Experiences and Insights: Being a Teen in a Psych Ward

Experiencing a psych ward as a teenager can be a deeply transformative and complex journey. The environment, staff, and treatment can vary widely, impacting how one perceives their stay. This article explores the personal accounts of two individuals who were admitted to psychiatric hospitals, giving insights into the experiences of being a teenager in a psych ward.

First Personal Account: Positive Experiences

I have been admitted to a psychiatric hospital twice, once at 15 for a suicide attempt and another at 17 for self-harm and suicidal ideation. I will soon start a PHP (partial hospitalization program). The first time was a crucial turning point in my life, while the second was a minor relapse.

The Mental Health Services (MHS) staff seemed to genuinely care about our well-being. The nursing staff and psychiatrists, however, were less attentive. We participated in various groups and had significant free time. I formed close bonds with many of the patients I met. The food was decent, and the worst part of my stay was the doctors deciding my treatment plan without my input, which sometimes involved over-medicating. However, looking back, I found the experience to be acceptable.

Update: I am 15 years old and experiencing writing this as a teen.

Second Personal Account: Negative Experiences

I was admitted to a psychiatric hospital at 17 after a traumatic event. On a school day, I got drunk and slashed my wrists, then painted my homeroom teacher's office with my own blood. This was a private school with a high degree of unstructured freedom, and unsurprisingly, the experience at the hospital was far from ideal.

The atmosphere was incredibly daunting. I was deeply anxious, fearing never to return home. The floors were tiled with dull green, and I would pace out of anxiety, leaving chipped paint on the walls. The medical staff was often unfriendly, coming across as though they considered patients nothing more than troubled youths.

There was limited engagement beyond mandated education, which seemed designed for younger children. Reading briefly simplistic paragraphs and answering multiple-choice questions, or drawing pictures of a "happy day," were the only activities available. I recall only two other patients: my roommate, a 14-year-old with a history of sexual trauma, and a preppy girl with wide, unblinking eyes who paced stiffly in the hall.

The environment was stark and alienating. My roommate was 14 and had endured significant trauma, seeking comfort through physical affection. I understood the gravity of her situation but found it difficult to maintain the closeness she needed, which contributed to tension between us. The second patient was a young woman who seemed trapped in a condition that her loving parents could not fully address, despite their best efforts.

My diagnosis was based on information provided by my mother and stepfather, labeled as "oppositional disorder," now known as "oppositional defiant disorder." Within months, I was allowed to move in with my father and stepmother in a different city, and over the next year, I was admitted to two more hospitals. However, the experiences were not deemed adolescent as I was 18 during the admissions.

Key Insights and Reflections

Both accounts highlight the importance of meaningful communication in treatment planning. Patients, especially teenagers, should have a say in the decisions that affect their care. Additionally, the impact of the hospital environment, staff attitudes, and patient interactions can significantly influence the experience and recovery process.

The accounts also emphasize the need for a supportive and compassionate approach to treating mental health in teenagers. Effective treatment requires a balance of therapeutic interventions, supportive staff, and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by young individuals.

Conclusion

The experiences shared by these two individuals provide a nuanced view of the challenges and complexities involved in being a teenager in a psych ward. Understanding these perspectives can contribute to improved treatment methods and a more empathetic approach to adolescent mental health care.