Experiences in a Children’s Psychiatric Unit: A Journey of Recovery

My experiences in a psychiatric unit, particularly the adolescent unit of a hospital, provided significant insights into the challenges of mental health and the process of recovery. Despite the shortcomings, it played a crucial role in helping me understand my struggles and eventually guide me toward a healthier life.

Introduction to My Struggle

During my teens, I faced various mental health challenges that pushed me toward seeking help through a psychiatric unit. At the age of 16, I had recently moved out of my mother's house due to her alcoholism. The constant belligerent state she was in, coupled with my inability to cope, led to a series of destructive behaviors. These included cutting myself with shards of a broken bottle, an act driven by intense stress and suicidal thoughts. However, despite this, I refused to accept that I was struggling with my mental health.

Hospital Admissions and Initial Intake

My situation reached a critical point when my drama teacher noticed my self-harm. Noting the dangers, a counselor intervened, and I was admitted to a hospital. Here, I underwent a thorough process before my admission into the psych ward. This included changing clothes, a full body check for sharp objects, and a list of rules to follow. Upon waking up the next morning, I was given a structured schedule and several essential lists, including positive coping skills and medication details.

Typical Daily Routine

Life in the psych ward followed a predictable yet repetitive routine:

7:30am: Waking up 8:00am: Breakfast and medications 9:00am: Meeting with a nurse to discuss the schedule 10:00am: Free time/activities like playing cards and watching TV 10:05am: Occupational Therapy (OT) involving arts and crafts 11:00am: Snack time, often enjoying ice cream 11:10am: More OT focusing on arts and crafts 12:00pm: Lunch and visiting hour with my counselor, where I also received homework and updates 1:00pm: Free time again, engaging in card games and puzzle-solving 1:30pm: Skills group, though I don't recall much of it 2:00pm: Free time and snack time 3:00pm: Room time, where I could earn time in a communal area by writing and having a nurse verify my progress 4:00pm: Check-in with questions regarding my well-being and suicidal thoughts 4:45pm: Education group, which was not particularly memorable 6:00pm: Dinner 6:30pm: Free time 7:00pm: Visiting hour with my family 8:00pm: Movie nights on weekends, with a heavy emphasis on educational material like 'Home Alone' 9:00pm: Bedtime

Despite the routine, the experience was somewhat repetitive, with not much variation from day to day.

Reflections on the Stay

The experience was not entirely negative. I made friends who were dealing with their own mental health challenges and found that many were quite supportive. However, the isolation and repetition of the same activities every day were major drawbacks. The lack of a structured school day and minimal engagement in more stimulating activities left me feeling somewhat bored and lonely. Despite these challenges, the experience offered a semblance of normalcy and provided a platform for therapy and discussion.

Second Admission and Recovery

My second admission to the psychiatric unit came a year later in July. By this time, my mother had passed away due to her alcoholism, exacerbating my grief and guilt. My depression deepened, and I felt a profound sense of loneliness, even with my family and partner by my side. Seeking help, I reached out to my counselor and was once again admitted to the hospital. This time, certain aspects of the routine were different: there were no Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings, which I found particularly appealing. Instead, we watched movies in the afternoons, and the hospital shifted to a streaming model, allowing us to watch a wide range of films, including favorites like 'Big Hero Six' and 'Book of Life'.

With fewer children around due to summer break, the unit was quieter, and I did not have a roommate. Although the friendships formed during this period were eventually fleeting, the support I received from my current counselor and the camaraderie among the remaining residents were valuable. Over the course of 7 days, I gained a deeper understanding of my mental health challenges and the importance of working through my program and practices.

Aftermath and Current Well-being

Since my last stay in the hospital, over a year has passed. My current relationships with my partner, family, and colleagues play a significant role in my well-being. My counselor and co-workers continue to provide the support necessary to maintain a healthy balance in my life.

This journey of mental health recovery has taught me the importance of seeking help, adhering to a structured program, and maintaining a supportive network. While my experiences in the psychiatric unit were challenging, they provided essential insights and tools for my ongoing mental health journey.