Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Dealing with fellow patients
• Method 2 of 3: Participate in your treatment
• Method 3 of 3: Make the best use of your time
• Tips
• Warnings

It is not often that someone is admitted to a psychiatric institution or to the psychiatric ward of a hospital. Many people will only be kept under observation for 24 to 72 hours. In extreme cases, patients are admitted for a longer period. If someone poses a threat to himself or his environment, he can also be forcibly admitted. Some people choose hospitalization to undergo intensive treatment for problems that cause serious emotional problems. Whatever the reason for admission, it can be quite scary to spend time in a mental institution. In order to get used to your new situation as quickly as possible, you can carefully read the rules of the institution before your admission and make sure that you spend your time in the hospital as well as possible.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Dealing with fellow patients

1. Avoid conflict. People are admitted to psychiatric institutions for a variety of reasons. Some people are quick to get angry or violent. Try to avoid conflict, especially with people you don't know, to ensure your own safety. The hospital staff are trained to prevent violence. Always follow their advice and discuss any concerns with them.
   • If another patient challenges you and you cannot ignore him or her, it is best to ask an employee if you can be moved to a different part of the ward.
2. Make friends. This may not be important if you are only in hospital for a few days, but if you spend a few weeks or more in a mental institution, it will be a lot easier if you make the necessary friends. In some institutions you are allowed to call for a limited number of minutes and visits from outside people are also restricted. Friends in the hospital will make your time in the hospital a lot less lonely.Having friends can also speed up your healing process and improve your emotional state.
   • While it is generally good for making friends, a mental institution is not the best place to start a romance.
3. Set healthy boundaries and stick to them. Remember that everyone in the hospital has their reason for being in the hospital. Some patients will not respect certain limits. That makes it all the more important to set clear boundaries for yourself and stick to them.
   • Decide whether you want to lend your personal belongings or not. If you'd rather not do this, you can politely say no to someone asking to borrow something. Don't let others make you feel guilty for not wanting to lend something. You are the only one who knows what is best for you and what makes you feel most comfortable.
   • Do not accept abuse or inappropriate behavior from others. If someone is behaving in a way that you find annoying, you can politely ask them to stop. If this does not work, it is best to call in an employee.

Method 2 of 3: Participate in your treatment

1. Make sure you know what your treatment looks like and what your goals are. Knowing what to accomplish makes it easier to work toward a goal and focus on your recovery. Ask the doctors about the requirements for discharge from the hospital. In addition, regularly ask for feedback so that you know exactly what is going well and what you can still improve about yourself.
   • Know your diagnosis and understand the symptoms associated with this diagnosis.
   • Know your treatment goal and know what behavior is associated with this.
   • Know what treatment will be used to achieve your goals: individual psychotherapy, group sessions, family therapy and / or medication.
2. Participate actively in therapy sessions. Take advantage of all the options available in the field of therapy. You will likely have individual sessions, but make sure you also take advantage of the help provided in group sessions. Psychotherapy can improve your emotional state, make you more empathetic, and reduce anxiety.
   • Your active participation in the therapy can be seen as a sign that you consciously want to get better and cooperate well with the treatment, which can lead to an early discharge from the hospital.
3. Stick to the rules. There are often strict rules in a hospital. It is important to know and obey these rules. There will likely be rules about where and when to eat, where to spend your free time, what treatments to undergo, where and when to take your medication, when to use the phone, how to physically interact with people and where and when you can receive family. Failure to obey the rules could be construed as defiant behavior. This can be a reason to extend your treatment or to move to a different ward.
   • If you do not agree with the medications you should be taking, you can request a meeting with your doctor to discuss this. It is always better to discuss your medication use than to simply refuse to take your medication.

Method 3 of 3: Make the best use of your time

1. Exercise to improve both your physical and mental health. Use the time you don't spend with family and friends to get fitter. Exercise will make you feel better emotionally. In addition, exercise is a good way to distract yourself from being locked up in a hospital.
   • Some hospitals have a special outdoor area that you can use for sports. If there is no space available, you can ask an employee where you can best practice sports in the hospital.
2. Read some more. Reading novels can improve your mental health and also give you more empathy. If you learn to enjoy reading during your treatment, you will also have a hobby after your discharge.
   • Given the circumstances, it can be good to read self-help books. This can also put you in a better mood.
3. Learn a new skill or hobby. Some hospitals offer classes that you can participate in, such as art classes. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn something new or find a new hobby. Spending your time with something interesting will make your stay a lot more pleasant.
   • If the hospital does not offer classes or activities, you can ask if pencils, brushes or other art supplies are available so that you can get started in a creative way.

Tips

• Don't be afraid to ask for help if you feel unsafe.
• If you want to talk to someone, you can ask for an extra therapy session.
• Always try to accommodate hospital workers.
• Not all mental hospitals are the same. Some hospitals will be stricter than others.

Warnings

• Make sure you understand all the details of your treatment and consent to the treatment if necessary.
• Never try to escape from the hospital. This can lead to a re-evaluation and ensure that you will have to stay longer in the institution. Some insurance companies will no longer cover your treatment after an escape attempt.
• If you are concerned that you will harm yourself or someone else, it is best to tell a hospital worker right away.
• Always take the medications prescribed by your doctor. If you want to stop a medication, always do this in consultation with your doctor.