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Not Heidi

(1,460 posts)
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 12:14 PM Feb 2024

What the hell happened?

Last Friday (Jan. 26) I was discharged from a partial hospitalization program. I'd been in it for five months. I was there primarily for depression, ADHD, and anxiety. I learned a great deal.

I'd posed the question of discharge to my case manager. He told me that the treatment team had come to the conclusion that it was time for me to go. I can't say I was elated, but I was glad.

This morning, on my fourth day after discharge, I awoke deeply depressed. I crapped out on my guitar lesson, and I'm going to have to force myself out of the house for PT and some medical tests.

Now, I've taken my morning meds, and I hope they'll give me a boost (especially the ADHD drug). I'm going to force myself to action today, and hope I'm able to sustain it.

I'd be grateful for your suggestions.

18 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
What the hell happened? (Original Post) Not Heidi Feb 2024 OP
Do you have an accountability buddy/person who can listen to you when you need it irisblue Feb 2024 #1
No. Not Heidi Feb 2024 #6
One foot in front of the other, and stay in the moment. 1WorldHope Feb 2024 #2
Wonderful words Not Heidi Feb 2024 #7
You are so welcome. 1WorldHope Feb 2024 #11
a suggestion drthais Feb 2024 #3
Excellent Not Heidi Feb 2024 #8
I like the idea of going out to lunch by yourself. Irish_Dem Feb 2024 #14
You should have been referred to an outpatient therapist who will follow up with you. Irish_Dem Feb 2024 #4
Ok... Not Heidi Feb 2024 #5
Yes this is proper clinical protocol. Irish_Dem Feb 2024 #9
I'll keep the appointment - Not Heidi Feb 2024 #12
Excellent. Irish_Dem Feb 2024 #13
I know what depression and anxiety are like scipan Feb 2024 #10
Hug XanaDUer2 Feb 2024 #15
Thank you, XD2 Not Heidi Feb 2024 #16
This message was self-deleted by its author Not Heidi Feb 2024 #17
Routine and sunlight. limbicnuminousity Feb 2024 #18

irisblue

(34,265 posts)
1. Do you have an accountability buddy/person who can listen to you when you need it
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 12:48 PM
Feb 2024

Or push you when you need to be pushed?
Sort of like a 12 Step Sponsor?

Not Heidi

(1,460 posts)
6. No.
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 03:03 PM
Feb 2024

That's a good idea.

I left the program with many friends and the phone numbers of the more stable ones.* We plan to keep in touch, part of which we've agreed will be checking up on each other.

Thank you, irisblue.

* Also, several unstable people gave me their numbers. Perhaps it sounds cruel, but I won't be calling them. I don't need the downers I'm sure to hear. (After five months, I know these folks.)

drthais

(872 posts)
3. a suggestion
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 12:55 PM
Feb 2024

just keep moving.
One step at a time.
move forward.

If there's anyone to visit, visit them or have them to the house.

Go out to lunch; yes, by yourself.
bring a newspaper or a book.

have a goal for the evening; reading, watching a specific tv show....

and smile at anyone you see

Not Heidi

(1,460 posts)
8. Excellent
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 03:10 PM
Feb 2024

Thank you, drthais. All of this is good advice. (I especially appreciate your advice to go out to lunch by myself; Mimi's French onion soup has been calling out to me.)

"Just keep moving" reminds me of a life motto I adopted after seeing "Finding Nemo:"

just keep swimming
just keep swimming
just keep swimming
what do we do
we swi-i-i-im
just keep swimming . . .

Irish_Dem

(57,543 posts)
14. I like the idea of going out to lunch by yourself.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 01:33 PM
Feb 2024

It is a way to get out of the house and also a nice treat.

I like to do this and people watch. Or read.

Stay in the moment, appreciate how you are being good to yourself.
The food, the restaurant, the wait staff, the other people in the restaurant.

If you are not up to a solo activity, a friend could join you.

Irish_Dem

(57,543 posts)
4. You should have been referred to an outpatient therapist who will follow up with you.
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 01:27 PM
Feb 2024

A PH program should not just discharge you without a safety net.
If they didn't do this, arrange to see an OP therapist.

Yes you cannot become a house mouse, you must get out and do your normal activities
and routine.

Not Heidi

(1,460 posts)
5. Ok...
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 02:56 PM
Feb 2024

Second paragraph: good advice. Thank you.

First para: I have a therapist. Due to insurance restrictions, I was not allowed to see her while in the program - known as "double dipping." We resume our regular schedule this Saturday. So - not to worry.

Thanks, Irish Dem.

Irish_Dem

(57,543 posts)
9. Yes this is proper clinical protocol.
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 03:26 PM
Feb 2024

You work with your clinical PH team while there.
You work with your OP therapist when out of PH.

Yes you cannot see your OP while in PH. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

It is important to keep your OP appointment on Saturday and tell the therapist how you are feeling.

Irish_Dem

(57,543 posts)
13. Excellent.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 01:26 PM
Feb 2024

You spent some time in PH and transitioning back to home is a big adjustment.
This is to be expected.

Stick to the home routine as set up by your treatment team.
Your OP therapist will help with the transition issues.

If there is a crisis hotline in your area you can call them if needed.

scipan

(2,636 posts)
10. I know what depression and anxiety are like
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 04:01 PM
Feb 2024

My advice is to do some little tiny thing, like make coffee or whatever. It often gets you a little dopamine rush and gets you off your ass.

Oh, and don't be too critical of yourself. You wouldn't do that to a good friend who asks you for advice, so why do it to yourself?

Response to XanaDUer2 (Reply #15)

limbicnuminousity

(1,409 posts)
18. Routine and sunlight.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 11:40 PM
Feb 2024

It may take some time for you to settle into a new routine even after a partial stay. Be patient but firm with yourself establishing a functional routine that's conducive to self-care. And take walks if you can! Even 30 minutes of sunlight can do wonders for your general sense of well-being.

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