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

[Not Heidi]

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.

[Permanut]

1. No credentials in psychiatry here..

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

[Not Heidi]

3. Yes, I agree.

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]

2. Be there in the moment,

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]

4. I did what you suggest

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.

[SARose]

5. Be well

Take care of you.💕

[OldBaldy1701E]

6. Just my two cents here...

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]

7. Thank you, OldBaldy

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.

[OldBaldy1701E]

8. That should be plenty!

Any room with you must be a great room!