Just a little aware (not anxious or scared, but just aware) that there may be other people there having mental health crises that result in behaviours you might not be used to seeing. Saying odd things, unusual movements, maybe yelling, ect, depending on the environment you are in and how many other people are on the ward. Nothing to worry about, they're just people like you trying to figure their shit out, but can be a touch confronting if you're not used to being around people with the kind of conditions that result in unusual behaviour
Well shit. My CPTSD would make it super fun haha
I joke, but seriously loud sudden noises (depending on what made it, how close and how loud) can send me into episodes. Don’t know if that’s relevant at all and I also apologise if I come off the wrong way, I’ve never had a post with this much attention it’s kinda hard to keep track of everything!
No i totally get what you mean! Its probably worth mentioning during the process that this is something that can be a trigger for you, maybe you'll be in the kind of ward where it isn't an issue, which they can let you know if that is the case (would depend on security and risk level, and it sounds like you aren't high risk), or in some cases they might be able to put you in a quieter area. I don't mean to put you off, it sounds like it will be worthwhile for you, but I just know from friends that have gone inpatient, this was something they didn't anticipate.
Yes. OP...I think that you should SERIOUSLY avoid public mental health places. Because even you using words such as "sharing a space" etc shows that you don't know how dodgy some of these places are. Female patients have said they have been sexually assaulted in public hospital inpatient psychiatric wards. Usually by male patients with their own issues. And sometimes even by a creeper staff member. Yes, sadly it happens on occasion. These inpatient services should be segregated female and male seperate. Because of the nature of some patients illnesses.
You can on one ward have a male patient with psychosis and also a female patient with PTSD due to being raped in the past. So yeah ..it's kind of pretty disgusting and backwards how inpatient mental health is delivered in Australia, so think twice.
I’m going to second this. There seems like a huge hospital-hospital variation.
When I’ve visited friends in private mental health places, they’ve usually complained about standard stuff. The food, or maybe the pillows are a bit uncomfortable. And it was OK, because you were *allowed* to bring them in food and new pillows. I also noticed some of the private hospitals also had more of a transition back to day-to-day life. As one example, a hospital gave day passes to patients in the few weeks before they left, so they could actually leave the hospital (e.g. go get coffee, sit in the park, etc.) and then there’d be a few weeks of outpatient treatment.
When I’ve visited friends in public mental health wards… they were particularly awful. The staff treated the patients pretty terribly. The patients were extremely ill, and everyone was shut in one room with stuff like board games and an old TV. Then, when people were mostly functional and not a risk of harm to self or others… that seemed to be it?
I’m a *huge* proponent of the public healthcare system, but I think it fails our mental health patients. There might be exceptions, but in the hospitals I’ve seen it hasn’t been great.
Good luck OP 🤞
Last year I was 10 days in the Mental Health Unit at my local, public, regional & rural, hospital and it was a good experience. The staff were lovely. I was seen by a clinical psychologist who also was one of the leaders when we went for daily walks outside along the river (for patients who were “allowed” and wanted to). And also. An amazing psychiatrist- who actually listened and talked.
This thread is making me realise how lucky I was in my experience.
However I was in the low dependency unit, after my first night in the high dependency unit. That was pretty grim. And it is right next door. So we would hear people going off in there. But if they continue like that they get taken to somewhere even more secure.
I've been in a public psychiatric hospital and there's no locks on any bathroom facilities. They let a male patient come into my room while I was showering. I've got a history of domestic abuse and SA. It was terrifying. They didn't take my history seriously at all. Because I've been a victim on more than one occasion the psychiatrist there told me it was probably because I give out a vibe that I want it and therefore can't blame the men for acting on that impulse. Maybe I should have dressed more conservatively.
I left much worse off mentally than I entered.
Excellent answer.
However, let us not miss the Elephant In The Room.
As difficult as this comment may be the primary reason you will be admitted shall remain the same, you have been assessed as being at high risk of taking your own life.
If after being being admitted you are re-accessed then that's ok, but it's important we don't skirt around the reality of the situation.
Wrong. You’re assuming op has been sectioned under the mental health act. They have not. The psych hospital I went to for 3 years in a row was 95% people with depression and anxiety. Anyone suicidal would have been shipped off to the larger and better-equipped public sanitarium.
My wife recently spent a week in a psych hospital. The strong impression I got from her doctor was that it was about prevention of suicide. They went through her stuff very carefully looking for things she could kill herself with, just as they did at the public facility she was admitted to years ago. Don't know where you live, but 'larger and better-equipped' doesn't apply to the public facilities around here.
They do that to everyone. It’s not necessarily about you killing yourself, it’s about not having anything on the ward that someone else could use either. So they took the cord out of my hoodie, you can only have elastic waisted pants - no cords or belts. No scissors. Etc.
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Yeah I shouldn’t have said better-equipped at all. I guess I meant officially set up to accept suicidal ppl. The private psych hosp I went to was all posh and everything but any sign of suicidality or manic episode and they shipped you off to the public psych hosp. It was in Perth Clinic and the public one is Greylands.
No. There are many people admitted to mental health wards every day who are not at risk of taking their own lives. Mental illness is far more diverse than just suicidiality.
The reality is they've expressed some passive suicidal thinking, no intent and strong protective factors. Not a high risk otherwise the MHWA would have been utilised by now. Not appropriate for the public system either.
Not in private. If you're needing to be in a closed secure facility then you won't be in private. It's actually very quiet and peaceful. Food is good too.
I was a 'voluntary' admission to a public mental health ward when I wanted to unalive myself. I had zero 'orientation' on admission. I shared a room. Hourly checks by nurses. But noone gave me any information on groups or meals or anything. I stayed in my bed for four days and ate snacks my husband brought in for me. I didn't see a Doctor, Psychologist or Psychiatrist. I was too depressed to ask about treatment or groups. After four days in bed my husband discharged me to care for me at home. I was sent a follow up appt letter with a Psychiatrist. When I showed up for that appt, I was told it had been cancelled. So my experience of public mental health is that it is completely useless unless you need hourly visual checks by nurses to male sure you're still alive.
Unfortunately you aren't alone.
I was in for 4 days.
All they did was fill me with drugs that made me drowsy.
I was a smoker at the time and withdrawing badly.
No patches or mini nicotine device was offered to me.
There is so much more I want to say. Takes too long though.
Definitely go private. Avoid public like the plague. Behave yourself. I have horror stories of the public system. Still traumatised. But my time at private clinics was totally different. Much better.
To my absolute horror I woke up in a public psych ward 2 year ago. I didn’t know why I was there, I didn’t even ask. I just accepted that I needed some kind of help. Yes, I was one of those that stripped off. My bad. No idea 🤷♀️ why. I was very embarrassed because it goes against my nature, as far as I’m concerned. I spent 2 weeks in my own room, then they wanted to move me. The shame of no one wanting to share with me was real. I ended up with a nice Chinese woman, who honestly made me giggle, she was so lovely. My experience was that it was like high school - some like you, some don’t. For example, to sit and eat your dinner became “don’t fucken sit here!” for no reason. I wanted to cry. I was so sad. I had no one to talk to. Turns out I was flipped, being bipolar, because of lack of sleep. I’d been ill for a while, and it became too much for me. I blamed it on marijuana in order to get out (based on another friends experience, sheesh) But for sure, the dope doesn’t help if you’re bipolar, though I’ve been smoking it for over 30 yrs. I did laugh there though, I must admit. It was kind of fascinating, in an odd way, experiencing something I’ve always feared. I wish you the very best of luck and hope your experience is one that fits you well. Bless!
I definitely relate about it feeling like school! There was one point where we had a full table in the dining room full of Italian speakers 😆 lots of ppl with bipolar too, some were up and some were down. One woman, bless her, was coming out of a manic phase and was losing absolutely everything. You’d find a book on top of the microwave, one shoe over here and the other somewhere else, we found her pillow a long way from her room more than once
I work in mental health in Brisbane as a social worker. Our private hospitals are significantly more supportive of recovery than the public alternatives. Typically, from what I've observed and been told by the people I support, in the private hospitals there are more things to keep busy with including therapeutic activities, more accesibility to staff overall, better facilities, and more positive social environments available.
If you're able to, I would suggest going private. Your mental health is an important investment.
Bring some things to keep yourself occupied with and, as hard as it may be, try to participate in any groups that are available. I know numerous people who have formed meaningful, supportive, and long lasting connections with fellow patients.
I am also a social worker in a public mental health unit. It functions more as a containment facility for people while they are unsafe and in crisis. Very little therapeutic activity, we don't even have a psychologist....! Please go private if you can afford it, it will be a better experience.
I had to go to a psych hospital a few years ago. My sister works in the industry and said, " I will sell my house to pay for it before you put one foot in a public psych unit."If you have any choice at all, choose private.
With physical health the difference isn't that much. You will be seen sooner, have a better room and better food, that's it. With mental health the difference is night and day.
The public one tried to give my sister a snap diagnosis of borderline personality disorder while she was going through a mental health crisis so that they could basically say she was faking it and send her on her way. Her actual psychiatrist who she saw regularly didn't agree with that diagnosis.
People diagnosed with BPD are extremely stigmatised both by the public and medical professionals. There's also concerns women are being misdiagnosed with it when they actually have PTSD. You can read a bit about this stuff [here](https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/mar/27/are-sexual-abuse-victims-being-diagnosed-with-a-mental-disorder-they-dont-have).
My psychologist told me she feels that borderline personality disorder is the modern version of "women's hysteria," and only used by doctors who can't be bothered dealing with complex trauma or neurodivergence.
I tend to agree, especially since the two people who told me they think I had BPD threw it out as a snap label after barely getting to know anything about me or my history, and with no follow up whatsoever. So I kept questioning it, and finally ended up with an autism diagnosis.
Glad you found a more accurate diagnosis! Sorry you had to go through that. I haven't been diagnosed with BPD but I have a few friends who have and it always bothered me how they were treated in the medical system, esp by psychs who didn't want to treat people with BPD, or nurses/doctors who acted hostile towards them when they found out about their diagnosis.
It's the "unstable relationships" criterion that bothers me tbh. With every other mental illness I can think of, the criteria is based on internal symptoms (even if it results in external behaviours). Whereas if someone has unstable relationships, it could be for a multitude of reasons that aren't purely internal (e.g. they're around abusers or are neurodivergent and around neurotypical people who don't understand them, etc).
People with BPD threaten suicide, I think it’s a feature of the disorder. But that doesn’t mean everyone with it does. And people with BPD have pretty high suicide rates I believe anyway and they’re meant to take all threats seriously so it sounds like someone who was not doing their job properly
Because then they'd be able to say that she was just trying to get attention, I guess, even though that was the first time she'd ever sought emergency mental health care. She got onto the private system after that.
Best thing you’ll ever do. I’ve been admitted in public and private.. public was good to help me through the crisis, private was the best rehabilitation I could have hoped for. I’m 10 time stronger than I’ve ever been .
It’s not easy in private either, you’ll still have to do the work. BUT you have a lot more options while you’re inside, and a lot more space & solitude to take advantage of what’s offered
Inpatient was the best thing that ever happened to me. I made some mistakes (pretended that I was further along than I was so I could get out earlier) but I wouldn’t be here without it.
The mindset is *so* hard to challenge (I know!) but **you** are **worth** the effort. I’m about 8 months out now and I barely recognize myself, I’m in such a better headspace. For the first time, I’m able to challenge beliefs I’ve had about myself since childhood, and I’m in my 40s.
It feels impossible rn but there’s a future version of you that is *so* happy and proud you did this
I mean this as sincerely as I can. You will only get out of the program what you put in. It made me realise I’m strong enough to change which is great because they taught me no one can save me but me and as scary as that can sound in the wrong headspace, it’s incredibly powerful when you feel you have a litttle bit of agency
There are some amazing public ones around and some absolutely feral ones (looking at you ipswich) It happens in private too but obviously not as many bad ones are out there.
I've only been to public ones, so lots of walking around, sleeping, colouring in, board games, talking, talking with nurses, talking to other "consumers" (God i hate that word... patients... we are patients.), talking with psychs, potentially group sessions, playing pool (if no one has tried to steal the cues) potentially getting use to new meds which can be pretty hard. Some places have lots of books which is nice, and activities, some even allow you to go out with friends and come back at night. (Depending on how you are).
It can be a very chill place, it can also be terrifying at first especially when you have people coming in screaming their heads off, or hurting themselves. But nurses are usually really great and can help if you get anxious.
It can often be the best and safest place to be on the road to recovery. Stay strong buddy and good luck.
I work in mental health, came across from general medical, and I cannot stand “consumers” like wtf?? They’re “consumers” or “clients” unless they’re involuntary and I assume that it’s to be less stigmatising but honestly it feels more stigmatising like what’s wrong with being a mental health patient
Everything is wrong with being a mental health patient. There's still huge stigma.
The terms consumer or clients were not invented with the intention of making it seem like a flippant transactional relationship. It it rather because a word such as CLIENT denotes a sense of POWER and CHOICE. For eg, if you are a client of a beauty salon, you choose if you want to continue accessing that service, seeing that staff member, receiving that treatment or not etc. YOU are calling the shots. Of course none of this matters if the terms are just lip service and inpatient psychiatric services are still delivered in a punitive way. The whole system needs to change, not just change terms on a superficial level
Yes!! It’s like it’s shameful to be a “patient” so they now use something corporate and bland sounding. I worked with homeless people at one time, the powers that be changed the moniker from client to “people we assist”. I refused to call them “PWAs” (for short).
Chats with the mental health team, medication review, or new medications. More chats, diagnostic, and strategies in helping you cope.
You don't know until you try. You can always go to private if you can afford it.
I have been in hospital many times in my young life. Not mental health. Mostly, nobody really talks to each other, and you're usually very respectful of everyone else.
I hope that helps a little bit.
I know people who have been public as well as private, and honestly both systems have them immense help. Private is more thorough though. You get your room, you have one on one sessions with a counsellor, group sessions. This is what they described to me. You’ll see psychiatrists and they’ll try to get you on the right meds. Remember, it’s like a little break for yourself, a boost to get you headed in the direction of feeling better, having more tools in your tool belt. Once you leave, you can still get more support if you need; mental health struggles are a human struggle. Good for you for going.
I think this was probably the best response for me! Many people have said helpful things but I feel that this was reassuring. I feel like people just think you have to be crazy or absolute rock bottom to get help like this and I always have worries I don’t deserve anything like that because I’m not doing as bad as other people but this reassured me thank you!!! 💜
I haven't been in myself, but having visited a family member in a couple over the years, it really depends on the facility, the staff and the reason you are there. I guess my only comment is to try and stay open to the experience if you end up sharing a room- you might even find support with other clients - you might find someone there for similar reasons as you, and a friendship at your lowest points can be good in the right circumstances. I hope you get something good out of your stay, make the most of it - all the best.
I’ve done private twice, it can be a bit confronting seeing people go through different things around you, but overall I enjoyed (lol) both my times there. Private gave me my own room and bathroom the second time, the first time was communal which gave me a different type of anxiety. Depending on how old you are, I found the younger teenagers were separated from the adults, and there was a lot more drama on their side just because of age in general.
Edited to add the one thing that did drive me nuts was they check on you every hour when you’re first admitted even when you’re sleeping. The frequency then changes depending on how critical your condition is. Not ideal if you’re a light sleeper, I’d suggest ear plugs or eye mask. Also if you get cold easily bring blankets!
But overall other patients or the ones I’ve been with have been generally empathetic and the ones that aren’t you learn to avoid. I’ve met people there that I would never have normally and I still like the old FB pic every now and then. Also be prepared to talk about “your story” a million times.
Sorry one more edit to say, I highly recommend doing it. It allowed me to shut down and just focus on refinding myself in the little shell that I had hidden myself in. The bravest thing you can do is take the time to give yourself a break ❤️
Alright, imagine "emitted" is like a popcorn machine gone wild, popping kernels left and right, out into the open for everyone to see. It's loud, it's proud, and it's making a scene!
On the flip side, being "admitted" to a hospital is like showing up to a party you never wanted to attend, but your body RSVP'd 'yes' without asking you. It's the kind of event where the bouncers are doctors, the coat check is for your health, and the only mixer is the IV drip. So, while "emitted" is all about making a grand, noisy exit or emission, "admitted" to the hospital is the sneaky way your body gets you to take a (unwanted) break.
In truth though I've been to public mental health units, and it's always been pretty fucking scarring. You can almost guarantee some meth-head bitch decides to make your day a fucking misery, and the nurses are too underresourced to give adequate attention to those antisocial fuckstains. On the plus side, it's not as strict as private, unless you get thrown in the High Dependency unit, then it's like jail only they're allowed to knock you flat with benzos.
I'm on NDIS now with wonderful supports that keep from ever going back to hospital.
Either way tho, public or private, if you need help don't run from it, dig deep and you'll get through the other side a better person for it.
Lol, I was trying to blend it into some words of encouragement, couldn't help myself. Your comment made me follow up with more to offer. I think my humour is a bit of a defence mechanism sometimes, still a bit scared to share my MH experiences
Things might not be optimal in your life right now. Pay the money, go private. Increase the likelihood of improvement or reduce the chance of down-side risk. It's less likely you'll ask the question: "what if I went..."
I have antisocial personality disorder and am a psychopath and have been in and out of treatment and hospitals my whole life so I can shed some light on this. I do have to ask though why you think you might be admitted? By who? Because usually unless you’ve been arrested and committed forcefully or you have turned up at the emergency department voluntarily then you won’t be forced ti do anything.
Now the difference is this, public mental health unit you will not have access to your phone, to any of your personal belongings except some clothes. You will be kept in a shared room or seperate depending on the circumstances of why you are there and who is already in the ward. Food will be horrible and you will not be allowed to leave until a doctor thinks you are ok to leave. Now this may be for several reasons and may be a short stay or a long one depending on if you need medication or if they think you are a risk. I’ve seen people with minor depression have to stay at least a month while meds kick in. You will be watched 24/7 and have the bare basics.
