask for things you need more than once.
Your time in the hospital
You may ask your loved one to help you go through hospital check-in procedures, fill out forms and communicate with hospital staff. Make sure that your family and friends know about hospital procedures. Ask them for help, if you need. If you sign yourself into the hospital, you can also sign yourself out, unless the staff believes you are a danger to yourself or others. You must ask somebody to explain a treatment to you. Medical staff has to inform you of the advantages and risks of your treatment, any tests or exams you are given. You can refuse treatment, if you feel unsafe.
You need time to get used to the routine in the hospital. If your symptoms are serious, some things may not make sense to you. Try to get what you can out of the activities. Focus on your own mental health. Listen to what others have to say in groups. It is advisable to keep a journal of your own thoughts and feelings. You will meet other people having their own problems. Treat them with civility and respect, regardless of what they may say or do. Tell a staff member, if someone is making you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Make a list of questions you have to ask your doctor. You may need a help of your family or other hospital staff. If you have any other illnesses or take other medications, let your doctor and staff know about it. Make sure you get your medications for other illnesses along with the medications for your depression or bipolar disorder.
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