I can’t really explain it but my first time there it really felt like home.
I loved the atmosphere funnily enough. For one thing I liked the staff and the other patients.
It evokes strong feelings in Me thinking back to my first time in there. I really miss that experience. I think also cos I remember that being the last time I still felt like my former self. And I liked the layout of the building and the way it looked on the outside where we walked about sometimes.
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I had one experience that was the same as you describe. We were like a small community of people who all seemed to get on for the most part, it was really healthy and I think it helped me get through a bad patch being in that environment as it was therapeutic.
All the other times were ■■■■. I think the above was a moment in time that will never be repeated again. The staff on the wards now work twelve hour shifts, they don’t seem to care as much and seem exhausted but there are a few I have gotten to know as they have been around a while.
Hospital now to me is just used as a dumping ground for those who’re too dangerous to be out on the streets. Your not allowed to smoke anymore either. When I first went in was in 2006, and they had a smoking room, how things have changed and I am only 31!
I have had to discharge myself several times now as it’s not what it used to be. I was offered cocaine by another patient last time, and that really got to me as I wasn’t in a good place and I have been clean for such a long time that was a close call.
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My favorite thing about the hospital is that it is a controlled environment where I can regain stability. The most recent one I went to was chaotic, but it still helped me being in there. When I reach full mania it is a dangerous place for me. The hospitals have allowed me a place to be where I don’t hurt myself or others.
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Yes my second time was not exactly the same.
I think also cos when they told me I was going to the psychiatric hospital that first time I was absolutely terrified. I had the image of beautiful mind movie in me. Thought I would maybe be strapped in a bed or locked in a small room with no windows. Electricity shocks to the brain etc.
Was SUCH a relief when I got there n it was not like that.
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To be honest, I think what I said is a bit harsh even though it’s the blunt truth.
I guess putting things into perspective, people with mental health issues are now treated so much better than in the past. I guess we should all be grateful that we have the right to be part of the community, although isolation is still a problem, but it’s definitely better than being thrown in an asylum with no hope of recovery. Medicine had helped this along massively and the change in approach by the health system.
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The last time I was hospitalized I felt relief. I was finally getting the help that I needed. I was super shy but loved to sit in the TV area with other people that I could relate to and listen to them talk. I loved just being myself around everyone and not being afraid or ashamed of my various issues.
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Oh yea also I thought I was going to die a horrible death just before I went in the psychiatric hospital so that also gave me a newfound respect for life as I arrived there, having discovered that that actually wasn’t the case after all.
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The classes about DBT and coping. I learned so much good stuff while in the hospital.
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I hated being in the hospital the only thing I liked was art class.
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Because it was quiet and peaceful. I put my thoughts in order 
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Wow that is quite impressive artwork.
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I found it comforting to be surrounded more or less by people suffering similarly to me. I didn’t feel quite so alone.
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My first one was like new, very clean and comfortable. A few people were friendly too me. One lady was going on a weekend pass and asked if I there was anything I wanted her to bring me back. So I asked for a newspaper. A counselor took me jogging with him in the hills one morning. I played ping-pong and went on a walk with a woman I liked. I got my first kiss from this other woman that I liked. KInda my first kiss( I got a “peck” in high school). The ward was kind of out in the country and I used to sit by myself in a chair in the backyard that overlooked the forested hills and valleys: I liked that.
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The food. 12121212
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the second time i was there i usually went back for seconds 
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Nothing. Absolutely. ■■■■■■■ nothing cos I go there every month.
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Worrying about people all day it’s hell. I dont care
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The food 15151515
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I had a horrible experience at the mental hospitals but one of them did have good food. I refused to fill out the menu request. I just ate whatever they gave me but I could have selected what I wanted.
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When your friends come to visit you it’s pretty sick
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