Ask Lemmy

Assuming this is for commitment to a locked facility:

Bring some clothes without strings, shoes (again, no strings allowed so you might want to consider slides or slippers), no belts, no scarves. I recommend slides since they double as shower shoes. Valuables, electronics, anything considered a hazard to have on the unit will be confiscated. Includes dangly jewelry, large rings. And in general, consider that there are many patients up and about, some very sick and confused - don’t bring anything you’d be devastated if it got stolen or damaged. Don’t bring food/drinks, cigarettes, lighters, drugs -foodstuffs bc they can’t be verified or stored for hygienic reasons.

No smoking, but they’ll have nicorette gums or patches.

Small amounts of toiletries brought from home may be allowed at their discretion.

You might be allowed to use your smartphone for a short time under supervision (no smartphones for privacy reasons). There should be shared computer, phone, headphones use.

Since you won’t have your phone, DO have important phone numbers written on a piece of paper if you don’t have them memorized.

Expect a non-invasive skin check with a nurse during intake.

SIGN the information release form for family and friends you want involved in your care. Without your permission, they will be turned away.

Ask when the visiting hours are. You can have people bring you food and sometimes order food delivery (check with the staff).

If another patient is bothering you, maybe you’ve got a problematic roommate -let a staff know. They can maybe find a different arrangement.

Shower early or late. Higher chance of having the shared bathroom to yourself.

Stay on the normal sleep schedule and don’t stay up too late. First of all, they track how you’re sleeping. Second, it really sucks to sleep through your daily check-in with the psychiatrist (who basically controls how long you’re staying).

Staff are required to do frequent 24hr safety rounds on everyone, so this means at night too.

There should be recreational time outside to get some fresh air. Some group activities that are optional but encouraged to attend.

But yes, the days are boring! These places are geared for medications and getting you out of a crisis situation - not so much therapy. Recommend bringing reading/writing materials. Daily journaling is a nice idea. Remember no spiral bound because the spirals are sharp.