Suicide Watch

>What is your experience with suicide watch and mental wards in general?

Been in psych inpatient six times. Been in partial hospitalization programs five times, I think. It's been an overwhelmingly negative experience, not just because I was in a bad state when I entered. The only positive was getting away from whatever fucked up situation I was in at the time.

>Does you being in a good or bad one amount to how much money you can pay or are they all alike?

Private hospitals better than state. A ward is probably better than a whole facility devoted to mental health.

>I heard some recent ones allow their patients access to the internet. Were there any filters like high school has?

The hospital I've been in the most is very old and they had internet access. It was a single computer on the floor, though. I can't see them letting you keep personal electronics while you're there, especially if you're considered a risk for harm to self. They shake you down when you get there for anything you (or someone else) could cause injury with. Glass, any string or cordlike object, and narrow pieces of metal are not usually allowed.

Re: filters, I don't think there were any because nobody on staff was competent enough to figure we needed them. They relied mostly on snooping over your shoulder and limiting your time.

>Did you have access to books or any distractions besides writing things?

Sure, there are always books. They're not very good a lot of the time, but you can bring your own, have family/friends bring them during visiting hours, or borrow them from other people. If there are computers on the floor you can listen to music and watch videos and shit. I started a mini-dance party in the rec room once from a Youtube playlist I had but staff broke it up pretty quick.

>Did you have to share a room or talk to other people besides their staff?

I think room-sharing is the norm but I've been lucky enough to not have to do a lot of it. You are encouraged to talk to other people during scheduled activities. If you are extremely reticent they'll notice.

>Do they make you piss each morning and force you to take their medicine?

They don't notice how much you use the bathroom unless you're there for an eating disorder. They don't exactly hold you down and force meds down your throat, but they will try to insist, and many places check for tonguing meds.

The thing about psych wards is that you will be "encouraged" to do certain things and it will seem to be optional, but if you get flagged as someone who doesn't follow directions and argues a lot, you'll probably get flack. Even if it's for a legitimate concern, like someone giving you the wrong med dosage. Staff are pretty concerned with maintaining authority.

>>17798052
How long were you in computer time?