from Tea Pain
Day: November 29, 2017
When it is Time to go to the Hospital: 11 Steps to Take Before and After Admission
I don’t do well in mental health settings.
I don’t look sick.
I don’t act like a ‘mental patient’.
Not all people with mental illness end up homeless and hallucinating
on the street.
I also have expectations.
I expect my treatment providers to be as passionate an advocate as I was
when I was a treatment provider.
If you have Dissociative Identity Disorder and you are you are about to enter treatment at a Behavioral Health facility it’s a good idea to prepare.
(1)
Don’t assume that behavioral health professionals are trained psychotherapists. Psychotherapy treats the mind. Behavioral Health treats behaviors.
(2)
If your primary treatment provider is an outside therapist, ask him or
her to communicate your treatment status and history to the facility.
All decisions regarding your stay should be made by your therapist.
(3)
Confirm that intake physician at the treatment facility has spoken to
your outside therapist after you arrive .
(4)
Ask if the staff knows how to treat dissociative symptoms.
(5)
If you have concerns about the quality of your treatment, speak to the
attending psychiatrist.
(6)
Do treat the staff with respect and consideration. Most people want
to do a good job.
(7)
Do tell the staff about suicidal thoughts or self-destructive alternates.
(8)
Discuss your physical health and if one is needed, ask for a physical.
(9)
If you are diabetic or have high blood pressure, ask the staff to check your blood pressure and sugar levels. Diabetes and high blood pressure affect mood.
(10)
Ask for a medication assessment. Mention all unusual side effects or problems.
(11)
Don’t enter a hospital or day clinic alone. Ask your partner and friends to call and ask about your progress. Make sure that you sign the releases the clinic needs to discuss your case with friends and family.
(c) Rob Goldstein 2017-2018
This post is specific to people with Dissociative and other Trauma
related disorders.
Some of this information may not apply to you.
More reading:
Advocacy for mental health: roles for consumer and family organizations and governments
The Importance of Self-Advocacy in Mental Health Recovery
