Ok, it was a mental health unit....which was the bit that freaked me out initially. I'm sure we all feel the sane that its everyone else that is wrong and not us. But after the consultation with the crisis team which happened within a couple of hours of seeing the gp, I was told which hospital would accommodate me.
I don't remember much about arriving there.....but you are assigned a nurse who is with you 24hours a day. Wherever you go, they go. You don't have to speak to them, they don't talk to you, but its just to monitor the 'threat' level you are to yourself.
Having them there was great though, it was like talking to a wall that could listen. I told them everything, and it felt great to finally shed years of problems.
After an initial period, the one on one watch over you is stepped down till eventually a mutual trust is achieved and you can really have alone space.
There is daily sessions with a counsellor.....this is also to try and recognise the help you need when you leave. So they monitor the meds to make sure you are on the right ones, and they try and get the required help for you when you leave.
I know I have gone on a bit there....but I hope it has been of some use. I was petrified of a mental health ward, but it was nothing like my imagination was making out.
It's not a magic cure, but its the start of real help. I'm not better, which is why I'm on here! But the suicidal tendencies are now just passing thoughts that I'm confident I couldn't act upon. And should it get really bad, I have a phone number for the crisis team who will always be there to help.
I really hope that helps you all who are as scared and paranoid as I was.