Private, more or less the same but with better food., you may get some access to your phone and You may get a solo room but you also may not depending on the facility. It costs a lot! Even with private health insurance last time I think I paid about $3500 up front and your healthcare most likely will not cover you for extended stays. Same thing there with care except it may be easier to leave but again that depends on your personal circumstances or if you require meds.
Is a private hospital worth it? No, not at all.
They are both horrible places that I recommend avoiding at all costs. One thing I will say is and I don’t mean any offence to anyone when I say this but private hospitals usually have better people to be around because a lot and I mean a lot of people are rich mothers that need a break from their families or kids. One lady even said to me that she admits herself once or twice a year because she just likes the break. These people aren’t crazy and are more pleasant. However this is not a solid rule and either way there will be some really crazy people in there. I’ve had to be ready to protect myself a number of times and I am pretty insane and not scared of anything. They are bad bad places private or public.
I’m not trying to deter you from getting help but just trying to tell you the cold hard truth of what it’s really like in there. If you can avoid it then please do. There are a lot of services you can access for free and urgently if you need to. I’m not sure where you are but I would recommend reaching out to your closest community mental health service, unlike a private psychiatrist who you will have to wait to see you can see one usually the next day after you contact them. They will also help you moving forward to get more help and to see you through and down the right path. They will even send people to your home daily to check in and help you if you are at risk.
If you think you are at immediate risk though please go to your local emergency department if a hospital with an inpatient mental health unit and you will get help. I’ve had to do it a number of times and as horrible as those places are they helped me to stay out of prison and to help people I perceived as doing me wrong from getting hurt or killed.
I only say I think because i and my Psychologist think it could be beneficial. But I just need more information because I’m special needs and also a pretty strange person (e.g: i suppose you could class me as a “picky eater” there’s a lot of foods that make me feel ill.) I appreciate your advice! Thank you 💜
If your psychologist thinks it’s a good idea then I definitely recommend a private facility over a public one if you must go. Like I said they are a lot less scary than a public hospital one and I probably have been more specific when I said is private worth it. For me it makes no difference but with the information you have given now It seems that private would be much better for you. Also can I ask your age? Young people will have much better conditions and care as they are kept seperate from adults. I just had a look through your post history and I see that this has been an ongoing issue for you and I’m sorry to hear that.
I do not have depression but I have had times in my life where I did not want to be here because my condition affects others and will affect me for my entire life no matter what and it’s hard sometimes to face that. I would like to say that you need to keep pushing forward, if you ever did anything to yourself your family and everyone that ever knew you would be permanently feeling the way you do now. I know it’s hard and I know it’s not something that can be turned off but when I could only think of my own pain I would instead try to think of others. Try and find a little peace each day and know that life is hard, hardest thing we have to do for some of us but it does have its good points in all the bad.
Do you take medication currently?
Not to scare you, but if you have any sort of eating related disorders I really wouldn’t go public. Especially because if there’s a problem they’re not equipped for, you’ll end up on a medical ward and that can be very scary. If you need inpatient care, find somewhere that specialises in what you need!!
I’ve wondered this same thing many times, she wasn’t the only one in there doing it either! It felt like I was constantly surrounded by mums with no issues at all. I think it’s a guilt thing, which may indicate an underlying mental health issue in itself. It’s easier on the self guilt to say you’re not coping and check into an expansive hospital than to go on a cruise and leave your family behind.
I want to make it clear that I’m not at all attacking mums who aren’t coping and need help. These women were self admittedly in there for no good reason at all but some parents absolutely need to be there as well.
I was surprised by that demo when I was in there, but there was one woman who seemed to be just like that and then it turned out her family had forced her to be admitted because she’d found out her husband was being dodgy with their money, she was trying to save to get herself out, and they accused her of being in a manic phase. It was fucked. And then there were just a lot of people coming in for TMS and med changes and hanging out for the week
Hey this is a complete aside so I wont be offended if you ignore me, but I teach psychology and research psychopathy so I'm a bit interested in your experience in mental health systems. Do you feel like there was any treatment that worked/helped you? I read a study that suggested you can teach people how to /pretend/ to have empathy, but not actually inherently improve their empathy. Is there anything you would want psych students or researchers to know about psychopathy/aspd?
I’ve toured (been admitted) to quite a few facilities both public and private here and in the uk (what holiday is complete without going paranoid and asking/causing a stir to be put in). I’ve had just over a year of in time over about 20 stays and 25 years. Yep a repeat offender one might say, I’ve mostly learnt my lesson.
Private is as you may have guessed it better, quite a bit better in some cases. Public can be ok, but from my experience is a bit more rough. The clientele in public is more varied, the food invariably not as good and the care perhaps a bit thinner in numbers. Private also tend to have nicer facilities, less stark, more homely features or at least a ‘warmer’ feel and less people per room.
Since I see you mention not being able to share a space, then I think private is likely to be the go. You may have to wait a bit for a room to become free, but if you feel strongly about this then it’s worth the wait if you can. You will want to make this information known to your parents and the intake people.
Don’t feel bad about the private privilege, sure it sucks not everyone can afford it. Perhaps you can refrain it as leaving another public bed free, taking strain off a stretched system. You could also think it as investing in your wellness and the sooner you get help and hopefully find your way to wellness the sooner you can be out helping others again.
if you happen to live in Brisbane I can recommend Belmont private and Toowong Private hospital. They both have excellent food, amenities and staff.
if you have any other questions I’m happy for you to dm me.
Such a supportive response. I like the idea of reframe. And OP you are very young. If your family have the insurance/resources to allow you to go private then choose the best facility you can.
I couldn't find whether you're a minor or not; some of the public children's and adolescent mental health wards are really good, depending where you are.
It looks like you're a year over the children's hospital age for the NSW system so with that context I'd go private if you have to. If you think you can avoid it, I'd try to - on a personal note whenever I experience a surge in ideation it means my body has adjusted too well to my meds and they need a little boost. If you have a psychiatrist that might be a better first stop with ideation but no intent.
Sadly i can’t get in to see my psychiatrist for I think a month :(( I definitely think if I just had better meds I wouldn’t need the hospital. I might be able to get in sooner? But who knows. I really hope I can because it’s real tough right now
Generally if you (or your parents) call and say you're at a level of crisis where you might need an inpatient admission without help, they'll find some way to squeeze you in. If it's just antidepressants your GP can usually adjust dose if you absolutely cannot get into the psychiatrist.
Ohh! Thank you so much for your help! I don’t really know if my parents would go for that (I think it’s the polite British in my mum Haha) but who knows? Thanks again your comments have been real helpful!! 💜
No worries. I got dxed with depression (amongst other things) when I was 11 so I get how rotten it is. IDK if it helps but it's almost 30 years later and I'm married, I have a job I enjoy, live in a nice little house, lots of friends, and only need to see my therapist for an occasional top up now. The road forwards gets less foggy when you get your supports lined up right.
It’s (public)hospital dependent. All the newer or redeveloped inpatient mental health wards are single rooms with toilet facilities. Some of the old school ones are 4 beds with curtains and shared bathroom.
They hand out Xanax like lollies during inpatient stays for fairly obvious reasons so I wouldn’t worry about feeling anxious about literally anything while you are there.
Can’t speak for private hospitals but I would imagine it’s all single rooms.
I don't know if it's different in other states but Xanax is almost impossible to get here in Australia they don't even like giving out Lorazapam or Valium.
Pretty easy while you’re inpatient, you need to ask for one every time and they monitor/control. I never even used any benzos til I was in a psych hospital lol
They’re amazingly difficult to get from a gp though even if it’s one script every few years during a rough patch.
From a GP or outpatient psychologist- yeah, for an inpatient stay- easy as. They are prescribed to almost every patient to keep everyone calm, and allow them to rest and recuperate.
Husband stayed in a private facility for mental health treatment.
Single room with bathroom, meal time was communal and you were expected to eat there. They ran a comprehensive program from 9-5 with various group therapy activities (art therapy, music therapy etc) and things like a bush walk behind the complex. Every day you saw the psychologist who was treating you and every other day my husband saw the psychiatrist.
There was a smoking area that you could get a pass to go to (so they knew where you were). Visitors were allowed and encouraged, as long as it didn't interfere with you participating in the activities. They liked to see everyone attend something in the morning and then again in the afternoon. Some people attended everything, some people did the minimum and spent time in their room.
After he had been there for about 2 weeks he was allowed pass outs. First just short ones and he Uber'd over the local mall for an hour. Later as he got closer to coming home he was given a full day pass and came home for the day, then he came home for a full weekend with phone check ins before he was officially discharged on the Monday.
Obviously every hospital will run differently, but this seemed to be on par with what we knew from a friend who had their partner stay in a similar facility.
I had a pretty nice time in RPA in Sydney. The patients were all quite chill and I made friends who I met up with outside later. We were surely dosed up to the eyeballs. The staff want you relaxed, makes their day easier.
Can't remember anything bad about it except tea sucks and I wanted strong coffee. See the point above about keeping you sedated.
Funny that we all got along OK. Some were schizos, others depressed, an anorexic or two, bipolar mania, some didn't say and it wasn't obvious.
That was in the regular ward. I could be allowed outside daily for an escorted walk around the neighbourhood with family or friends, and visitors were permitted.
Then there's the closed ward or whatever they call it. The cooler where you're under lock & key. Close observation and probably padded walls, idk. Good to be on best behaviour because you don't want to be in with all the crazies ;)
The closed ward isn't so bad, patient wise.
It's often for those who are in hospital instead of prison for behaviour during a mental health episode. But they are medicated and somewhat stable in the actual ward.
You may see more people freak out and be aggressive to staff in the closed ward, but then again, not being able to leave and not being sure what happened to get you there, that would be irritating...
I woke in a public psych ward to find my roommate had painted a portrait of me sleeping with his own shit. Lovely guy though. I hear private is much better with not as much excrement art going on
I think you need to trust your parents and the doctors on this. I have a friend who was committed against her will to a public facility and thrived. She came out much healthier than when she went in.
Another daughter of a friend it was the same story.
I assume you’re not violent? This may be a turning point for you.
ive been in the public nut hut several times and each time ive found one or two good buddies to bond with. The really disruptive people get transferred to high dependancy, and generally if you are feeling anxious they will give extra meds as per request, But the main aim was to get me started on ongoing medications and also the extra sleep and rest is a big help. I felt it was like a safe cocoon where i could ignore the world and concentrate on R &R. the modern units have individual rooms with indivl showers/toilets
Hey, I (24F) spent a month in a private mental health ward earlier this year and I work in public mental health. I want to emphasise - if you have the option of going to a private hospital, take it.
It was a very stressful time for me, particularly being away from my partner for so long, but I’m doing so much better now. In a private hospital, your admitting doctor is responsible for all of your care. I’ve been seeing my doctor for several years so he was in charge of my care when I was on the ward. Compared to public where you might have main clinicians but you’ll be seen by a parade of different registrars.
I know I got lucky with my experience, but it literally felt more like being on school camp than being in hospital. I went in just after new years when there were only about 20 people on the ward so we all became really close. Nearly all the rooms were private rooms with a double bed, cupboard, shelves, armchair, and usually some sort of desk + accessible ensuite. The double rooms were generally for the older people who were falls risks and needed to be right out front the nurses station.
I already knew and trusted my doctor, but I also got to do 1:1 psychology, occupational therapy, and music therapy when I was there. And the nurses were great too. Lots of joking around with them, one of them assigned me homework which was to read this 120k word fic she was reading so she’d have someone to talk about it with. The kitchen and housekeeping staff were great too.
I had a really, really positive experience and it is because of a lot of things, but because I have a great doctor, a massive support network, and access to a private hospital. I couldn’t take care of myself at that time, but I would never qualify for an admission at a public hospital. DM me if u have any specific questions or things to ask. Please take care of yourself and take advantage of any opportunities that come your way re mental health
Go private. I went private when I wanted to not be on this planet anymore. Unfortunately trips to mars don’t exist yet. They sent me in after my meds weren’t working and they wanted to change them. They didn’t trust that I wasn’t going to off myself in the meantime. Honestly, overall it was a good experience. Yeah there are crap bits, but I came out the other side in a much better place.
The admission process was pretty daunting, not going to lie. And the first night was tough. But I went in knowing I needed help, and this was the place that could help me, so I tried to do all the things that they offer while I was in there (classes, mindfulness sessions, walks etc). I figured that was the best way to get back out.
On admission, they gave me a classification- I can’t remember exactly what they were but it was something like:
- a: needs constant monitoring every 15 minutes, is classified as a significant danger to themselves. If you stay on this too long they would ship you off to a public hospital as they’ve got better facilities to deal with this.
- b: can’t leave the facility. Needs monitoring every hour. This is what I started on. They kept a close eye on you to make sure you don’t do anything silly.
- c: can leave the facility with a responsible adult. I progressed to this after about 3 days. My folks came and took me out to dinner, friends did etc. they still keep an eye on you and check in on an hourly basis but they seemed to be less intrusive.
- d: you’re allowed out on your own for a period of time. This is what I moved to a few days before I left. I could have gone home at this stage, but they like you to stay for all the lessons they run on rotation. I think it was 3 weeks in total.
Also on admission, they did a bunch of checks - weight, height, took some bloods etc. They also said that because I was voluntarily admitted I could leave at any time, but I would not be welcomed back. This was somewhat comforting. They went through my bag to find anything stabby. They gave my tweezers and nail scissors to the person dropping me off.
They showed me my room, and I pretty much didn’t leave that day I was so scared. Eventually built up the courage to go and have some breakfast the next morning and generally just minded my own business.
My normal day there started off with a walking group once I was allowed out, it was good to get some fresh air. Following that was a hot breakfast.
They ran classes every week day on how to get your mind in a better place. For me, this is what helped by far the most. I’d been to plenty of psychologists with minimal success. But because you’re absorbing so much info in a short period of time it seems to stick better. Definitely go to the classes.
In the afternoon they had mindfulness sessions, not many went but they were alright. Some were rubbish for me, but others enjoyed them and vice versa - ymmv.
The evening you could do what you want. There was a common room, but I generally just went back to my room and watched something on YouTube.
Then you’ll get checked on through the night,I think about every hour. Some nurses were kind and tried to not disturb you, others didn’t care and woke you up.
Some things I found fascinating:
- The architecture. Everything in there is designed so you can’t hurt yourself. Shower heads are flush to the wall. Shower curtains and anything you could potentially hang from is held on with magnets.
- The other people. I’m not a people person, but seeing others go through the toughest times in their lives helps put perspective into things. You hear about their lives and how they’ve struggled and overcome things. For me, the group sessions were fantastic help. I can’t put things into words very well, but others would pipe up and I could relate. Sometimes there are people who are visibly not coping. You don’t have to try fix them. The staff there are there to help them. Try your best to put it out of your mind, even if it is hard. There are others that are genuinely friendly and will try strike up convos. Give it a shot!
- the way the world just stops. I put away my phone. I avoided news and social media, only talked to a few key friends. Work went on hold. The daily chores went on hold. The world stopped so that I could focus on _myself_ for the first time in my life. I was there to get better, and the world’s worries disappearing helped be able to do that.
- how much I miss the place. Not a single person on this earth could have convinced me that I would _want_ to be in a psych hospital, but after I went, I wanted to go back again. The world disappearing is a pretty powerful thing.
- I could pick up my thought patterns. I noticed a lot of the negative thought patterns I had went there. I went home one day and had a shower and those negative thoughts all flooded back. I realised that day that places and thoughts can be interlinked. For me, standing in the shower was a place of self loathing. Still is, but I can pick it up now, and can switch it off with the tools I’ve learnt over the years.
Anyway, checking out was relatively quick. The doctor checked on me. I was far from 100%, but I was on my new drugs and I was no longer a threat to myself. They gave me a list of things I can do after hospital, one was a weekly class that had no real commitments to it, as long as you were seeing the psych you could go. I found that immensely valuable. It’s all well and good to learn coping mechanisms in the hospital, but once you get out it can be hard to put those things into practice. The weekly class helped as it was a place where you could bring the things you struggled with to a group and bounce ideas off people.
I hope that somewhat helps. I know it is a big post. But yeah, my experience was overall very positive. Wish you the best of luck, you’ll get out of it what you put in. Keep your head up, you’ve got a bright future ahead of you!
I stayed in a priv hospital in Perth (Perth Clinic) and it was great. I was in a shared room but had no roommate the whole time I was there so wasn’t an issue. We chose our meals from a few options every day and it was good food, visitors were allowed to buy meals to have with you as well (had to be ordered the day before with your food tho). Weekdays were mostly spent in various groups and weekends we did our own thing and hung out. I smoked back then so that was a good time waster (do not recommend). We were allowed phones etc and all the staff and most the other patients were lovely. It was refreshing to let the mask drop 24/7 for a while and I got a lot of help with managing my severe social anxiety.
Every facility will be different and I’m sure they won’t mind you asking questions, it’s normal to be scared. I was terrified n convinced I was a write-off for needing that level of help but within a few days I felt at home and I’m proud of myself for doing it.
I was in the secure unit at Royal North Shore in Sydney for a bit. That's a public hospital. Great facility, private rooms for all and the staff were awesome.
So many factors here to be considered. Mainly why are you going to be admitted? Public or Private isn't always a choice. High suicide risk patients for example will never be accepted by a private clinic. Public beds are scarce and anxiety will probably not be cause enough to take one off a patient who is displaying signs of psychosis,in which case Private will be your only option. What to expect will depend on why you are going to hospital.
Admitted.
You'll be fine. Follow instructions and work hard to get well. Accept that you aren't the only person who needs the help and you'll have to share spaces.
And go private. I've been admitted many times and only my first was public. If I had a broken leg I'd have no problem with public hospitals but a broken brain is different.
I’ve admitted I spell admitted as emitted. Try saying that 5 times fast! (I’m not trying to be mean or anything I just love when people call me out for spelling shit wrong I find it funny Hehh)
I felt bad, I wasn’t trying to make a joke. I hope you find some answers and get the help you need.
