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Not Heidi

(1,443 posts)
Thu May 30, 2024, 03:37 PM May 2024

A friend I met last year in "the program" is now hospitalized

I hate it that that's become necessary. But she was honest with the program psychiatrist, and told him she'd been cutting.

I don't really know how to encourage her. I've been hospitalized myself, two months in 1986 and a week in 2019, and I remember precious little. This makes me mad. (I'm sure not knowing how to encourage her is due to having had ECT in April-August '23. It wiped out most of my memory.)

I probably can't take her anything, but I'm going to take her a Monster anyway, and maybe a Snickers.

Have you any advice for how to support my friend on my visit tonight? Thank you.

("The Program," or more frequently, just "Program," is at a mental hospital in Orange County, CA. It consists of four group sessions in about five hours [and lunch - hospital food. Yum.]. Patients are supported by a case manager (all certified psychologists, all of whom lead the groups) and a psychiatrist - and admin staff, who rarely get any glory. I attended last year from August to December. It was quite beneficial.)

If you have any ideas as to how I can support my friend on my visit tonight, I'd be very grateful. Thanks.

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
A friend I met last year in "the program" is now hospitalized (Original Post) Not Heidi May 2024 OP
No credentials in psychiatry here.. Permanut May 2024 #1
Yes, I agree. Not Heidi May 2024 #3
Be there in the moment, SARose May 2024 #2
I did what you suggest Not Heidi May 2024 #4
Be well SARose May 2024 #5
Just my two cents here... OldBaldy1701E Jun 2024 #6
Thank you, OldBaldy Not Heidi Jun 2024 #7
That should be plenty! OldBaldy1701E Jun 2024 #8

Permanut

(6,593 posts)
1. No credentials in psychiatry here..
Thu May 30, 2024, 03:41 PM
May 2024

Just my two cents. When I have been hospitalized, the best thing people could was just be there.

Not Heidi

(1,443 posts)
3. Yes, I agree.
Fri May 31, 2024, 12:17 AM
May 2024

That's what I did tonight. This hospital gives a generous hour - one whole hour - visiting time per day.

We had a good talk, until her roommate butted in.

But as you say, just being there is what she needs. If she doesn't get discharged tomorrow, I'll go back.

Thank you, Permanut.

SARose

(764 posts)
2. Be there in the moment,
Thu May 30, 2024, 03:41 PM
May 2024

listen , and tell her you love her.

My Mother had issues, too, and was hospitalized twice so I understand how difficult this is for you.

Also, be sure to care for yourself after your visit. Big ole Texas hug to you 🤗

Not Heidi

(1,443 posts)
4. I did what you suggest
Fri May 31, 2024, 12:24 AM
May 2024

in your first paragraph.

My mom had severe problems; I was just a kid, but I think she went in three times before she died, aged 33.

Sometimes hospitalization works, and sometimes it doesn't, obviously.

I'm sorry your mom had to experience it.

Thanks for the hug. Back atcha.

OldBaldy1701E

(6,178 posts)
6. Just my two cents here...
Sat Jun 1, 2024, 07:30 AM
Jun 2024

Research has shown that there are four things that are best avoided if one has mental health issues, especially anxiety and depression.

NO alcohol,
NO processed foods,
NO refined sugar, and especially...
NO caffeine.

I would suggest taking her caffeine and sugar may not be the wise idea here. But, I am no one so, take that as you will...

Not Heidi

(1,443 posts)
7. Thank you, OldBaldy
Sat Jun 1, 2024, 04:25 PM
Jun 2024

I appreciate your advice. I learned at that first visit but it's forbidden to bring in food, drink, cell phone, and a lot of other stuff.

All I can take to her is me. That's enough for her, she says.

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