Another Week in the Psych Ward

I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post. Unfortunately, I had to spend the last week in the psych (behavioral health) ward of my local hospital. For me, this is still embarrassing even after all of the various stays I've had. I can't get over the shame of having to admit that I'm not strong enough and I need professional help. Learning to admit that I need help before I attempt suicide has been an enormous step in my struggle with bipolar disorder and more specifically the depression that comes along with it. It's been a long strange trip just to get to that point.

The hospital I go to has a lot to offer including group therapy, individual therapy, an available social worker, and of course medication management. Sometimes dealing with the doctor over exactly what changes in your medications are needed can become a seemingly futile experience. Necessary, but aggravating at times. The group therapy sessions can be hard to deal with. However, it sometimes helps to hear from other people that are going through the same things you are.

 If you are thinking of harming yourself, harming others, believe you need a huge medication change, you are going through some sort of psychosis, or you need some other form of mental health help; please go get help before it's too late. Besides, the psych ward is a good place to get a much needed vacation. It is helpful to clear your head, start thinking more clearly, then get back out there and take on life’s challenges again.