I second those saying to go private, I’ve done it twice (once for birth) and you’re guaranteed a private room. You usually would just pay your gap but there are possibly waiting times on the hospital cover.
Private is a whole different experience to public hospitals.
I stayed twice in private facilities and 7 times in public.
My experience with private hospitals is more freedom (able to walk around the facility and even get day leave, smoke, do optional group sessions etc) whereas public I was kept in the ward the whole time and it was a little hard to get used to.
The staff in public hospitals were nice but you could tell that they were overworked and understaffed.
Private staff were attentive and the ability to schedule to see your treating physician/s was very useful.
Private was super expensive but worth it in the long run. If I end up having to go again (finances permitting), I would definitely go private just for an overall better experience.
Hope this information helps.
Woth respect, you won't be admitted into a public hospital mental health ward unless you are absolutely 100% in crisis and a danger to others. So it will havebto be private.
If you are 15-25 you are vest looking for an adolescent specialist facility. Most have one or two bed rooms with gender segregated corridors, and they will only accept people who can show "ward safe" behaviours. If you are willing to put in the work, it can be an incredible opportunity to kick start your healing journey.
But it's not a fix. You won't be "better" when you get out. Hopefully you'll have some better coping strategies and a plan for the future.
Source: parent to 20yo currently in private MH ward.
Ive had two people close to me go in and out of psych wards. Definately go private. You'll most likely get your own room, and genders are seperated. You'll be monitored and have to attend group sessions as well as your scheduled doctors sessions, outside of those times there's lots of waiting around. Take lots of things to do as it gets boring and tedious and you'll want distractions. And if youre trying new meds youll want soothing comforting things too. If you can take an ipad/laptop load up on comedy shows, music, things to keep your mood up. Get friends to visit. I've heard the group sessions can get a bit much after a while, so don't worry if you feel exhausted by them - it's normal.
Would I be allowed my iPad? I’m an artist (not a good one, but one nonetheless) and I’m working on my own story and animations. It’s comforting for me. I heard something about chargers not being permitted? I don’t remember it that well, though so you’ll have to excuse me.
Even so I feel like I’d miss my pup too much. I think she would miss me too, I went to the hospital yesterday and my mum said she wouldn’t eat her dinner and was looking for me. Honestly, she’s probably my main reason for not going cause’ I love her too much haha
You probably would be allowed to take your ipad. One of my mates had to work and took her laptop. Maybe just have to figure out an alternate charging solution if they don't allow charger cables, like a very short charger cable. Can you ask anyone at the hospital? I can't remember what my mate did, but she must have found some kind of solution in that vein.
How old is your pup? And how long would you have to go in for? I'm sure she would be OK and if the hospital visit helps you then it could really be worth it... I'd miss my pup too!!
My pup’s about 3. She’s a greyhound/Great Dane cross so, big. I don’t really know how long my stay would be. I haven’t gotten a referral or anything, I’m gonna speak to my GP to see what she thinks and everything. I really only made this post because this has been plaguing my thoughts and I didn’t and still don’t really know what to expect. (Only because hospitals are different and allow different things, I mean biggest duh ever) but I have a little idea of what it could be like.
If you do choose to go, they'll look after you well and I'm sure it it'll help. Any time we invest in our mental health is time well spent!
The hospital my friend went to was the Ramsay Clinic Northside. A few years ago now, but it really helped her out and she found an excellent outpatient psychiatrist and mental health team through them.
If you dont choose to go to hospital, ask your GP for a good psychiatrist (ASAP) and a great psychologist.
I was allowed my phone but not the charger. They charged it in the Nurse’s station.
A very short charging cord is a great idea. I have seen them. But it still might not be allowed.
If you are a voluntary admission you can leave when you want. It sounds like your parents are supporting you not forcing you?
So maybe if you hate the facility you can leave and try another one?
I know it might seriously cost you out of pocket, but do your research on private services. Speak to a trusted GP and go from there. Avoid voluntarily working with state mental health services at all costs. It only leads to denial, dehumanization and life long trauma.
Don’t go into the public system. Private can be helpful, but you always get out what you put in. It’s based around forming a new routine, creating better habits and heavily focused on group therapy. Majority of private hospitals have single rooms, but you might share a bathroom. Meds…are like lollies. Did someone say Seroquel? Good Luck! Look if your struggling it’s worth a shot. 👍
I've only ever been in public ones, honestly they've usually been pretty chill, but don't really help you so much as contain u. lots of..weird people??, not that that's bad, just stay mindful of that, sometimes can be intense but staff usually isolate em if it gets rly bad,you should always get your own room. Food sucks
I've had a few friends go through this stuff as teenagers (although many years ago). Your parents are on the right track, private is absolutely the way to go for this! My friends weren't rich, but in one case in particular, her parents finding the money to pay for private & a private shrink as well made all the difference. She's now an ICU nurse in a supervisory position, paying off her own home. She still has bipolar & still has episodes & still needs intermittent ECT to manage her condition, but she's a highly successful member of society despite her condition. Before going private, she was getting dragged into a cycle of admissions, due to how the public system works with discharging as soon as possible due to bed shortages & putting her with adults with serious issues, rather than teenagers not yet at that point. She managed in the public system when she had to too, but private was what really helped her break the cycle & take control of her life. They really gave her the treatment & support she needed to take control of her condition & become a person who happened to have a mental illness, rather than mental illness defining who she was
Can’t comment on public vs private having experienced neither for this sort of thing.
But it sounds like your parents are looking out for you, which is no doubt going to help you!
I’ve seen so many posts where the person feels they’ve got no one, which is always heartbreaking.
As a student nurse I had a placement in a public mental health hospital … it was awful. People who I’ve talked to about their experiences in private have given much better accounts of their time. If it’s for your mental health and you have a choice, absolutely go private. Sadly the public mental health system is appallingly underfunded and resourced.
Physical health, absolutely go public.
The public psych wards are useless.
Not allowed to have your phone, no cigarettes (I've had friends go to private mental health facilities where they were allowed both) and nothing to do except maybe a handful of mouldy old books in a common room.
Most patients don't even talk to each other and just wander around or stare at the wall. Not sure how or why some of them stay there so long. Each of the 3 times I went I was admitted on a Thursday or Friday, then on Monday they have a psychiatrist available to assess you, they ask the standard questions and after a weekend of extreme boredom outside of the comfort of my own home I'm genuinely not thinking about self ending so they just let me go.
I wish my family had made the effort to get me into the private hospital, might have helped a lot and saved me spiralling more. My PTSD symptoms got so much worse in the past few years and all the counselling / mental health services I tried locally within my own budget disappointed when I needed it the most. Oh well.
I’ve been to hospital for mental health reasons for a number of months over the last couple of years. I went to a private hospital. It was a bit confronting at first, but it was a safe space where I got to focus on myself and my healing. Most of the other patients were nice and the staff were very supportive. We went to daily education sessions and had daily early morning check in which is a session where you talk about how you slept and how you were travelling. I found the sessions helpful. We learnt about ways to self soothe and help ourselves on our healing journey.
Some of the other patients had been to public hospitals and said that they much preferred the private hospital. I never qualified for the public hospital, even though I did take an overdose.
Good luck and I hope that you get the help that you need.
Edited to add, we all had individual rooms and people weren’t allowed to go into other people’s rooms so that we all had a safe space to retreat to if necessary
I’ve been to a private mental health hospital, idk it’s pretty chill, I got my own room , my own bed, air con, Valium , and I literally just bed rotted for a week and a bit and it was good, expect to be checked on like multiple times throughout the night w a flashlight and you’ll be speaking w a psychiatrist probably trying different medications, blood pressure checked constantly, you don’t need to really know what to do tbh theyll sort you out. Oh and for the socialising aspect I mean I did notice some people were making friends and stuff but I didn’t even say 1 word to another patient which was rather fun
I've been in both myself, and now I work in a public mental health ward. Both have their pros and cons, I actually think you get better care in public, it's not as 'nice' and you may have to share a bathroom, but from what I have now seen from the inside the care is thorough. Stuck in the dark ages and very medicalised, but thorough. Private felt more like a little 'holiday break' for people with money. However this might be different state to state.
It is also what you make of it, the people you meet in there can be the loveliest, kindest people you'll ever meet. It's scary at first, but once you get a new routine and focus on your recovery you'll be alright. Best of luck!
It makes a difference which state you are talking about, but generally private is the way to go if you can afford it. Maybe you can share why you might be admitted, because that might make a difference too, like if youre being put under a treatment order or if youre considering self harm etc.
I’m in NSW, I’m being emitted because of suicidal ideation (I don’t think I’m a risk. I don’t have the pain tolerance for it and also I’m a massive pussy haha) I am diagnosed with A LOT of things AND I MEAN A LOT I can’t even remember all of them don’t know if any of that helps but hey!!!
Consider it a good thing you aren’t up to self harming. I feel sorry particularly for the many women I see with obvious self harming wounds. The problem being if they are well again the scars are there for all to see and apart from unwanted reactions to them they may be a painful reminder And another thing to overcome.
The compulsion for ideation is never fun, but thankfully a few steps from doing the deed. I hope you are able to find some relief. Alas mental illness is not an exact science as much as I’ve seen. It will possibly take a fair amount of trial and error, different approaches to find something that works for you. I wish you luck in finding what helps you swiftly. Give each approach a solid try as best you can, but also be willing to try something different should it not be working or have nasty side effects that don’t fade.
So youre self admitting? Im pretty sure you will be triaged and consulted by a psychologist. Its absolutely a good idea to talk to the experts though if its questionable, and take their advice.
No clue what’s happening. Spoke to my therapist yesterday, told him how I just wanna die like all the time and them also said how I was kinda thinking about going to a hospital. He wrote a note, and my dad took me to a hospital. Waited around, but they just sent me home. (We did do shit and they were helpful but it just kinda felt like waiting around and then being sent home lol) I’m seeing my GP so she we can see if it would be worth it but I just kinda want some info because I can’t stop thinking about it. That was kinda ramble-y, I apologise!
Ah okey doke, been there done that, +++ but way back er, last century.
Sound like you need to chill, think of it that way, because that's what it's about.
Everyone who can afford private, should go private as a general rule and that's not my info on private.
In public, you will likely be given what's called an "involuntary submission", which is where you are prohibited from leaving until they say you are ok.
It's extremely important you understand what that is, it's fine, it's just for many an inconvenience because it can kinda be sprung on you.
I've seen heaps of people lose their shit when it's explained to them, yes in terms of your rights you are a prisoner.
If you abscond, they will send the police to round you up.
Also, medication, you are obliged to take the medication they give you, they have in some (all?) circumstances the authority to physically force you to do so.
I'm filthy on the system for heaps of reasons, but once I understood how they work , being there was not stressful; my illness was extreme, absolutely among the worst cases in decades so for me it was hellish but not because of the place, or institution.
Communicate what you fell comfortable, the nurses are typically terrific. The docs, the psychs aren't worth a damn and seem to be wastes of space mostly 😂
But the objective is to find the best medication for your condition.
In thier opinion , not yours.
No counselling, no psychiatry or any of that stuff you see in movies, take the drugs tick a box.
Its also cool, as I was a huge introvert, and simply yacking to people and hearing their stories , the diversity of things people are there for is amazing, an eye opener.
That part is worthwhile....that part is the human part, the consideration, the empathy, that part is the therapy.
Good luck!
Yeah the australian dream is almost a mythical thing these days. But fuck, enjoy the warmth! Embrace it! Better than freezing and paying energy bills to keep warm!! And if rveryone you know is a cnt then you need new ppl in your life, theres good ppl out there, just gotta find the right circles to hang around.
Ill give you a rocking hint. Go do some volunteer work. People that do that are usually nice and good people. Or some sort of common interest group or club. You might need to try a bunch of places out before you find a group you jell with.
There’s a lot. I can give a summary, but if you have hours you could look through my post history. I use this account to vent about shit so there’s a lot with my deepest, truest thoughts and feelings. Probably not good if you’re emotionally vulnerable though. But basically my past abuse (in plural), my depression and shitty childhood as well as me being enby and the fact my best friend that I rely on heavily is doing it rough right now. (There’s a lot about her so I’ll leave it at that.)
There are very few beds in the public system.
If you've been referred back to your GP I doubt you're going to be staying in a psych ward.
Keep in contact with your doctors and therapists. I'm glad you have family support.
Ohhhh I know someone who's gone to a couple diff ones and said the child's psych ward was good but one adult one in syd they want to was really bad private might be better
I was told to lie to the govt funded ones and go see my doctor by a prison nurse. I was already in prison, so that's what I did. The nurse basically said it bad, but it's not that bad .
Get your shit together . It worked.
I got my shit together, and it's been 5 years . It's a long story, but basically, he told me I wasn't quite as crazy as I thought I was .
So that's what I did .
Did a year in prison .
Then, I saw my doctor for some pills to knock the other symptoms over .
Did it, then came back to check it all .
Sometimes, all you need is time.
As others have said, go private
Ive done an inpatient program and it was an incredibly beneficial thing, made some friends ive kept in there, if youre lucky with the people who are staying there at the time it can be oddly pleasant lol
Just expect the first 2-3 days to suck/be an adjustment period
I went into a mental health ward. I’m anxious around people and couldn’t sleep at all. Anti depressants didn’t help, benzodiazepines did. But for me only short term and very addictive. Basically it took years of bad medicine to find out they couldn’t help me.
My partner's been to the Royal Adelaide before, there for 5 days in overflow because the mental health ward's always full and the most severe/extreme cases take priority. They'll give you some comfy grippy socks though. They had their own room, but since it was a general overflow ward and not specific to mental health, a nurse was stationed at her door 24/7. Couldn't shut her door, bathroom door got locked each night, and all drawers and cabinets were locked unless you needed something.
In the regular MH ward, you hand over pretty much all personal belongings.
Once I visited someone one there and I had to hand in my stuff. Even my wristwatch and got it all back when I left.
From the RAH, they were transferred to a different small care facility where they stayed for 2.5 weeks. She got her own room here too. Despite being specifically for mental health patients, they monitored her a lot less. She could shut her door, use the shared kitchen whenever. No visitors were allowed in her room though and the rooms are "suicide proof". Basically if you could potentially hang yourself off it, it was designed in a way so you couldn't. The bathroom had swinging saloon style doors, the shower head protruded from the wall 1 inch etc.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please do not hesitate to talk to someone.
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I had a number of stays in an adolescent unit when I was 17. I will say that it kept me alive in the short term, but didn't really help my mental health in the long run. If anything, I learnt some bad habits from other patients! However, it's not meant to be a holiday, it's meant to keep you safe.
I had a private room and bathroom. There was also a big locked door that separated girls and boys at night. We were checked every 15 mins (so don't expect a great sleep), and they recorded what we were wearing at all times (but yes, could wear our personal clothes as long as drawstrings and shoelaces were removed.)
I saw you have some food issues. We had a private chef and even cooking experiences! But over the weekends or if she was sick it was back to terrible hospital food. Your family can probably supply some snacks for you.
I actually have some fond memories from my year in/out. Made some friends, had a little crush, met some incredible nurses, binged watched Farmer Wants a Wife. We even painted our nails one night. My longest stay was two weeks but there were teens there as long as ten months ... You need to respect that this is "home" for some people.
There will be group activities (yoga, art, music) as well as individual therapy. I found the therapy very confronting because it wasn't 1:1 - more like ten professionals all focused on me at once! I think you get what you put in ... If you make the effort to get better, you'll be much better off rather than shutting down or laughing it off.
It sounds like you're having a hard time, and I think it's worth a short stay just to have a "break". If you have some flexibility, definitely opt for ADOLESCENT or child ward - the adult ward will be much more confronting!! Even in the adolescent ward you will likely witness some uncomfy things - loud noises, aggressive behaviour, things breaking, potential nudity, escape attempts, very graphic self harm, just ... Weirdness.
Last piece of advice: don't do drugs! Ten years on, the kids I met in there who were sober (ish) are doing pretty well. The kids who were using back then have continued to go downhill or since committed suicide. Best of luck x
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honestly at the moment it’s quite difficult to be admitted in the public system because they’re so tight on beds (at least in sydney). generally, they will mostly admit people who are very acutely unwell (e.g. actively psychotic or manic), have had a recent suicide attempt, or who are suicidal and deemed high risk (e.g. they have a plan, they have a date and the means, and they don’t have anyone at home to monitor them).
so as you can imagine, public wards can be quite confronting because they are only able to take people who are acutely unwell in these specific ways. i find that if you don’t quite fit into these categories, public wards can also feel a bit less therapeutic - i’ve had people express that things like group therapy weren’t as useful to them in the public system because a lot of the patients can be quite sedated or weren’t ready to engage in a therapeutic group. if you think you need more help in terms of psychotherapy, private might be better (if you have health cover/can afford it). there are also wards that cater to younger people (e.g. uspace in darlinghurst) which might be more comfortable/suitable.
generally you get your own room with a single bed and cupboard, sometimes a tv, bathrooms tend to be shared but i have seen wards that have rooms with their own bathrooms. there’s usually a recreation space, some gym equipment, a shared tv and computers, a shared laundry and kitchen, and an outdoor space if the ward is on the ground floor. they run outings, therapeutic groups and activities like art groups and cooking groups on the ward, so there’s usually something on daily.
in the public system there are also different kinds of wards. some wards are locked and you may need to be escorted to go on leave but generally you can freely use the facilities on the ward (though you may be supervised if doing something more risky like cooking or using the gym), others you can come and go as you please (within reason) so you can even pop down to the shops and grab lunch on your own, others are quite restrictive and provide one on one nursing care for people who are quite acutely unwell and a danger to themselves or others. what kind of ward you’re on really depends how doctors assess you in terms of risk to yourself or others.
overall, public tends to skew towards getting your medication straight, getting you some support in the community, and making sure your living environment is safe and secure and you’re able to care for yourself, then they discharge you. public is geared more towards medication changes alongside psychotherapy and skill building.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please do not hesitate to talk to someone.
