Episode 29: Hear my tips on acute psych stabilization, as a former medical director and PTSD psychiatrist. If you need hospitalization for PTSD, don't hesitate. Meanwhile, adopt a healthy lifestyle so you can prevent such desperation if possible.

If you feel suicidal, homicidal or out of control, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-2738255.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

In this episode, I discuss some tips to help you think about the role of the psychiatric hospital and the benefits to it. For example, hospitalization for PTSD can speed up recovery time by weeks or months!
Ever heard of someone going in the hospital for a suicide attempt? Ever wonder what happens in there?
Top 5 List for Psychiatric Hospitalization Experience: Heads Up

* You will tell your story to multiple people during the process of admission. It may take 24 hours before you get to the expert if you go through and ER or call 911, but BE PATIENT.
* You will be searched so that you can enter a secured environment to make sure you - and everyone else there - don't have weapons or contraband. It's not personal, so try to leave emotion out of that part of the experience. Definitely, don't abuse the staff that are charged with ensuring your safety.
* Affirmations from peers and staff can make a tremendous difference in your life if you accept it at just the right time.
* They will check on you throughout the night, every 15 minutes. It's a US national standard to document where they visibly saw you every 15 minutes. This can keep you awake, though they are supposed to be there to protect you.
* Trauma bonding can occur so be careful. You can make lifelong friends with other patients, but it's generally not advised by the hospital staff. Your experience there, however, will likely end in hugs and heart-felt goodbyes with others that you made friends with. It happens every day.