I’m kinda on risk for being put into one, so I kinda wanted to learn some stuff about how is it inside those. I think my biggest fear there is boredoom. Like, will I be able to videocall friends and/or listen to music there? Will my mp3 player/portable chinese retro emulator/phone/any eletronic be confiscated there?
I’ve been hospitalized about 10 times. Every stay has been different based on my demeanor and the severity of my mental state. Some hospitals are nicer than others, certainly the ones with good food were more positive. Good food stuck out to me.
The boredom is awful, but it gives you time to do things you wouldn’t normally do like read books or draw/color. Make friends there, it helps with the loneliness. I never maintained contact once I left the stay, but I have memorable connections that helped me get through what I was working with.
You most likely will not be listening to music unless a worker puts some on during groups, and phone calls can be made but you won’t have any access to a smartphone.
It’s mostly a place to get you stabilized on medication and establish aftercare plans. Any discomfort is temporary and if the anxiety of doing nothing gets to you, you most likely can get a PRN like Ativan (or Hydroxyzine if benzos aren’t for you) in a controlled environment.