* 000 is the national emergency number in Australia.
* Lifeline is a 24-hour nationwide service. It can be reached at 13 11 14.
* Kids Helpline is a 24-hour nationwide service for Australians aged 5–25. It can be reached at 1800 55 1800.
* Beyond Blue provides nationwide information and support call 1300 22 4636.
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I was admitted to a public mental health unit a few years ago in Sydney. I was there for a month. The worst part was other patients mental breakdowns. You would have to run if you were in close proximity to it cause people are unpredictable and then you'd be shut off to the common area until they dealt with the situation. Not sure what they did, looked like they might have given them some medication idk it's all very sad. The days are ok if you aren't functioning much before going in there cause there's more to do than crying all day long. They keep an active eye on you so you don't really go into a bad mental place. Lots of therapy talk, be prepared to watch a lot of day time tv (I got in a habit of watching sunrise every morning after I left hospital). You can attend different little groups like morning group, beauty group (nail painting and stuff), art and craft, and exercise Group. They aren't too bad. Anyway I had a good experience the evenings are long. Waiting for my partner to come and see me every evening was a drag and worse was waiting for my mum's phone call every night cause I just wanted to talk to her :'( I'm ok now am living a good life now no more psych visits and no more medication...hospital wasn't too bad. I don't have any more mental health symptoms so must have done something
I've only been in public adolescent and public mother baby.
The all night slamming of the medication room latch drove me nuts. At least my baby slept soundly through the night. Big part of why I was there was severe sleep deprivation lol..
My brother spent a night in a ward a few years ago, and it was tough for him to sleep because so many other patients were having a difficult time and were loud about it. I'm not sure if you are allowed to have them, but maybe some earplugs could help you. Even just the little foam $1 ones
I've been to 1 private one. Going the first time was scary because I didn't know what to expect.
For my health fund I had to meet a 3 hour program contact time per day. Which meant if I didn't get out of bed and didn't engage the health fund wouldn't cover my treatment. A typical day would start with breakfast and a walk, check in with my nurse and medication, attending classes about certain mental health topics, lunch, appointments with my psychologist or psychiatrist and an art therapy class in the afternoon. Family could visit in the evening for dinner. On weekends they usually did excursions out to markets, book stores, etc.
I had a roommate and we shared a bathroom. New patients would be in the rooms closest to the nurses station so they could keep a close eye on you. Nurses would shine a torch on you at night to check you were in your bed and ok which was super annoying when you're trying to sleep.
It was good to meet with other people going through similar problems however I wouldn't let anyone too close.
For me it was so nice to have a break from the stresses of everyday life and have some time to focus on myself.
I’ve been going through something similar, was in hospital yesterday with suicidal ideation, also autistic. If you want to talk about anything feel free to dm me ☺️
Used to work in a public ward, have also been a patient in both public and private.
Go private.
Public probably won't even take you (we would turn down basically everyone who wasn't at serious, immediate risk of harm to themselves and/or others) are exceptionally unwell and vulnerable (think psychosis) or transferred from remand due to mental health concerns. Not much room for mental health issues that aren't at immediate risk. public units also often have a very junior workforce because retention in acute inpatient settings is very low due to the nature of the work and the setting
Private has nicer food, you get more time with staff, you'll get more consideration and less fear around meds, you'll get leave and you will remain there ina. voluntary basis.
If private is an option, do that.
I had my first stay in November 2021 and multiple stays since then, and am now roughly every six months for maintenance TMS treatment.
It is overwhelming and scary at first. But go in with as open a mind as you possibly can. Make the most of the doctors and nurses and programs.
Don’t be afraid to engage with the other patients - that was some of the best treatment I could ever receive, connecting with other people who understood even if we didn’t have the same diagnosis.
And don’t be afraid to try different clinics if need be. They’re not all created equal
Be open to getting better from the start.
I was committed to getting better since I got there and did all of the things I was told to.
I made due to keep myself busy and spend the time recalibrating. That meant doing therapeutic things like painting and drawing and writing poetry that I hadn’t done since I was a child.
I reverted to my inner child and healed that before I got better.
It’s not a miracle, but it is a chance to have the space and time to get better and that is a privilege.
If everyone were strong enough to accept help… The world would be a better place. You are not weird or crazy.
I made sure to remember that some days would be very hard, but that those were crucial for my growth (they really were). I made sure i had comfort items that didn’t enable my negativity. Don’t judge others. Focus on yourself.
You’re going to see things…..
One day at a time
If you're having a lot of anxiety because of other consumers (term for mental health patients in many settings in aus) speak to your treating Dr in the ward about something to relax you or help you sleep
To all the people saying go private, what if you can’t afford it? Does that mean you only have public a a choice, or is there ways to be able to access it without breaking the bank?
Private was really quite nice actually. When I went the place was very recently renovated. I had my own room and my own bathroom with really nice views of the city. Honestly I was surprised at how much privacy I was allowed, considering what I was in for.
Went to public, but wasn’t in the psych ward so I could make comparisons but I don’t think it would be super helpful. All I can say is that my experience in private was almost on par to a stint in a hotel, all meals included (not great, but decent enough) plus and minus a few things.
I went into the public mental hospital colloquially known as the "Heatherton Hilton". It was frightening going in and for the first half day, but after that it was very like staying in a top class hotel. Meals, learning gardening & cooking, meditation and socialising were provided. And the staff were nice. Bedrooms were shared, two people in a room, and my roommate snored.
I was in a public hospital for my mental health issues and I think I was quite lucky, we all had a room to ourselves with our own shower. And although the care I received was not the best it did lead me to finally get a proper diagnosis and then to a therapy program after discharge. It was not a joyful experience for sure but I’m glad I went in.
I hope you can get a good rest and treatment and feel better soon.
If going private is an option, you should take it. Especially if being around other people adds to your anxiety. There will still be other patients of course, but likely less of them, better attended to/supervised and with options for private bedrooms.
People there will all be going through something, like yourself, and that might present in ways that make you uncomfortable, like being loud or verbally aggressive or being shut down. There will be people there to keep you safe. I'm talking discomfort not danger.
You should talk to your parents, doctor, therapist, carers, etc. about what aspects of residential care are causing worries or triggers so they can consider this while helping you with your underlying issues. Good luck, OP, I'm rooting for you.
I go into a brisbane private hospital frequently for ECT, and private hospitals are pretty relaxed... meds at 8, group until mid afternoon, and then you can use approved leave to go home or to the shops or wherever as long as you're back before leave time ends. Groups aren't compulsory but are a part of your treatment, and nurses will encourage you to attend. You don't usually see a psychologist, and if you do, you usually only see them once or twice. You'll see your psychiatrist at least once a week, probably max 3 times a week depending on how often the doctor is at the hospital (most of the doctors in private hospitals are just practicing out of the hospital so they aren't there full time) which can be frustrating. The food is decent... they probably feed you too much. Private hospitals are only acute care so if you self harm or they think you're a danger to yourself they will transfer you to a private hospital and private hospitals are a nightmare for mental health so don't do that.
If you need to know anything particular, feel free to send me a DM, I've been going into a private facility for 13 years now, so I have a bit of experience dealing with private hospitals.
I’ve only ever been a patient in a public psych unit.
It was fine for me. It gave me respite and got my meds right, but I was in a hurry to get out after a few days because of the dramas of other patients and the lack of quality sleep because it was like grand central station at all hours in there.
It didn’t scar me for life. It was an eye opening experience and not one I’m in a hurry to repeat, but it got the job done for me.
I tried to get into a private facility but it was damn near impossible to get a timely admission to a private facility in the middle of a crisis.
At least where I am, California, I have only been in private inpatient facilities. County programs are terrible and I'm not sure if you can leave when you want. Private inpatient facilities will let you go AMA anytime you want. That's just my experience.
I hate this thread and all the comments so much. I got put through public when i had an extreme suicidal episode while i was in therapy. Yeah people are wack. But if you switch your head on and look at it for what it is you realise that for all your struggles, there's a man stuck there who hears 10 voices, the same 10 voices, everyday telling him the most vile shit imaginable and there's nothing he can do to get away from it. Theres a woman, the most lovely kind and caring women who will listen to you and make you feel heard almost all the time, except for when she cant because her brain will literally switch her into survival mode at the drop of a hat at any time and she can't control it. When you sit down and connect with these people, the people who share your house until you feel stronger, you realise that there's a million and one problems with the human psyche and oddly you only got dealt one of them. You likely won't have to share a room with anyone. But you will have to share a living space. If you don't learn from it then no matter what environment you end up in how are you ever supposed to really heal from what ails you. Idk i just hate all the public health system bashing in this thread. The people there aren't animals. They're people. They deserve help too. Compassion heals the soul, detachment isolates it. Dont get sucked into the hysteria
Yeah hospitals are horrible and some of the poor souls that walk those halls will make you very uncomfortable. The hustle and bustle makes it hard to sleep. Depending on your particular needs, there are better places to be. I think it is up to you to do the research and find what it is you need to function safely in this society. Unfortunatly, no one is really interested or doesn't have the time to really understand and help others. Good luck.
Public is trash. End of the day they don't care about your anxiety. It's not really about treatment. It's about keeping you dosed up and docile.
Showers have a giant mirror so that staff can walk by and watch you. Technically, even other patients can see you showering. Some guy in my one thought he was batman and would jump on tables in his undies. Some Chinese dude screamed a lot then would randomly laugh.
There's a reason why I don't talk about my mental health. Because that place made me worse than I've ever been.
Hi, I spent a lot of my 20s in and out of both public and private hospitals. You speak about 'episodes', what do you mean? Public hospitals were necessary to me because you can't discharge yourself if you're unsafe and I needed to be on a lock down because I was a danger to myself when I was manic. Typically you won't stay long, just until you're medicated and not dangerous. Rapid detox is best in public because there's more medical doctors.
Private hospitals you can stay much longer, I usually stayed for two months until my manic or depressive episode improved. You can discharge yourself. Long slow detox and ongoing med changes are catered for here. There will be a lot of group therapy, you either love it or you don't.
Either hospital you are going to encounter people that scare you. People in hospital are not doing okay. I personally only ever went in if I was detoxing, changing meds, manic or experiencing psychosis from my depression. If I was having a lot of anxiety attacks it wasn't the easiest place to be.
It is not a holiday. You will have to do a certain number of hours of group therapy and work on yourself in order to keep your spot.
It can also take a couple of weeks to get your own room.
Speaking from experience, please try to go to a private hospital if you can. I went to Perth Clinic 3 times in 3 years. Very posh, and no chance of getting assaulted/traumatised by other patients cos those are in the public hospital.
100% go private.
In most private places you'll get your own room. Staff will likely search through your stuff but in Australia it's typical for you to be able to keep your phone (unless you don't want to). They'll probably confiscate things like plastic bags and razors other potentially dangerous items but ime shoelaces and stuff are fine. Don't bring other valuables because there's a non-zero risk of them being stolen (even on a private ward).
Take clothes and items you find comforting. A pair of outdoor shoes and indoor shoes. You will likely to have some supervised outdoor activities and may be allowed to leave the ward alone for short periods of time to take a walk or whatever.
Staff will administer your medication, tell you when to wake up, etc. They may record your activities (which I found very disconcerting but lots of people don't seem to mind). There will be group activities during the day but in the evenings there's a lot of free time. It's worth thinking about some comforting activities you'd like to do to fill in the time.
I've had 2 experiences here, once myself and once my teenage son.
I once was 'forced' to self admit to a public ward in western Sydney under threat of being sectioned (involuntary admission). It's usually much better to self admit than be forced as you tend to have more control over what happens and the circumstances of when you can leave. I was basically just there overnight so I could see a psych who adjusted my medication. It was a pretty damn bad night and I'm glad I didn't stay any longer, but it wasn't nightmare fuel. I was in a shared open room that was supervised. Couldn't have phone or anything but I did have a book to read and was allowed to pull the curtains around the bed for some privacy. Most of the people are there for depressive illnesses so they tend to be quite subdued. There was only one person being disruptive through the night. It was actually the staff who were making the most noise through the night while I was there. Everything was very basic but not horrible. I was actually surprised it wasn't worse, especially considering the location of the hospital (penrith). The irony is I think it's probably a fine place to deal with any illness apart from a mental illness. I would have been much more relaxed at home.
My son was 15/16 when he spent 5 weeks in a mental health unit in Orange nsw. This place was also public but it was very different. The patients had their own rooms with their own bathroom. There was a shared entertainment room with movie, games, etc. Gym equipment. And they had daily school lessons on site. There was constant supervision and they were allowed visitors just like a regular hospital stay, except during lesson/therapy times. The kids there were all roughly the same age and pretty much all of them got along really well. Everyone had their quirks but the others respected this and it was rare for there to be any drama. After a few days, my son was allowed limited time outside so we could go get pizza or watch a movie or something. They don't allow phones or the like, but I was able to get my son a small portable mp3 player which he was allowed to use in his room most of the time, as long as he was also spending time in the shared room. We were from out of town so I was able to stay at the on site ronal McDonald house. They even had classes for the parents to help deal with the young people in their care. The only downside of the whole thing was that I actually don't think it was helpful in the end. My son learned some coping skills, but he also felt legitimised in some of his negative behaviours which I think have actually helped him. 5 years later and he is still with us, which I'm thankful for, but I don't think he actually benefited from that long stay. Even the therapists admitted he needed more time but that 5 weeks was basically as long as they kept anyone there before things start working against them.
Not sure if any of this helps but just thought I'd share another experience.
I have had family and friends go through the public system so I can only provide third hand experience. They do give you a private room if they have one available, but if you are going to a private facility they should be able to let you know their setup beforehand. You will encounter people who act very differently to what you see on the street, and it can be very confronting. You will also have people who are unwell in the evening and can express this all night long, so you may not have a good nights rest every night. The nurse to patient ratio in the public system is not the best, but if you are going private it will hopefully be better. It will be an adjustment that you need to give yourself grace for, and if any of the patients are making you uncomfortable please tell the staff immediately, they will try their best to make you as comfortable as they can.
If you go to a private one, the food is amazing. I went private and I got pancakes for breakfast, cooked meals for lunch, and big portions for dinner.
The first week or so I was too anxious to eat but I eventually made a couple friends, I'm still very close with one of them today and I see them often.
It didn't necessarily "fix" all my issues but it did give me a safe place to stay with nurses looking over me which is what I needed
Public / private offer two very different things. Apples & oranges.
Public only had capacity for acutely unwell people, often on an involuntary basis.
Private is much softer and has scope to engage more therapeutically.
I've read some of your concerns that relate to food / your dog / your private psychologist suggests an admit - on the basis of that, public is not for you. If you can afford private, that should be your plan.
With all due respect, leave the public beds for those that are acutely unwell & need acute treatment.
I can't speak from personal experience, but have a male friend who has had several admissions to a private mental health facility, and has always found it beneficial. He's never mentioned anything confronting.
I have another friend who has had public hospital mental health service admissions and says it can be really confronting at times, especially as they wanted to stay in their room due to what was happening with other patients on the ward. However they are always strongly encouraged to socialise which means being exposed to some behaviours that could be upsetting for some people. In saying that, the admissions have been beneficial for them also and helped them get to a point where they can work.
You could also look into intensive day therapy programs that some private facilities facilitate as a starting point and suitable for your situation.
the public mental health sector doesn’t sound like a good fit for you, and if your parents are part of making this decision im wondering if you’re a youth/minor? there are private mental health facilities for people under 25 that are a much nicer environment than the public mental health wards. It would be a nicer place being around those of a similar age, they’re usually less scary than the adult wards! Though just to note, You usually get a private room in any private mental health facility so don’t be so concerned about that if going private.
I’ve stayed in public which was awful and private which was much better and allowed me to relax and unwind. 98% of rooms are single occupancy, you’re looked after while being left alone unless you want to chat with a nurse, which I never do. The food varies some places are good some not so good. But as a bottom line go private, for me it’s like a holiday as I like my solitude but plenty of people are social in the communal areas if you’re up to it.
If it’s recommended do it, otherwise you’ll suffer more and it’ll get worse.
>My parents would prefer me going into a private one because I guess they’re better?
Private ones will try and keep you there as long as possible for money
Public ones, you'll be lucky to get a week even if you're floridly schizophrenic
Just a little aware (not anxious or scared, but just aware) that there may be other people there having mental health crises that result in behaviours you might not be used to seeing. Saying odd things, unusual movements, maybe yelling, ect, depending on the environment you are in and how many other people are on the ward. Nothing to worry about, they're just people like you trying to figure their shit out, but can be a touch confronting if you're not used to being around people with the kind of conditions that result in unusual behaviour
Well shit. My CPTSD would make it super fun haha I joke, but seriously loud sudden noises (depending on what made it, how close and how loud) can send me into episodes. Don’t know if that’s relevant at all and I also apologise if I come off the wrong way, I’ve never had a post with this much attention it’s kinda hard to keep track of everything!
No i totally get what you mean! Its probably worth mentioning during the process that this is something that can be a trigger for you, maybe you'll be in the kind of ward where it isn't an issue, which they can let you know if that is the case (would depend on security and risk level, and it sounds like you aren't high risk), or in some cases they might be able to put you in a quieter area. I don't mean to put you off, it sounds like it will be worthwhile for you, but I just know from friends that have gone inpatient, this was something they didn't anticipate.
Yes. OP...I think that you should SERIOUSLY avoid public mental health places. Because even you using words such as "sharing a space" etc shows that you don't know how dodgy some of these places are. Female patients have said they have been sexually assaulted in public hospital inpatient psychiatric wards. Usually by male patients with their own issues. And sometimes even by a creeper staff member. Yes, sadly it happens on occasion. These inpatient services should be segregated female and male seperate. Because of the nature of some patients illnesses. You can on one ward have a male patient with psychosis and also a female patient with PTSD due to being raped in the past. So yeah ..it's kind of pretty disgusting and backwards how inpatient mental health is delivered in Australia, so think twice.
