I've been in inpatient care once before in my life, and it was a horrible experience. The nurses, therapists, and psychiatrists almost all gave off a very uncaring vibe, and I was pumped full of medications for stuff I didn't even have, like Seraquil for hallucinations, for example. I was constantly dizzy and nauseous from all the meds I was put on. They also didn't really do anything. We spent all day just kind of sitting, every other day we had an hour of group therapy and an hour of one on one therapy with your psychologist, but that was it. You were left to stew in your own thoughts and nurses didn't even check your vitals when they were supposed to. I felt like I was worse getting discharged then I was coming in.

That was about a year ago, and my mental health was only gotten worse. I know that I need help, help that is more than taking my meds and going to weekly sessions with my therapist. I have found a residential care facility in my area for mental health and addiction issues, and it has pretty good reviews. I would be hospitalized for 30-90 days, and the day by day "schedule" for residents seems very active, helpful, and informative.

However, I'm very nervous (borderline terrified) about calling to get a screening done. I know inpatient and residential care aren't the same, but because of my past experience, I'm terrified that I'm setting myself up for failure and locking myself away some place that it going to feel like a jail cell rather than helpful. Has anyone had any experience with residential care for mental illness? Was it helpful or no? I guess I just need reassurance that I'm making the right choice.