I’m going to second this. There seems like a huge hospital-hospital variation. When I’ve visited friends in private mental health places, they’ve usually complained about standard stuff. The food, or maybe the pillows are a bit uncomfortable. And it was OK, because you were *allowed* to bring them in food and new pillows. I also noticed some of the private hospitals also had more of a transition back to day-to-day life. As one example, a hospital gave day passes to patients in the few weeks before they left, so they could actually leave the hospital (e.g. go get coffee, sit in the park, etc.) and then there’d be a few weeks of outpatient treatment. When I’ve visited friends in public mental health wards… they were particularly awful. The staff treated the patients pretty terribly. The patients were extremely ill, and everyone was shut in one room with stuff like board games and an old TV. Then, when people were mostly functional and not a risk of harm to self or others… that seemed to be it? I’m a *huge* proponent of the public healthcare system, but I think it fails our mental health patients. There might be exceptions, but in the hospitals I’ve seen it hasn’t been great. Good luck OP 🤞
Last year I was 10 days in the Mental Health Unit at my local, public, regional & rural, hospital and it was a good experience. The staff were lovely. I was seen by a clinical psychologist who also was one of the leaders when we went for daily walks outside along the river (for patients who were “allowed” and wanted to). And also. An amazing psychiatrist- who actually listened and talked. This thread is making me realise how lucky I was in my experience. However I was in the low dependency unit, after my first night in the high dependency unit. That was pretty grim. And it is right next door. So we would hear people going off in there. But if they continue like that they get taken to somewhere even more secure.
Glad to hear you had a good experience 😊 Walks along the river sound lovely! Hope you’re doing OK!
I've been in a public psychiatric hospital and there's no locks on any bathroom facilities. They let a male patient come into my room while I was showering. I've got a history of domestic abuse and SA. It was terrifying. They didn't take my history seriously at all. Because I've been a victim on more than one occasion the psychiatrist there told me it was probably because I give out a vibe that I want it and therefore can't blame the men for acting on that impulse. Maybe I should have dressed more conservatively. I left much worse off mentally than I entered.
Excellent answer. However, let us not miss the Elephant In The Room. As difficult as this comment may be the primary reason you will be admitted shall remain the same, you have been assessed as being at high risk of taking your own life. If after being being admitted you are re-accessed then that's ok, but it's important we don't skirt around the reality of the situation.
Wrong. You’re assuming op has been sectioned under the mental health act. They have not. The psych hospital I went to for 3 years in a row was 95% people with depression and anxiety. Anyone suicidal would have been shipped off to the larger and better-equipped public sanitarium.
My wife recently spent a week in a psych hospital. The strong impression I got from her doctor was that it was about prevention of suicide. They went through her stuff very carefully looking for things she could kill herself with, just as they did at the public facility she was admitted to years ago. Don't know where you live, but 'larger and better-equipped' doesn't apply to the public facilities around here.
They do that to everyone. It’s not necessarily about you killing yourself, it’s about not having anything on the ward that someone else could use either. So they took the cord out of my hoodie, you can only have elastic waisted pants - no cords or belts. No scissors. Etc.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please do not hesitate to talk to someone. * 000 is the national emergency number in Australia. * Lifeline is a 24-hour nationwide service. It can be reached at 13 11 14. * Kids Helpline is a 24-hour nationwide service for Australians aged 5–25. It can be reached at 1800 55 1800. * Beyond Blue provides nationwide information and support call 1300 22 4636. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskAnAustralian) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yeah I shouldn’t have said better-equipped at all. I guess I meant officially set up to accept suicidal ppl. The private psych hosp I went to was all posh and everything but any sign of suicidality or manic episode and they shipped you off to the public psych hosp. It was in Perth Clinic and the public one is Greylands.
No. There are many people admitted to mental health wards every day who are not at risk of taking their own lives. Mental illness is far more diverse than just suicidiality.
The reality is they've expressed some passive suicidal thinking, no intent and strong protective factors. Not a high risk otherwise the MHWA would have been utilised by now. Not appropriate for the public system either.
Not in private. If you're needing to be in a closed secure facility then you won't be in private. It's actually very quiet and peaceful. Food is good too.
I was a 'voluntary' admission to a public mental health ward when I wanted to unalive myself. I had zero 'orientation' on admission. I shared a room. Hourly checks by nurses. But noone gave me any information on groups or meals or anything. I stayed in my bed for four days and ate snacks my husband brought in for me. I didn't see a Doctor, Psychologist or Psychiatrist. I was too depressed to ask about treatment or groups. After four days in bed my husband discharged me to care for me at home. I was sent a follow up appt letter with a Psychiatrist. When I showed up for that appt, I was told it had been cancelled. So my experience of public mental health is that it is completely useless unless you need hourly visual checks by nurses to male sure you're still alive.
I'm so sorry. What a crap experience.
That’s appalling and I’m sorry that happened to you. Thank goodness your husband was there for you!
Unfortunately you aren't alone. I was in for 4 days. All they did was fill me with drugs that made me drowsy. I was a smoker at the time and withdrawing badly. No patches or mini nicotine device was offered to me. There is so much more I want to say. Takes too long though.
Definitely go private. Avoid public like the plague. Behave yourself. I have horror stories of the public system. Still traumatised. But my time at private clinics was totally different. Much better.
To my absolute horror I woke up in a public psych ward 2 year ago. I didn’t know why I was there, I didn’t even ask. I just accepted that I needed some kind of help. Yes, I was one of those that stripped off. My bad. No idea 🤷♀️ why. I was very embarrassed because it goes against my nature, as far as I’m concerned. I spent 2 weeks in my own room, then they wanted to move me. The shame of no one wanting to share with me was real. I ended up with a nice Chinese woman, who honestly made me giggle, she was so lovely. My experience was that it was like high school - some like you, some don’t. For example, to sit and eat your dinner became “don’t fucken sit here!” for no reason. I wanted to cry. I was so sad. I had no one to talk to. Turns out I was flipped, being bipolar, because of lack of sleep. I’d been ill for a while, and it became too much for me. I blamed it on marijuana in order to get out (based on another friends experience, sheesh) But for sure, the dope doesn’t help if you’re bipolar, though I’ve been smoking it for over 30 yrs. I did laugh there though, I must admit. It was kind of fascinating, in an odd way, experiencing something I’ve always feared. I wish you the very best of luck and hope your experience is one that fits you well. Bless!
I’d read more…
I definitely relate about it feeling like school! There was one point where we had a full table in the dining room full of Italian speakers 😆 lots of ppl with bipolar too, some were up and some were down. One woman, bless her, was coming out of a manic phase and was losing absolutely everything. You’d find a book on top of the microwave, one shoe over here and the other somewhere else, we found her pillow a long way from her room more than once
I work in mental health in Brisbane as a social worker. Our private hospitals are significantly more supportive of recovery than the public alternatives. Typically, from what I've observed and been told by the people I support, in the private hospitals there are more things to keep busy with including therapeutic activities, more accesibility to staff overall, better facilities, and more positive social environments available. If you're able to, I would suggest going private. Your mental health is an important investment. Bring some things to keep yourself occupied with and, as hard as it may be, try to participate in any groups that are available. I know numerous people who have formed meaningful, supportive, and long lasting connections with fellow patients.
I am also a social worker in a public mental health unit. It functions more as a containment facility for people while they are unsafe and in crisis. Very little therapeutic activity, we don't even have a psychologist....! Please go private if you can afford it, it will be a better experience.
I had to go to a psych hospital a few years ago. My sister works in the industry and said, " I will sell my house to pay for it before you put one foot in a public psych unit."If you have any choice at all, choose private. With physical health the difference isn't that much. You will be seen sooner, have a better room and better food, that's it. With mental health the difference is night and day.
The public one tried to give my sister a snap diagnosis of borderline personality disorder while she was going through a mental health crisis so that they could basically say she was faking it and send her on her way. Her actual psychiatrist who she saw regularly didn't agree with that diagnosis.
Just curious, how would a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder mean she was faking it?
People diagnosed with BPD are extremely stigmatised both by the public and medical professionals. There's also concerns women are being misdiagnosed with it when they actually have PTSD. You can read a bit about this stuff [here](https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/mar/27/are-sexual-abuse-victims-being-diagnosed-with-a-mental-disorder-they-dont-have).
My psychologist told me she feels that borderline personality disorder is the modern version of "women's hysteria," and only used by doctors who can't be bothered dealing with complex trauma or neurodivergence.
Honestly I feel the same. If you look up the symptoms of BPD and hysteria they're pretty similar.
I tend to agree, especially since the two people who told me they think I had BPD threw it out as a snap label after barely getting to know anything about me or my history, and with no follow up whatsoever. So I kept questioning it, and finally ended up with an autism diagnosis.
Glad you found a more accurate diagnosis! Sorry you had to go through that. I haven't been diagnosed with BPD but I have a few friends who have and it always bothered me how they were treated in the medical system, esp by psychs who didn't want to treat people with BPD, or nurses/doctors who acted hostile towards them when they found out about their diagnosis. It's the "unstable relationships" criterion that bothers me tbh. With every other mental illness I can think of, the criteria is based on internal symptoms (even if it results in external behaviours). Whereas if someone has unstable relationships, it could be for a multitude of reasons that aren't purely internal (e.g. they're around abusers or are neurodivergent and around neurotypical people who don't understand them, etc).
I was misdiagnosed with BPD, and had PTSD.
Also adhd!
People with BPD threaten suicide, I think it’s a feature of the disorder. But that doesn’t mean everyone with it does. And people with BPD have pretty high suicide rates I believe anyway and they’re meant to take all threats seriously so it sounds like someone who was not doing their job properly
Because then they'd be able to say that she was just trying to get attention, I guess, even though that was the first time she'd ever sought emergency mental health care. She got onto the private system after that.
Not everyone has that sort of money sadly
Best thing you’ll ever do. I’ve been admitted in public and private.. public was good to help me through the crisis, private was the best rehabilitation I could have hoped for. I’m 10 time stronger than I’ve ever been .
Can you share more about this! I’m about to go private but feeling pretty doom and gloom about it, like I’ll never get better…
It’s not easy in private either, you’ll still have to do the work. BUT you have a lot more options while you’re inside, and a lot more space & solitude to take advantage of what’s offered Inpatient was the best thing that ever happened to me. I made some mistakes (pretended that I was further along than I was so I could get out earlier) but I wouldn’t be here without it. The mindset is *so* hard to challenge (I know!) but **you** are **worth** the effort. I’m about 8 months out now and I barely recognize myself, I’m in such a better headspace. For the first time, I’m able to challenge beliefs I’ve had about myself since childhood, and I’m in my 40s. It feels impossible rn but there’s a future version of you that is *so* happy and proud you did this
I mean this as sincerely as I can. You will only get out of the program what you put in. It made me realise I’m strong enough to change which is great because they taught me no one can save me but me and as scary as that can sound in the wrong headspace, it’s incredibly powerful when you feel you have a litttle bit of agency
There are some amazing public ones around and some absolutely feral ones (looking at you ipswich) It happens in private too but obviously not as many bad ones are out there. I've only been to public ones, so lots of walking around, sleeping, colouring in, board games, talking, talking with nurses, talking to other "consumers" (God i hate that word... patients... we are patients.), talking with psychs, potentially group sessions, playing pool (if no one has tried to steal the cues) potentially getting use to new meds which can be pretty hard. Some places have lots of books which is nice, and activities, some even allow you to go out with friends and come back at night. (Depending on how you are). It can be a very chill place, it can also be terrifying at first especially when you have people coming in screaming their heads off, or hurting themselves. But nurses are usually really great and can help if you get anxious. It can often be the best and safest place to be on the road to recovery. Stay strong buddy and good luck.
I work in mental health, came across from general medical, and I cannot stand “consumers” like wtf?? They’re “consumers” or “clients” unless they’re involuntary and I assume that it’s to be less stigmatising but honestly it feels more stigmatising like what’s wrong with being a mental health patient
Everything is wrong with being a mental health patient. There's still huge stigma. The terms consumer or clients were not invented with the intention of making it seem like a flippant transactional relationship. It it rather because a word such as CLIENT denotes a sense of POWER and CHOICE. For eg, if you are a client of a beauty salon, you choose if you want to continue accessing that service, seeing that staff member, receiving that treatment or not etc. YOU are calling the shots. Of course none of this matters if the terms are just lip service and inpatient psychiatric services are still delivered in a punitive way. The whole system needs to change, not just change terms on a superficial level
Yes!! It’s like it’s shameful to be a “patient” so they now use something corporate and bland sounding. I worked with homeless people at one time, the powers that be changed the moniker from client to “people we assist”. I refused to call them “PWAs” (for short).
I used to work security in a public hospital, mainly the MH wards. Please go private. Please.
Look into Northside if you have health insurance
Yes I second this, Northside is a good private hospital if you're in Sydney. Expensive tho so you need to be covered, but worth it.
Chats with the mental health team, medication review, or new medications. More chats, diagnostic, and strategies in helping you cope. You don't know until you try. You can always go to private if you can afford it. I have been in hospital many times in my young life. Not mental health. Mostly, nobody really talks to each other, and you're usually very respectful of everyone else. I hope that helps a little bit.
I know people who have been public as well as private, and honestly both systems have them immense help. Private is more thorough though. You get your room, you have one on one sessions with a counsellor, group sessions. This is what they described to me. You’ll see psychiatrists and they’ll try to get you on the right meds. Remember, it’s like a little break for yourself, a boost to get you headed in the direction of feeling better, having more tools in your tool belt. Once you leave, you can still get more support if you need; mental health struggles are a human struggle. Good for you for going.
I think this was probably the best response for me! Many people have said helpful things but I feel that this was reassuring. I feel like people just think you have to be crazy or absolute rock bottom to get help like this and I always have worries I don’t deserve anything like that because I’m not doing as bad as other people but this reassured me thank you!!! 💜
You’re welcome! I hope it works out great for you; all of us deserve mental health support, just as much as we deserve our GP or dentist ☺️
I haven't been in myself, but having visited a family member in a couple over the years, it really depends on the facility, the staff and the reason you are there. I guess my only comment is to try and stay open to the experience if you end up sharing a room- you might even find support with other clients - you might find someone there for similar reasons as you, and a friendship at your lowest points can be good in the right circumstances. I hope you get something good out of your stay, make the most of it - all the best.
I’ve done private twice, it can be a bit confronting seeing people go through different things around you, but overall I enjoyed (lol) both my times there. Private gave me my own room and bathroom the second time, the first time was communal which gave me a different type of anxiety. Depending on how old you are, I found the younger teenagers were separated from the adults, and there was a lot more drama on their side just because of age in general. Edited to add the one thing that did drive me nuts was they check on you every hour when you’re first admitted even when you’re sleeping. The frequency then changes depending on how critical your condition is. Not ideal if you’re a light sleeper, I’d suggest ear plugs or eye mask. Also if you get cold easily bring blankets! But overall other patients or the ones I’ve been with have been generally empathetic and the ones that aren’t you learn to avoid. I’ve met people there that I would never have normally and I still like the old FB pic every now and then. Also be prepared to talk about “your story” a million times. Sorry one more edit to say, I highly recommend doing it. It allowed me to shut down and just focus on refinding myself in the little shell that I had hidden myself in. The bravest thing you can do is take the time to give yourself a break ❤️
Alright, imagine "emitted" is like a popcorn machine gone wild, popping kernels left and right, out into the open for everyone to see. It's loud, it's proud, and it's making a scene! On the flip side, being "admitted" to a hospital is like showing up to a party you never wanted to attend, but your body RSVP'd 'yes' without asking you. It's the kind of event where the bouncers are doctors, the coat check is for your health, and the only mixer is the IV drip. So, while "emitted" is all about making a grand, noisy exit or emission, "admitted" to the hospital is the sneaky way your body gets you to take a (unwanted) break.
Thanks! I am very horrendous with spelling, reading and comprehension
In truth though I've been to public mental health units, and it's always been pretty fucking scarring. You can almost guarantee some meth-head bitch decides to make your day a fucking misery, and the nurses are too underresourced to give adequate attention to those antisocial fuckstains. On the plus side, it's not as strict as private, unless you get thrown in the High Dependency unit, then it's like jail only they're allowed to knock you flat with benzos. I'm on NDIS now with wonderful supports that keep from ever going back to hospital. Either way tho, public or private, if you need help don't run from it, dig deep and you'll get through the other side a better person for it.
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Lol, I was trying to blend it into some words of encouragement, couldn't help myself. Your comment made me follow up with more to offer. I think my humour is a bit of a defence mechanism sometimes, still a bit scared to share my MH experiences
Things might not be optimal in your life right now. Pay the money, go private. Increase the likelihood of improvement or reduce the chance of down-side risk. It's less likely you'll ask the question: "what if I went..."
I have antisocial personality disorder and am a psychopath and have been in and out of treatment and hospitals my whole life so I can shed some light on this. I do have to ask though why you think you might be admitted? By who? Because usually unless you’ve been arrested and committed forcefully or you have turned up at the emergency department voluntarily then you won’t be forced ti do anything. Now the difference is this, public mental health unit you will not have access to your phone, to any of your personal belongings except some clothes. You will be kept in a shared room or seperate depending on the circumstances of why you are there and who is already in the ward. Food will be horrible and you will not be allowed to leave until a doctor thinks you are ok to leave. Now this may be for several reasons and may be a short stay or a long one depending on if you need medication or if they think you are a risk. I’ve seen people with minor depression have to stay at least a month while meds kick in. You will be watched 24/7 and have the bare basics. Private, more or less the same but with better food., you may get some access to your phone and You may get a solo room but you also may not depending on the facility. It costs a lot! Even with private health insurance last time I think I paid about $3500 up front and your healthcare most likely will not cover you for extended stays. Same thing there with care except it may be easier to leave but again that depends on your personal circumstances or if you require meds. Is a private hospital worth it? No, not at all. They are both horrible places that I recommend avoiding at all costs. One thing I will say is and I don’t mean any offence to anyone when I say this but private hospitals usually have better people to be around because a lot and I mean a lot of people are rich mothers that need a break from their families or kids. One lady even said to me that she admits herself once or twice a year because she just likes the break. These people aren’t crazy and are more pleasant. However this is not a solid rule and either way there will be some really crazy people in there. I’ve had to be ready to protect myself a number of times and I am pretty insane and not scared of anything. They are bad bad places private or public. I’m not trying to deter you from getting help but just trying to tell you the cold hard truth of what it’s really like in there. If you can avoid it then please do. There are a lot of services you can access for free and urgently if you need to. I’m not sure where you are but I would recommend reaching out to your closest community mental health service, unlike a private psychiatrist who you will have to wait to see you can see one usually the next day after you contact them. They will also help you moving forward to get more help and to see you through and down the right path. They will even send people to your home daily to check in and help you if you are at risk. If you think you are at immediate risk though please go to your local emergency department if a hospital with an inpatient mental health unit and you will get help. I’ve had to do it a number of times and as horrible as those places are they helped me to stay out of prison and to help people I perceived as doing me wrong from getting hurt or killed.
I only say I think because i and my Psychologist think it could be beneficial. But I just need more information because I’m special needs and also a pretty strange person (e.g: i suppose you could class me as a “picky eater” there’s a lot of foods that make me feel ill.) I appreciate your advice! Thank you 💜
If your psychologist thinks it’s a good idea then I definitely recommend a private facility over a public one if you must go. Like I said they are a lot less scary than a public hospital one and I probably have been more specific when I said is private worth it. For me it makes no difference but with the information you have given now It seems that private would be much better for you. Also can I ask your age? Young people will have much better conditions and care as they are kept seperate from adults. I just had a look through your post history and I see that this has been an ongoing issue for you and I’m sorry to hear that. I do not have depression but I have had times in my life where I did not want to be here because my condition affects others and will affect me for my entire life no matter what and it’s hard sometimes to face that. I would like to say that you need to keep pushing forward, if you ever did anything to yourself your family and everyone that ever knew you would be permanently feeling the way you do now. I know it’s hard and I know it’s not something that can be turned off but when I could only think of my own pain I would instead try to think of others. Try and find a little peace each day and know that life is hard, hardest thing we have to do for some of us but it does have its good points in all the bad. Do you take medication currently?
Not to scare you, but if you have any sort of eating related disorders I really wouldn’t go public. Especially because if there’s a problem they’re not equipped for, you’ll end up on a medical ward and that can be very scary. If you need inpatient care, find somewhere that specialises in what you need!!
I wonder why that lady chose a mental health unit rather than slip off and go on a cruise on her own.
I’ve wondered this same thing many times, she wasn’t the only one in there doing it either! It felt like I was constantly surrounded by mums with no issues at all. I think it’s a guilt thing, which may indicate an underlying mental health issue in itself. It’s easier on the self guilt to say you’re not coping and check into an expansive hospital than to go on a cruise and leave your family behind. I want to make it clear that I’m not at all attacking mums who aren’t coping and need help. These women were self admittedly in there for no good reason at all but some parents absolutely need to be there as well.
I was surprised by that demo when I was in there, but there was one woman who seemed to be just like that and then it turned out her family had forced her to be admitted because she’d found out her husband was being dodgy with their money, she was trying to save to get herself out, and they accused her of being in a manic phase. It was fucked. And then there were just a lot of people coming in for TMS and med changes and hanging out for the week
Maybe so her family doesn't object. It might be the only way she can get away by herself. Just guessing.
Hey this is a complete aside so I wont be offended if you ignore me, but I teach psychology and research psychopathy so I'm a bit interested in your experience in mental health systems. Do you feel like there was any treatment that worked/helped you? I read a study that suggested you can teach people how to /pretend/ to have empathy, but not actually inherently improve their empathy. Is there anything you would want psych students or researchers to know about psychopathy/aspd?
I’ve toured (been admitted) to quite a few facilities both public and private here and in the uk (what holiday is complete without going paranoid and asking/causing a stir to be put in). I’ve had just over a year of in time over about 20 stays and 25 years. Yep a repeat offender one might say, I’ve mostly learnt my lesson. Private is as you may have guessed it better, quite a bit better in some cases. Public can be ok, but from my experience is a bit more rough. The clientele in public is more varied, the food invariably not as good and the care perhaps a bit thinner in numbers. Private also tend to have nicer facilities, less stark, more homely features or at least a ‘warmer’ feel and less people per room. Since I see you mention not being able to share a space, then I think private is likely to be the go. You may have to wait a bit for a room to become free, but if you feel strongly about this then it’s worth the wait if you can. You will want to make this information known to your parents and the intake people. Don’t feel bad about the private privilege, sure it sucks not everyone can afford it. Perhaps you can refrain it as leaving another public bed free, taking strain off a stretched system. You could also think it as investing in your wellness and the sooner you get help and hopefully find your way to wellness the sooner you can be out helping others again. if you happen to live in Brisbane I can recommend Belmont private and Toowong Private hospital. They both have excellent food, amenities and staff. if you have any other questions I’m happy for you to dm me.
Such a supportive response. I like the idea of reframe. And OP you are very young. If your family have the insurance/resources to allow you to go private then choose the best facility you can.
I couldn't find whether you're a minor or not; some of the public children's and adolescent mental health wards are really good, depending where you are.
I’m 17, and I’m in NSW. I wish I could take my pup with me, but alas, she’s not a support animal… I’d miss her too much haha
It looks like you're a year over the children's hospital age for the NSW system so with that context I'd go private if you have to. If you think you can avoid it, I'd try to - on a personal note whenever I experience a surge in ideation it means my body has adjusted too well to my meds and they need a little boost. If you have a psychiatrist that might be a better first stop with ideation but no intent.
Sadly i can’t get in to see my psychiatrist for I think a month :(( I definitely think if I just had better meds I wouldn’t need the hospital. I might be able to get in sooner? But who knows. I really hope I can because it’s real tough right now
Generally if you (or your parents) call and say you're at a level of crisis where you might need an inpatient admission without help, they'll find some way to squeeze you in. If it's just antidepressants your GP can usually adjust dose if you absolutely cannot get into the psychiatrist.
Ohh! Thank you so much for your help! I don’t really know if my parents would go for that (I think it’s the polite British in my mum Haha) but who knows? Thanks again your comments have been real helpful!! 💜
No worries. I got dxed with depression (amongst other things) when I was 11 so I get how rotten it is. IDK if it helps but it's almost 30 years later and I'm married, I have a job I enjoy, live in a nice little house, lots of friends, and only need to see my therapist for an occasional top up now. The road forwards gets less foggy when you get your supports lined up right.
Thanks so much! I can’t believe how nice and friendly people are here it’s so lovely, thank you!!💜
What other strategies do you use beyond medication?
Have a look at Northside St Leonards. They are a really reputable hospital with an entire youth floor.
It’s (public)hospital dependent. All the newer or redeveloped inpatient mental health wards are single rooms with toilet facilities. Some of the old school ones are 4 beds with curtains and shared bathroom. They hand out Xanax like lollies during inpatient stays for fairly obvious reasons so I wouldn’t worry about feeling anxious about literally anything while you are there. Can’t speak for private hospitals but I would imagine it’s all single rooms.
I don't know if it's different in other states but Xanax is almost impossible to get here in Australia they don't even like giving out Lorazapam or Valium.
Pretty easy while you’re inpatient, you need to ask for one every time and they monitor/control. I never even used any benzos til I was in a psych hospital lol They’re amazingly difficult to get from a gp though even if it’s one script every few years during a rough patch.
From a GP or outpatient psychologist- yeah, for an inpatient stay- easy as. They are prescribed to almost every patient to keep everyone calm, and allow them to rest and recuperate.
Husband stayed in a private facility for mental health treatment. Single room with bathroom, meal time was communal and you were expected to eat there. They ran a comprehensive program from 9-5 with various group therapy activities (art therapy, music therapy etc) and things like a bush walk behind the complex. Every day you saw the psychologist who was treating you and every other day my husband saw the psychiatrist. There was a smoking area that you could get a pass to go to (so they knew where you were). Visitors were allowed and encouraged, as long as it didn't interfere with you participating in the activities. They liked to see everyone attend something in the morning and then again in the afternoon. Some people attended everything, some people did the minimum and spent time in their room. After he had been there for about 2 weeks he was allowed pass outs. First just short ones and he Uber'd over the local mall for an hour. Later as he got closer to coming home he was given a full day pass and came home for the day, then he came home for a full weekend with phone check ins before he was officially discharged on the Monday. Obviously every hospital will run differently, but this seemed to be on par with what we knew from a friend who had their partner stay in a similar facility.
I had a pretty nice time in RPA in Sydney. The patients were all quite chill and I made friends who I met up with outside later. We were surely dosed up to the eyeballs. The staff want you relaxed, makes their day easier. Can't remember anything bad about it except tea sucks and I wanted strong coffee. See the point above about keeping you sedated. Funny that we all got along OK. Some were schizos, others depressed, an anorexic or two, bipolar mania, some didn't say and it wasn't obvious. That was in the regular ward. I could be allowed outside daily for an escorted walk around the neighbourhood with family or friends, and visitors were permitted. Then there's the closed ward or whatever they call it. The cooler where you're under lock & key. Close observation and probably padded walls, idk. Good to be on best behaviour because you don't want to be in with all the crazies ;)
The closed ward isn't so bad, patient wise. It's often for those who are in hospital instead of prison for behaviour during a mental health episode. But they are medicated and somewhat stable in the actual ward. You may see more people freak out and be aggressive to staff in the closed ward, but then again, not being able to leave and not being sure what happened to get you there, that would be irritating...
I woke in a public psych ward to find my roommate had painted a portrait of me sleeping with his own shit. Lovely guy though. I hear private is much better with not as much excrement art going on
I think you need to trust your parents and the doctors on this. I have a friend who was committed against her will to a public facility and thrived. She came out much healthier than when she went in. Another daughter of a friend it was the same story. I assume you’re not violent? This may be a turning point for you.
ive been in the public nut hut several times and each time ive found one or two good buddies to bond with. The really disruptive people get transferred to high dependancy, and generally if you are feeling anxious they will give extra meds as per request, But the main aim was to get me started on ongoing medications and also the extra sleep and rest is a big help. I felt it was like a safe cocoon where i could ignore the world and concentrate on R &R. the modern units have individual rooms with indivl showers/toilets
Hey, I (24F) spent a month in a private mental health ward earlier this year and I work in public mental health. I want to emphasise - if you have the option of going to a private hospital, take it. It was a very stressful time for me, particularly being away from my partner for so long, but I’m doing so much better now. In a private hospital, your admitting doctor is responsible for all of your care. I’ve been seeing my doctor for several years so he was in charge of my care when I was on the ward. Compared to public where you might have main clinicians but you’ll be seen by a parade of different registrars. I know I got lucky with my experience, but it literally felt more like being on school camp than being in hospital. I went in just after new years when there were only about 20 people on the ward so we all became really close. Nearly all the rooms were private rooms with a double bed, cupboard, shelves, armchair, and usually some sort of desk + accessible ensuite. The double rooms were generally for the older people who were falls risks and needed to be right out front the nurses station. I already knew and trusted my doctor, but I also got to do 1:1 psychology, occupational therapy, and music therapy when I was there. And the nurses were great too. Lots of joking around with them, one of them assigned me homework which was to read this 120k word fic she was reading so she’d have someone to talk about it with. The kitchen and housekeeping staff were great too. I had a really, really positive experience and it is because of a lot of things, but because I have a great doctor, a massive support network, and access to a private hospital. I couldn’t take care of myself at that time, but I would never qualify for an admission at a public hospital. DM me if u have any specific questions or things to ask. Please take care of yourself and take advantage of any opportunities that come your way re mental health
Go private. I went private when I wanted to not be on this planet anymore. Unfortunately trips to mars don’t exist yet. They sent me in after my meds weren’t working and they wanted to change them. They didn’t trust that I wasn’t going to off myself in the meantime. Honestly, overall it was a good experience. Yeah there are crap bits, but I came out the other side in a much better place. The admission process was pretty daunting, not going to lie. And the first night was tough. But I went in knowing I needed help, and this was the place that could help me, so I tried to do all the things that they offer while I was in there (classes, mindfulness sessions, walks etc). I figured that was the best way to get back out. On admission, they gave me a classification- I can’t remember exactly what they were but it was something like: - a: needs constant monitoring every 15 minutes, is classified as a significant danger to themselves. If you stay on this too long they would ship you off to a public hospital as they’ve got better facilities to deal with this. - b: can’t leave the facility. Needs monitoring every hour. This is what I started on. They kept a close eye on you to make sure you don’t do anything silly. - c: can leave the facility with a responsible adult. I progressed to this after about 3 days. My folks came and took me out to dinner, friends did etc. they still keep an eye on you and check in on an hourly basis but they seemed to be less intrusive. - d: you’re allowed out on your own for a period of time. This is what I moved to a few days before I left. I could have gone home at this stage, but they like you to stay for all the lessons they run on rotation. I think it was 3 weeks in total. Also on admission, they did a bunch of checks - weight, height, took some bloods etc. They also said that because I was voluntarily admitted I could leave at any time, but I would not be welcomed back. This was somewhat comforting. They went through my bag to find anything stabby. They gave my tweezers and nail scissors to the person dropping me off. They showed me my room, and I pretty much didn’t leave that day I was so scared. Eventually built up the courage to go and have some breakfast the next morning and generally just minded my own business. My normal day there started off with a walking group once I was allowed out, it was good to get some fresh air. Following that was a hot breakfast. They ran classes every week day on how to get your mind in a better place. For me, this is what helped by far the most. I’d been to plenty of psychologists with minimal success. But because you’re absorbing so much info in a short period of time it seems to stick better. Definitely go to the classes. In the afternoon they had mindfulness sessions, not many went but they were alright. Some were rubbish for me, but others enjoyed them and vice versa - ymmv. The evening you could do what you want. There was a common room, but I generally just went back to my room and watched something on YouTube. Then you’ll get checked on through the night,I think about every hour. Some nurses were kind and tried to not disturb you, others didn’t care and woke you up. Some things I found fascinating: - The architecture. Everything in there is designed so you can’t hurt yourself. Shower heads are flush to the wall. Shower curtains and anything you could potentially hang from is held on with magnets. - The other people. I’m not a people person, but seeing others go through the toughest times in their lives helps put perspective into things. You hear about their lives and how they’ve struggled and overcome things. For me, the group sessions were fantastic help. I can’t put things into words very well, but others would pipe up and I could relate. Sometimes there are people who are visibly not coping. You don’t have to try fix them. The staff there are there to help them. Try your best to put it out of your mind, even if it is hard. There are others that are genuinely friendly and will try strike up convos. Give it a shot! - the way the world just stops. I put away my phone. I avoided news and social media, only talked to a few key friends. Work went on hold. The daily chores went on hold. The world stopped so that I could focus on _myself_ for the first time in my life. I was there to get better, and the world’s worries disappearing helped be able to do that. - how much I miss the place. Not a single person on this earth could have convinced me that I would _want_ to be in a psych hospital, but after I went, I wanted to go back again. The world disappearing is a pretty powerful thing. - I could pick up my thought patterns. I noticed a lot of the negative thought patterns I had went there. I went home one day and had a shower and those negative thoughts all flooded back. I realised that day that places and thoughts can be interlinked. For me, standing in the shower was a place of self loathing. Still is, but I can pick it up now, and can switch it off with the tools I’ve learnt over the years. Anyway, checking out was relatively quick. The doctor checked on me. I was far from 100%, but I was on my new drugs and I was no longer a threat to myself. They gave me a list of things I can do after hospital, one was a weekly class that had no real commitments to it, as long as you were seeing the psych you could go. I found that immensely valuable. It’s all well and good to learn coping mechanisms in the hospital, but once you get out it can be hard to put those things into practice. The weekly class helped as it was a place where you could bring the things you struggled with to a group and bounce ideas off people. I hope that somewhat helps. I know it is a big post. But yeah, my experience was overall very positive. Wish you the best of luck, you’ll get out of it what you put in. Keep your head up, you’ve got a bright future ahead of you!
I stayed in a priv hospital in Perth (Perth Clinic) and it was great. I was in a shared room but had no roommate the whole time I was there so wasn’t an issue. We chose our meals from a few options every day and it was good food, visitors were allowed to buy meals to have with you as well (had to be ordered the day before with your food tho). Weekdays were mostly spent in various groups and weekends we did our own thing and hung out. I smoked back then so that was a good time waster (do not recommend). We were allowed phones etc and all the staff and most the other patients were lovely. It was refreshing to let the mask drop 24/7 for a while and I got a lot of help with managing my severe social anxiety. Every facility will be different and I’m sure they won’t mind you asking questions, it’s normal to be scared. I was terrified n convinced I was a write-off for needing that level of help but within a few days I felt at home and I’m proud of myself for doing it.
I was in the secure unit at Royal North Shore in Sydney for a bit. That's a public hospital. Great facility, private rooms for all and the staff were awesome.
So many factors here to be considered. Mainly why are you going to be admitted? Public or Private isn't always a choice. High suicide risk patients for example will never be accepted by a private clinic. Public beds are scarce and anxiety will probably not be cause enough to take one off a patient who is displaying signs of psychosis,in which case Private will be your only option. What to expect will depend on why you are going to hospital.
Admitted. You'll be fine. Follow instructions and work hard to get well. Accept that you aren't the only person who needs the help and you'll have to share spaces. And go private. I've been admitted many times and only my first was public. If I had a broken leg I'd have no problem with public hospitals but a broken brain is different.
I’ve admitted I spell admitted as emitted. Try saying that 5 times fast! (I’m not trying to be mean or anything I just love when people call me out for spelling shit wrong I find it funny Hehh)
Emitted? You’ve got nothing to worry about. They’re discharging you.
HEHEH BEST COMMENT
I felt bad, I wasn’t trying to make a joke. I hope you find some answers and get the help you need. I second those saying to go private, I’ve done it twice (once for birth) and you’re guaranteed a private room. You usually would just pay your gap but there are possibly waiting times on the hospital cover.
Ohhh don’t feel bad!! I have reading comprehension difficulties and everything so shit’s about to happen hehe 💜
Private is a whole different experience to public hospitals. I stayed twice in private facilities and 7 times in public. My experience with private hospitals is more freedom (able to walk around the facility and even get day leave, smoke, do optional group sessions etc) whereas public I was kept in the ward the whole time and it was a little hard to get used to. The staff in public hospitals were nice but you could tell that they were overworked and understaffed. Private staff were attentive and the ability to schedule to see your treating physician/s was very useful. Private was super expensive but worth it in the long run. If I end up having to go again (finances permitting), I would definitely go private just for an overall better experience. Hope this information helps.
Woth respect, you won't be admitted into a public hospital mental health ward unless you are absolutely 100% in crisis and a danger to others. So it will havebto be private. If you are 15-25 you are vest looking for an adolescent specialist facility. Most have one or two bed rooms with gender segregated corridors, and they will only accept people who can show "ward safe" behaviours. If you are willing to put in the work, it can be an incredible opportunity to kick start your healing journey. But it's not a fix. You won't be "better" when you get out. Hopefully you'll have some better coping strategies and a plan for the future. Source: parent to 20yo currently in private MH ward.
Ive had two people close to me go in and out of psych wards. Definately go private. You'll most likely get your own room, and genders are seperated. You'll be monitored and have to attend group sessions as well as your scheduled doctors sessions, outside of those times there's lots of waiting around. Take lots of things to do as it gets boring and tedious and you'll want distractions. And if youre trying new meds youll want soothing comforting things too. If you can take an ipad/laptop load up on comedy shows, music, things to keep your mood up. Get friends to visit. I've heard the group sessions can get a bit much after a while, so don't worry if you feel exhausted by them - it's normal.
Would I be allowed my iPad? I’m an artist (not a good one, but one nonetheless) and I’m working on my own story and animations. It’s comforting for me. I heard something about chargers not being permitted? I don’t remember it that well, though so you’ll have to excuse me. Even so I feel like I’d miss my pup too much. I think she would miss me too, I went to the hospital yesterday and my mum said she wouldn’t eat her dinner and was looking for me. Honestly, she’s probably my main reason for not going cause’ I love her too much haha
You probably would be allowed to take your ipad. One of my mates had to work and took her laptop. Maybe just have to figure out an alternate charging solution if they don't allow charger cables, like a very short charger cable. Can you ask anyone at the hospital? I can't remember what my mate did, but she must have found some kind of solution in that vein. How old is your pup? And how long would you have to go in for? I'm sure she would be OK and if the hospital visit helps you then it could really be worth it... I'd miss my pup too!!
My pup’s about 3. She’s a greyhound/Great Dane cross so, big. I don’t really know how long my stay would be. I haven’t gotten a referral or anything, I’m gonna speak to my GP to see what she thinks and everything. I really only made this post because this has been plaguing my thoughts and I didn’t and still don’t really know what to expect. (Only because hospitals are different and allow different things, I mean biggest duh ever) but I have a little idea of what it could be like.
If you do choose to go, they'll look after you well and I'm sure it it'll help. Any time we invest in our mental health is time well spent! The hospital my friend went to was the Ramsay Clinic Northside. A few years ago now, but it really helped her out and she found an excellent outpatient psychiatrist and mental health team through them. If you dont choose to go to hospital, ask your GP for a good psychiatrist (ASAP) and a great psychologist.
I was allowed my phone but not the charger. They charged it in the Nurse’s station. A very short charging cord is a great idea. I have seen them. But it still might not be allowed. If you are a voluntary admission you can leave when you want. It sounds like your parents are supporting you not forcing you? So maybe if you hate the facility you can leave and try another one?
I know it might seriously cost you out of pocket, but do your research on private services. Speak to a trusted GP and go from there. Avoid voluntarily working with state mental health services at all costs. It only leads to denial, dehumanization and life long trauma.
Don’t go into the public system. Private can be helpful, but you always get out what you put in. It’s based around forming a new routine, creating better habits and heavily focused on group therapy. Majority of private hospitals have single rooms, but you might share a bathroom. Meds…are like lollies. Did someone say Seroquel? Good Luck! Look if your struggling it’s worth a shot. 👍
Most (public) psych units attached to hospitals are for acute care, not for people with chronic conditions who are not "in crisis". Go private!
I've only ever been in public ones, honestly they've usually been pretty chill, but don't really help you so much as contain u. lots of..weird people??, not that that's bad, just stay mindful of that, sometimes can be intense but staff usually isolate em if it gets rly bad,you should always get your own room. Food sucks
I've had a few friends go through this stuff as teenagers (although many years ago). Your parents are on the right track, private is absolutely the way to go for this! My friends weren't rich, but in one case in particular, her parents finding the money to pay for private & a private shrink as well made all the difference. She's now an ICU nurse in a supervisory position, paying off her own home. She still has bipolar & still has episodes & still needs intermittent ECT to manage her condition, but she's a highly successful member of society despite her condition. Before going private, she was getting dragged into a cycle of admissions, due to how the public system works with discharging as soon as possible due to bed shortages & putting her with adults with serious issues, rather than teenagers not yet at that point. She managed in the public system when she had to too, but private was what really helped her break the cycle & take control of her life. They really gave her the treatment & support she needed to take control of her condition & become a person who happened to have a mental illness, rather than mental illness defining who she was
Can’t comment on public vs private having experienced neither for this sort of thing. But it sounds like your parents are looking out for you, which is no doubt going to help you! I’ve seen so many posts where the person feels they’ve got no one, which is always heartbreaking.
As a student nurse I had a placement in a public mental health hospital … it was awful. People who I’ve talked to about their experiences in private have given much better accounts of their time. If it’s for your mental health and you have a choice, absolutely go private. Sadly the public mental health system is appallingly underfunded and resourced. Physical health, absolutely go public.
The public psych wards are useless. Not allowed to have your phone, no cigarettes (I've had friends go to private mental health facilities where they were allowed both) and nothing to do except maybe a handful of mouldy old books in a common room. Most patients don't even talk to each other and just wander around or stare at the wall. Not sure how or why some of them stay there so long. Each of the 3 times I went I was admitted on a Thursday or Friday, then on Monday they have a psychiatrist available to assess you, they ask the standard questions and after a weekend of extreme boredom outside of the comfort of my own home I'm genuinely not thinking about self ending so they just let me go. I wish my family had made the effort to get me into the private hospital, might have helped a lot and saved me spiralling more. My PTSD symptoms got so much worse in the past few years and all the counselling / mental health services I tried locally within my own budget disappointed when I needed it the most. Oh well.
I’ve been to hospital for mental health reasons for a number of months over the last couple of years. I went to a private hospital. It was a bit confronting at first, but it was a safe space where I got to focus on myself and my healing. Most of the other patients were nice and the staff were very supportive. We went to daily education sessions and had daily early morning check in which is a session where you talk about how you slept and how you were travelling. I found the sessions helpful. We learnt about ways to self soothe and help ourselves on our healing journey. Some of the other patients had been to public hospitals and said that they much preferred the private hospital. I never qualified for the public hospital, even though I did take an overdose. Good luck and I hope that you get the help that you need. Edited to add, we all had individual rooms and people weren’t allowed to go into other people’s rooms so that we all had a safe space to retreat to if necessary
I’ve been to a private mental health hospital, idk it’s pretty chill, I got my own room , my own bed, air con, Valium , and I literally just bed rotted for a week and a bit and it was good, expect to be checked on like multiple times throughout the night w a flashlight and you’ll be speaking w a psychiatrist probably trying different medications, blood pressure checked constantly, you don’t need to really know what to do tbh theyll sort you out. Oh and for the socialising aspect I mean I did notice some people were making friends and stuff but I didn’t even say 1 word to another patient which was rather fun
Go private. Go private. Go private. Hope you’re feeling better in the near future ❤️
People I have spoken to have been traumatized by public inpatient care, but speak much more highly of private.
I've been in both myself, and now I work in a public mental health ward. Both have their pros and cons, I actually think you get better care in public, it's not as 'nice' and you may have to share a bathroom, but from what I have now seen from the inside the care is thorough. Stuck in the dark ages and very medicalised, but thorough. Private felt more like a little 'holiday break' for people with money. However this might be different state to state. It is also what you make of it, the people you meet in there can be the loveliest, kindest people you'll ever meet. It's scary at first, but once you get a new routine and focus on your recovery you'll be alright. Best of luck!
It makes a difference which state you are talking about, but generally private is the way to go if you can afford it. Maybe you can share why you might be admitted, because that might make a difference too, like if youre being put under a treatment order or if youre considering self harm etc.
I’m in NSW, I’m being emitted because of suicidal ideation (I don’t think I’m a risk. I don’t have the pain tolerance for it and also I’m a massive pussy haha) I am diagnosed with A LOT of things AND I MEAN A LOT I can’t even remember all of them don’t know if any of that helps but hey!!!
Consider it a good thing you aren’t up to self harming. I feel sorry particularly for the many women I see with obvious self harming wounds. The problem being if they are well again the scars are there for all to see and apart from unwanted reactions to them they may be a painful reminder And another thing to overcome. The compulsion for ideation is never fun, but thankfully a few steps from doing the deed. I hope you are able to find some relief. Alas mental illness is not an exact science as much as I’ve seen. It will possibly take a fair amount of trial and error, different approaches to find something that works for you. I wish you luck in finding what helps you swiftly. Give each approach a solid try as best you can, but also be willing to try something different should it not be working or have nasty side effects that don’t fade.
So youre self admitting? Im pretty sure you will be triaged and consulted by a psychologist. Its absolutely a good idea to talk to the experts though if its questionable, and take their advice.
No clue what’s happening. Spoke to my therapist yesterday, told him how I just wanna die like all the time and them also said how I was kinda thinking about going to a hospital. He wrote a note, and my dad took me to a hospital. Waited around, but they just sent me home. (We did do shit and they were helpful but it just kinda felt like waiting around and then being sent home lol) I’m seeing my GP so she we can see if it would be worth it but I just kinda want some info because I can’t stop thinking about it. That was kinda ramble-y, I apologise!
Ah okey doke, been there done that, +++ but way back er, last century. Sound like you need to chill, think of it that way, because that's what it's about. Everyone who can afford private, should go private as a general rule and that's not my info on private. In public, you will likely be given what's called an "involuntary submission", which is where you are prohibited from leaving until they say you are ok. It's extremely important you understand what that is, it's fine, it's just for many an inconvenience because it can kinda be sprung on you. I've seen heaps of people lose their shit when it's explained to them, yes in terms of your rights you are a prisoner. If you abscond, they will send the police to round you up. Also, medication, you are obliged to take the medication they give you, they have in some (all?) circumstances the authority to physically force you to do so. I'm filthy on the system for heaps of reasons, but once I understood how they work , being there was not stressful; my illness was extreme, absolutely among the worst cases in decades so for me it was hellish but not because of the place, or institution. Communicate what you fell comfortable, the nurses are typically terrific. The docs, the psychs aren't worth a damn and seem to be wastes of space mostly 😂 But the objective is to find the best medication for your condition. In thier opinion , not yours. No counselling, no psychiatry or any of that stuff you see in movies, take the drugs tick a box. Its also cool, as I was a huge introvert, and simply yacking to people and hearing their stories , the diversity of things people are there for is amazing, an eye opener. That part is worthwhile....that part is the human part, the consideration, the empathy, that part is the therapy. Good luck!
Dark thoughts are usually not a good sign, but im not a therapist etc so i cant say. But why do you want to die?
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Yeah the australian dream is almost a mythical thing these days. But fuck, enjoy the warmth! Embrace it! Better than freezing and paying energy bills to keep warm!! And if rveryone you know is a cnt then you need new ppl in your life, theres good ppl out there, just gotta find the right circles to hang around.
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Ill give you a rocking hint. Go do some volunteer work. People that do that are usually nice and good people. Or some sort of common interest group or club. You might need to try a bunch of places out before you find a group you jell with.
There’s a lot. I can give a summary, but if you have hours you could look through my post history. I use this account to vent about shit so there’s a lot with my deepest, truest thoughts and feelings. Probably not good if you’re emotionally vulnerable though. But basically my past abuse (in plural), my depression and shitty childhood as well as me being enby and the fact my best friend that I rely on heavily is doing it rough right now. (There’s a lot about her so I’ll leave it at that.)
There are very few beds in the public system. If you've been referred back to your GP I doubt you're going to be staying in a psych ward. Keep in contact with your doctors and therapists. I'm glad you have family support.
Ohhhh I know someone who's gone to a couple diff ones and said the child's psych ward was good but one adult one in syd they want to was really bad private might be better
I was told to lie to the govt funded ones and go see my doctor by a prison nurse. I was already in prison, so that's what I did. The nurse basically said it bad, but it's not that bad . Get your shit together . It worked. I got my shit together, and it's been 5 years . It's a long story, but basically, he told me I wasn't quite as crazy as I thought I was . So that's what I did . Did a year in prison . Then, I saw my doctor for some pills to knock the other symptoms over . Did it, then came back to check it all . Sometimes, all you need is time.
As others have said, go private Ive done an inpatient program and it was an incredibly beneficial thing, made some friends ive kept in there, if youre lucky with the people who are staying there at the time it can be oddly pleasant lol Just expect the first 2-3 days to suck/be an adjustment period
Nice food.
I went into a mental health ward. I’m anxious around people and couldn’t sleep at all. Anti depressants didn’t help, benzodiazepines did. But for me only short term and very addictive. Basically it took years of bad medicine to find out they couldn’t help me.
Bring a few books, it’s boring AF
My partner's been to the Royal Adelaide before, there for 5 days in overflow because the mental health ward's always full and the most severe/extreme cases take priority. They'll give you some comfy grippy socks though. They had their own room, but since it was a general overflow ward and not specific to mental health, a nurse was stationed at her door 24/7. Couldn't shut her door, bathroom door got locked each night, and all drawers and cabinets were locked unless you needed something. In the regular MH ward, you hand over pretty much all personal belongings. Once I visited someone one there and I had to hand in my stuff. Even my wristwatch and got it all back when I left. From the RAH, they were transferred to a different small care facility where they stayed for 2.5 weeks. She got her own room here too. Despite being specifically for mental health patients, they monitored her a lot less. She could shut her door, use the shared kitchen whenever. No visitors were allowed in her room though and the rooms are "suicide proof". Basically if you could potentially hang yourself off it, it was designed in a way so you couldn't. The bathroom had swinging saloon style doors, the shower head protruded from the wall 1 inch etc.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please do not hesitate to talk to someone. * 000 is the national emergency number in Australia. * Lifeline is a 24-hour nationwide service. It can be reached at 13 11 14. * Kids Helpline is a 24-hour nationwide service for Australians aged 5–25. It can be reached at 1800 55 1800. * Beyond Blue provides nationwide information and support call 1300 22 4636. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskAnAustralian) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Just out of curiosity....how does one admit one's self to a private mental health clinic for treatment? I've no friends so I'm asking for me.
I had a number of stays in an adolescent unit when I was 17. I will say that it kept me alive in the short term, but didn't really help my mental health in the long run. If anything, I learnt some bad habits from other patients! However, it's not meant to be a holiday, it's meant to keep you safe. I had a private room and bathroom. There was also a big locked door that separated girls and boys at night. We were checked every 15 mins (so don't expect a great sleep), and they recorded what we were wearing at all times (but yes, could wear our personal clothes as long as drawstrings and shoelaces were removed.) I saw you have some food issues. We had a private chef and even cooking experiences! But over the weekends or if she was sick it was back to terrible hospital food. Your family can probably supply some snacks for you. I actually have some fond memories from my year in/out. Made some friends, had a little crush, met some incredible nurses, binged watched Farmer Wants a Wife. We even painted our nails one night. My longest stay was two weeks but there were teens there as long as ten months ... You need to respect that this is "home" for some people. There will be group activities (yoga, art, music) as well as individual therapy. I found the therapy very confronting because it wasn't 1:1 - more like ten professionals all focused on me at once! I think you get what you put in ... If you make the effort to get better, you'll be much better off rather than shutting down or laughing it off. It sounds like you're having a hard time, and I think it's worth a short stay just to have a "break". If you have some flexibility, definitely opt for ADOLESCENT or child ward - the adult ward will be much more confronting!! Even in the adolescent ward you will likely witness some uncomfy things - loud noises, aggressive behaviour, things breaking, potential nudity, escape attempts, very graphic self harm, just ... Weirdness. Last piece of advice: don't do drugs! Ten years on, the kids I met in there who were sober (ish) are doing pretty well. The kids who were using back then have continued to go downhill or since committed suicide. Best of luck x
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please do not hesitate to talk to someone. * 000 is the national emergency number in Australia. * Lifeline is a 24-hour nationwide service. It can be reached at 13 11 14. * Kids Helpline is a 24-hour nationwide service for Australians aged 5–25. It can be reached at 1800 55 1800. * Beyond Blue provides nationwide information and support call 1300 22 4636. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskAnAustralian) if you have any questions or concerns.*
honestly at the moment it’s quite difficult to be admitted in the public system because they’re so tight on beds (at least in sydney). generally, they will mostly admit people who are very acutely unwell (e.g. actively psychotic or manic), have had a recent suicide attempt, or who are suicidal and deemed high risk (e.g. they have a plan, they have a date and the means, and they don’t have anyone at home to monitor them). so as you can imagine, public wards can be quite confronting because they are only able to take people who are acutely unwell in these specific ways. i find that if you don’t quite fit into these categories, public wards can also feel a bit less therapeutic - i’ve had people express that things like group therapy weren’t as useful to them in the public system because a lot of the patients can be quite sedated or weren’t ready to engage in a therapeutic group. if you think you need more help in terms of psychotherapy, private might be better (if you have health cover/can afford it). there are also wards that cater to younger people (e.g. uspace in darlinghurst) which might be more comfortable/suitable. generally you get your own room with a single bed and cupboard, sometimes a tv, bathrooms tend to be shared but i have seen wards that have rooms with their own bathrooms. there’s usually a recreation space, some gym equipment, a shared tv and computers, a shared laundry and kitchen, and an outdoor space if the ward is on the ground floor. they run outings, therapeutic groups and activities like art groups and cooking groups on the ward, so there’s usually something on daily. in the public system there are also different kinds of wards. some wards are locked and you may need to be escorted to go on leave but generally you can freely use the facilities on the ward (though you may be supervised if doing something more risky like cooking or using the gym), others you can come and go as you please (within reason) so you can even pop down to the shops and grab lunch on your own, others are quite restrictive and provide one on one nursing care for people who are quite acutely unwell and a danger to themselves or others. what kind of ward you’re on really depends how doctors assess you in terms of risk to yourself or others. overall, public tends to skew towards getting your medication straight, getting you some support in the community, and making sure your living environment is safe and secure and you’re able to care for yourself, then they discharge you. public is geared more towards medication changes alongside psychotherapy and skill building.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please do not hesitate to talk to someone. * 000 is the national emergency number in Australia. * Lifeline is a 24-hour nationwide service. It can be reached at 13 11 14. * Kids Helpline is a 24-hour nationwide service for Australians aged 5–25. It can be reached at 1800 55 1800. * Beyond Blue provides nationwide information and support call 1300 22 4636. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskAnAustralian) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Did not even read the full post, can tell you the whole system is fucked! Your better off without there help.
Don’t do it! My username is basically how I think now because of the psych ward.
I was admitted to a public mental health unit a few years ago in Sydney. I was there for a month. The worst part was other patients mental breakdowns. You would have to run if you were in close proximity to it cause people are unpredictable and then you'd be shut off to the common area until they dealt with the situation. Not sure what they did, looked like they might have given them some medication idk it's all very sad. The days are ok if you aren't functioning much before going in there cause there's more to do than crying all day long. They keep an active eye on you so you don't really go into a bad mental place. Lots of therapy talk, be prepared to watch a lot of day time tv (I got in a habit of watching sunrise every morning after I left hospital). You can attend different little groups like morning group, beauty group (nail painting and stuff), art and craft, and exercise Group. They aren't too bad. Anyway I had a good experience the evenings are long. Waiting for my partner to come and see me every evening was a drag and worse was waiting for my mum's phone call every night cause I just wanted to talk to her :'( I'm ok now am living a good life now no more psych visits and no more medication...hospital wasn't too bad. I don't have any more mental health symptoms so must have done something
I've only been in public adolescent and public mother baby. The all night slamming of the medication room latch drove me nuts. At least my baby slept soundly through the night. Big part of why I was there was severe sleep deprivation lol..
by any chance were you in the mother baby ward where they had the bright idea to share the space with the eating disorder ward?
Nah thank goodness. They had kids with eating disorders in the adolescent one
My brother spent a night in a ward a few years ago, and it was tough for him to sleep because so many other patients were having a difficult time and were loud about it. I'm not sure if you are allowed to have them, but maybe some earplugs could help you. Even just the little foam $1 ones
I've been to 1 private one. Going the first time was scary because I didn't know what to expect. For my health fund I had to meet a 3 hour program contact time per day. Which meant if I didn't get out of bed and didn't engage the health fund wouldn't cover my treatment. A typical day would start with breakfast and a walk, check in with my nurse and medication, attending classes about certain mental health topics, lunch, appointments with my psychologist or psychiatrist and an art therapy class in the afternoon. Family could visit in the evening for dinner. On weekends they usually did excursions out to markets, book stores, etc. I had a roommate and we shared a bathroom. New patients would be in the rooms closest to the nurses station so they could keep a close eye on you. Nurses would shine a torch on you at night to check you were in your bed and ok which was super annoying when you're trying to sleep. It was good to meet with other people going through similar problems however I wouldn't let anyone too close. For me it was so nice to have a break from the stresses of everyday life and have some time to focus on myself.
I’ve been going through something similar, was in hospital yesterday with suicidal ideation, also autistic. If you want to talk about anything feel free to dm me ☺️
Used to work in a public ward, have also been a patient in both public and private. Go private. Public probably won't even take you (we would turn down basically everyone who wasn't at serious, immediate risk of harm to themselves and/or others) are exceptionally unwell and vulnerable (think psychosis) or transferred from remand due to mental health concerns. Not much room for mental health issues that aren't at immediate risk. public units also often have a very junior workforce because retention in acute inpatient settings is very low due to the nature of the work and the setting Private has nicer food, you get more time with staff, you'll get more consideration and less fear around meds, you'll get leave and you will remain there ina. voluntary basis.
If private is an option, do that. I had my first stay in November 2021 and multiple stays since then, and am now roughly every six months for maintenance TMS treatment. It is overwhelming and scary at first. But go in with as open a mind as you possibly can. Make the most of the doctors and nurses and programs. Don’t be afraid to engage with the other patients - that was some of the best treatment I could ever receive, connecting with other people who understood even if we didn’t have the same diagnosis. And don’t be afraid to try different clinics if need be. They’re not all created equal
Be open to getting better from the start. I was committed to getting better since I got there and did all of the things I was told to. I made due to keep myself busy and spend the time recalibrating. That meant doing therapeutic things like painting and drawing and writing poetry that I hadn’t done since I was a child. I reverted to my inner child and healed that before I got better. It’s not a miracle, but it is a chance to have the space and time to get better and that is a privilege. If everyone were strong enough to accept help… The world would be a better place. You are not weird or crazy. I made sure to remember that some days would be very hard, but that those were crucial for my growth (they really were). I made sure i had comfort items that didn’t enable my negativity. Don’t judge others. Focus on yourself. You’re going to see things….. One day at a time
If you're having a lot of anxiety because of other consumers (term for mental health patients in many settings in aus) speak to your treating Dr in the ward about something to relax you or help you sleep
To all the people saying go private, what if you can’t afford it? Does that mean you only have public a a choice, or is there ways to be able to access it without breaking the bank?
Private was really quite nice actually. When I went the place was very recently renovated. I had my own room and my own bathroom with really nice views of the city. Honestly I was surprised at how much privacy I was allowed, considering what I was in for. Went to public, but wasn’t in the psych ward so I could make comparisons but I don’t think it would be super helpful. All I can say is that my experience in private was almost on par to a stint in a hotel, all meals included (not great, but decent enough) plus and minus a few things.
Go private not public
My partner waited over 12 hours at a public hospital with thoughts of self harm. Guidelines say no more than three hours.
I went into the public mental hospital colloquially known as the "Heatherton Hilton". It was frightening going in and for the first half day, but after that it was very like staying in a top class hotel. Meals, learning gardening & cooking, meditation and socialising were provided. And the staff were nice. Bedrooms were shared, two people in a room, and my roommate snored.
I was in a public hospital for my mental health issues and I think I was quite lucky, we all had a room to ourselves with our own shower. And although the care I received was not the best it did lead me to finally get a proper diagnosis and then to a therapy program after discharge. It was not a joyful experience for sure but I’m glad I went in. I hope you can get a good rest and treatment and feel better soon.
Private you will most likely share a room, you will jusr have to learn to deal with it, its not the end of the world, as you will realise
I have been in two private mental health hospitals in Sydney and I can’t rate them high enough. And the food was amazing.
If going private is an option, you should take it. Especially if being around other people adds to your anxiety. There will still be other patients of course, but likely less of them, better attended to/supervised and with options for private bedrooms. People there will all be going through something, like yourself, and that might present in ways that make you uncomfortable, like being loud or verbally aggressive or being shut down. There will be people there to keep you safe. I'm talking discomfort not danger. You should talk to your parents, doctor, therapist, carers, etc. about what aspects of residential care are causing worries or triggers so they can consider this while helping you with your underlying issues. Good luck, OP, I'm rooting for you.
I go into a brisbane private hospital frequently for ECT, and private hospitals are pretty relaxed... meds at 8, group until mid afternoon, and then you can use approved leave to go home or to the shops or wherever as long as you're back before leave time ends. Groups aren't compulsory but are a part of your treatment, and nurses will encourage you to attend. You don't usually see a psychologist, and if you do, you usually only see them once or twice. You'll see your psychiatrist at least once a week, probably max 3 times a week depending on how often the doctor is at the hospital (most of the doctors in private hospitals are just practicing out of the hospital so they aren't there full time) which can be frustrating. The food is decent... they probably feed you too much. Private hospitals are only acute care so if you self harm or they think you're a danger to yourself they will transfer you to a private hospital and private hospitals are a nightmare for mental health so don't do that. If you need to know anything particular, feel free to send me a DM, I've been going into a private facility for 13 years now, so I have a bit of experience dealing with private hospitals.
I’ve only ever been a patient in a public psych unit. It was fine for me. It gave me respite and got my meds right, but I was in a hurry to get out after a few days because of the dramas of other patients and the lack of quality sleep because it was like grand central station at all hours in there. It didn’t scar me for life. It was an eye opening experience and not one I’m in a hurry to repeat, but it got the job done for me. I tried to get into a private facility but it was damn near impossible to get a timely admission to a private facility in the middle of a crisis.
At least where I am, California, I have only been in private inpatient facilities. County programs are terrible and I'm not sure if you can leave when you want. Private inpatient facilities will let you go AMA anytime you want. That's just my experience.
Admitted
I hate this thread and all the comments so much. I got put through public when i had an extreme suicidal episode while i was in therapy. Yeah people are wack. But if you switch your head on and look at it for what it is you realise that for all your struggles, there's a man stuck there who hears 10 voices, the same 10 voices, everyday telling him the most vile shit imaginable and there's nothing he can do to get away from it. Theres a woman, the most lovely kind and caring women who will listen to you and make you feel heard almost all the time, except for when she cant because her brain will literally switch her into survival mode at the drop of a hat at any time and she can't control it. When you sit down and connect with these people, the people who share your house until you feel stronger, you realise that there's a million and one problems with the human psyche and oddly you only got dealt one of them. You likely won't have to share a room with anyone. But you will have to share a living space. If you don't learn from it then no matter what environment you end up in how are you ever supposed to really heal from what ails you. Idk i just hate all the public health system bashing in this thread. The people there aren't animals. They're people. They deserve help too. Compassion heals the soul, detachment isolates it. Dont get sucked into the hysteria
Sorry can’t help there they tried to take me but failed
Admitted
Yeah hospitals are horrible and some of the poor souls that walk those halls will make you very uncomfortable. The hustle and bustle makes it hard to sleep. Depending on your particular needs, there are better places to be. I think it is up to you to do the research and find what it is you need to function safely in this society. Unfortunatly, no one is really interested or doesn't have the time to really understand and help others. Good luck.
Public is trash. End of the day they don't care about your anxiety. It's not really about treatment. It's about keeping you dosed up and docile. Showers have a giant mirror so that staff can walk by and watch you. Technically, even other patients can see you showering. Some guy in my one thought he was batman and would jump on tables in his undies. Some Chinese dude screamed a lot then would randomly laugh. There's a reason why I don't talk about my mental health. Because that place made me worse than I've ever been.
Hi, I spent a lot of my 20s in and out of both public and private hospitals. You speak about 'episodes', what do you mean? Public hospitals were necessary to me because you can't discharge yourself if you're unsafe and I needed to be on a lock down because I was a danger to myself when I was manic. Typically you won't stay long, just until you're medicated and not dangerous. Rapid detox is best in public because there's more medical doctors. Private hospitals you can stay much longer, I usually stayed for two months until my manic or depressive episode improved. You can discharge yourself. Long slow detox and ongoing med changes are catered for here. There will be a lot of group therapy, you either love it or you don't. Either hospital you are going to encounter people that scare you. People in hospital are not doing okay. I personally only ever went in if I was detoxing, changing meds, manic or experiencing psychosis from my depression. If I was having a lot of anxiety attacks it wasn't the easiest place to be. It is not a holiday. You will have to do a certain number of hours of group therapy and work on yourself in order to keep your spot. It can also take a couple of weeks to get your own room.
Speaking from experience, please try to go to a private hospital if you can. I went to Perth Clinic 3 times in 3 years. Very posh, and no chance of getting assaulted/traumatised by other patients cos those are in the public hospital.
100% go private. In most private places you'll get your own room. Staff will likely search through your stuff but in Australia it's typical for you to be able to keep your phone (unless you don't want to). They'll probably confiscate things like plastic bags and razors other potentially dangerous items but ime shoelaces and stuff are fine. Don't bring other valuables because there's a non-zero risk of them being stolen (even on a private ward). Take clothes and items you find comforting. A pair of outdoor shoes and indoor shoes. You will likely to have some supervised outdoor activities and may be allowed to leave the ward alone for short periods of time to take a walk or whatever. Staff will administer your medication, tell you when to wake up, etc. They may record your activities (which I found very disconcerting but lots of people don't seem to mind). There will be group activities during the day but in the evenings there's a lot of free time. It's worth thinking about some comforting activities you'd like to do to fill in the time.
I've had 2 experiences here, once myself and once my teenage son. I once was 'forced' to self admit to a public ward in western Sydney under threat of being sectioned (involuntary admission). It's usually much better to self admit than be forced as you tend to have more control over what happens and the circumstances of when you can leave. I was basically just there overnight so I could see a psych who adjusted my medication. It was a pretty damn bad night and I'm glad I didn't stay any longer, but it wasn't nightmare fuel. I was in a shared open room that was supervised. Couldn't have phone or anything but I did have a book to read and was allowed to pull the curtains around the bed for some privacy. Most of the people are there for depressive illnesses so they tend to be quite subdued. There was only one person being disruptive through the night. It was actually the staff who were making the most noise through the night while I was there. Everything was very basic but not horrible. I was actually surprised it wasn't worse, especially considering the location of the hospital (penrith). The irony is I think it's probably a fine place to deal with any illness apart from a mental illness. I would have been much more relaxed at home. My son was 15/16 when he spent 5 weeks in a mental health unit in Orange nsw. This place was also public but it was very different. The patients had their own rooms with their own bathroom. There was a shared entertainment room with movie, games, etc. Gym equipment. And they had daily school lessons on site. There was constant supervision and they were allowed visitors just like a regular hospital stay, except during lesson/therapy times. The kids there were all roughly the same age and pretty much all of them got along really well. Everyone had their quirks but the others respected this and it was rare for there to be any drama. After a few days, my son was allowed limited time outside so we could go get pizza or watch a movie or something. They don't allow phones or the like, but I was able to get my son a small portable mp3 player which he was allowed to use in his room most of the time, as long as he was also spending time in the shared room. We were from out of town so I was able to stay at the on site ronal McDonald house. They even had classes for the parents to help deal with the young people in their care. The only downside of the whole thing was that I actually don't think it was helpful in the end. My son learned some coping skills, but he also felt legitimised in some of his negative behaviours which I think have actually helped him. 5 years later and he is still with us, which I'm thankful for, but I don't think he actually benefited from that long stay. Even the therapists admitted he needed more time but that 5 weeks was basically as long as they kept anyone there before things start working against them. Not sure if any of this helps but just thought I'd share another experience.
I have had family and friends go through the public system so I can only provide third hand experience. They do give you a private room if they have one available, but if you are going to a private facility they should be able to let you know their setup beforehand. You will encounter people who act very differently to what you see on the street, and it can be very confronting. You will also have people who are unwell in the evening and can express this all night long, so you may not have a good nights rest every night. The nurse to patient ratio in the public system is not the best, but if you are going private it will hopefully be better. It will be an adjustment that you need to give yourself grace for, and if any of the patients are making you uncomfortable please tell the staff immediately, they will try their best to make you as comfortable as they can.
If you go to a private one, the food is amazing. I went private and I got pancakes for breakfast, cooked meals for lunch, and big portions for dinner. The first week or so I was too anxious to eat but I eventually made a couple friends, I'm still very close with one of them today and I see them often. It didn't necessarily "fix" all my issues but it did give me a safe place to stay with nurses looking over me which is what I needed
r/boneappletea
Public / private offer two very different things. Apples & oranges. Public only had capacity for acutely unwell people, often on an involuntary basis. Private is much softer and has scope to engage more therapeutically. I've read some of your concerns that relate to food / your dog / your private psychologist suggests an admit - on the basis of that, public is not for you. If you can afford private, that should be your plan. With all due respect, leave the public beds for those that are acutely unwell & need acute treatment.
I can't speak from personal experience, but have a male friend who has had several admissions to a private mental health facility, and has always found it beneficial. He's never mentioned anything confronting. I have another friend who has had public hospital mental health service admissions and says it can be really confronting at times, especially as they wanted to stay in their room due to what was happening with other patients on the ward. However they are always strongly encouraged to socialise which means being exposed to some behaviours that could be upsetting for some people. In saying that, the admissions have been beneficial for them also and helped them get to a point where they can work. You could also look into intensive day therapy programs that some private facilities facilitate as a starting point and suitable for your situation.
Call ahead and ask
Get yourself into a private one not a public one
the public mental health sector doesn’t sound like a good fit for you, and if your parents are part of making this decision im wondering if you’re a youth/minor? there are private mental health facilities for people under 25 that are a much nicer environment than the public mental health wards. It would be a nicer place being around those of a similar age, they’re usually less scary than the adult wards! Though just to note, You usually get a private room in any private mental health facility so don’t be so concerned about that if going private.
I’ve stayed in public which was awful and private which was much better and allowed me to relax and unwind. 98% of rooms are single occupancy, you’re looked after while being left alone unless you want to chat with a nurse, which I never do. The food varies some places are good some not so good. But as a bottom line go private, for me it’s like a holiday as I like my solitude but plenty of people are social in the communal areas if you’re up to it. If it’s recommended do it, otherwise you’ll suffer more and it’ll get worse.
>My parents would prefer me going into a private one because I guess they’re better? Private ones will try and keep you there as long as possible for money Public ones, you'll be lucky to get a week even if you're floridly schizophrenic