advertisement
Reply
Thread Tools Display Modes
Anonymous46341
Guest
Anonymous46341 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Trig Dec 20, 2019 at 07:21 PM
  #1
When I was in psychiatric hospitals (I've been to two different ones, one nine times, the other once), I was not permitted to have a cell phone or any internet access whatsoever. I will say that I was in locked wards, though I was voluntarily admitted. Some of the hospitalizations I was psychotic. I was allowed visitors during specific hours, and there was a pay phone that we could use during non therapy hours (with calling cards).

Have you been in a psychiatric hospital or ward that allowed you to keep your cell phone and/or have some form of internet access?

What do you see as the negatives and positives of having cell phones during psych hospitalizations?

What do you see as the negatives and positives of having internet access during psych hospitalizations?

Are there any issues you see for people (friends, family members, PC online members) in seeing or responding to posts from members in psychiatric hospitals?

Add On: I now realize that the "Hospitalization & Inpatient Treatment" forum is likely more appropriate for this thread. Please move, if this is so. Sorry for the error.

Last edited by Anonymous46341; Dec 20, 2019 at 08:07 PM..
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote

advertisement
bpcyclist
Legendary
 
bpcyclist's Avatar
bpcyclist has no updates.
 
Member Since: Sep 2019
Location: Portland
Posts: 12,681 (SuperPoster!)
3 yr Member
40.2k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Dec 21, 2019 at 03:24 AM
  #2
I have been to those that allowed nothing except for a 2-hour daily visit for approved visitors and I have also been on a lower security ward with cell phones allowed and internet in every room. Th e internet was filtered, whatever that means.

I don't think there is much benefit to anyone for a person who is acutely super-ill to have access to their mobile phone or the internet. I feel people in that situation need as little outside stimulation as possible--just my take.

It was nice having a phone when I was less sick and able to use it responsibly. I did a lot of texting with people and there was some support there. It does get a bit boring being on a ward day after day, month after month, and for me, year after year, so having the internet really was nice for me. I was able to email a few people and I think that helped me. But having that available when I was psychotic would have been awful. Firing off crazy emails, joining websites, etc. There is a time and a place for everything.

__________________
When I was a kid, my parents moved a lot, but I always found them--Rodney Dangerfield
bpcyclist is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Anonymous46341
splitimage
Moderator
Community Support Team
 
splitimage's Avatar
splitimage has no updates.
 
Member Since: Mar 2006
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 11,250
15 yr Member
73 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Dec 21, 2019 at 09:02 AM
  #3
I've been IP for MH 3 times, and in all 3 cases cell phones and internet access were allowed. I've also been in IP rehab for alcohol twice. The first one, no outside contact was allowed, the second we could have our cells, and internet.

The first IP rehab with no access was kind of reassuring to me, as coming off alcohol was so overwhelming it kind of felt nice to be in a safe cocoon. I didn't mind not having it.

The other times I was IP I would have really missed contact. The last time I was in, they even had wireless available, and we were all given temporary access. Most people brought their lap tops. But that was a very low security unit.

splitimage

__________________


"I danced in the morning when the world was begun. I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun". From my favourite hymn.

"If you see the wonder in a fairy tale, you can take the future even if you fail." Abba

Questions: Negatives and positives of psych wards allowing patients internet access?
splitimage is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Anonymous46341
~Christina
Legendary Wise Elder
Community Liaison
 
~Christina's Avatar
~Christina has no updates.
 
Member Since: Jul 2011
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 22,450 (SuperPoster!)
10 yr Member
12.7k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Dec 21, 2019 at 07:49 PM
  #4
I personally have never gone to an IP that allows phones or internet. My IP also have phones that can be used when there is no group therapy.

If I’m unstable enough to need IP I need to just disconnect from online anything and focus on myself.

Since I do not have a cell signal at my home and no hardline phone, my nurses or techs let me shoot off a text on there phones to my husband just to let him know I’m doing okay considering.

Numerous times I go a couple days with out calling him, it’s not that I don’t care I’m just wrapped up in myself.

Typically I do not want him to come for a visit , my IP is 110 miles away.. but anytime I’m there longer than 5 days my husband insists on coming.

Last time I needed IP my preferred place had zero beds and didn’t expect a bed with in 30 hours, they have what I call a fish bowl area that has individual rooms with a bed and very comfortable chair and Tv, they will allow you your phone, just to pass the time as there’s no therapy or anything. I wound up having to go by ambulance to a facility 1.5 hours further away as 30 hours in the limit they can hold out for a bed on the unit which is locked, but that has never bother me.

The other IP place was an absolute hell! They kept insisting I could not have my bra ! I mean I get the safety issue but I can not walk around with out one on, it’s literally painful for me. that was a big argument with intake nurse, she also thought I was going to take off my wedding band. I would not budge and the in house Pdoc was called at like 2 am and he allowed it, the nurse was ridiculous.

So because they had no beds at Vanderbilt ( first time this happened , I have been there at least 5-6 times over the years) I am totally against ever going IP again. Fear of being sent elsewhere is too scary.

Vanderbilt is not a place that any pdocs can call to check for available beds. It’s just a first come first served.

I have always going in voluntary even if I didn’t think I really needed to but my T knew I was lacking insight.

IP is never something I long for of course but it is a safe place for me when I just can’t honestly say I’m safe any longer.

__________________
Helping others gets me out of my own head ~
~Christina is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Anonymous46341
 
Thanks for this!
bpcyclist
Nammu
Crone
 
Nammu's Avatar
Nammu has no updates.
 
Member Since: May 2010
Location: Some where between my inner mind and the solar system.
Posts: 70,973 (SuperPoster!)
10 yr Member
53.4k hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Dec 21, 2019 at 08:00 PM
  #5
My position is if you are unwell enough to need ip then phone use should be limited. No reason to have Internet access, lack of insight can cause problems. Long term hospital is different and should have limited access.

__________________
Nammu
…Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. …...
Desiderata Max Ehrmann



Nammu is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Anonymous46341
sophiebunny
Veteran Member
sophiebunny has no updates.
 
Member Since: Jan 2019
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 570
5 yr Member
77 hugs
given
Default Dec 22, 2019 at 12:11 AM
  #6
I have never been in patient where internet or cell-phone access was allowed. Think about it. People with psychoses, mania, suicidal depression, or explosive rage issues having access to the internet? I'm sorry but that's NUTS. I'm not even allowed to use the wall telephones when I'm manic and psychotic. I'm just too ill to have any kind of meaningful conversation with another person. I really think that if you are healthy enough to communicate appropriately on the internet, maybe you don't need inpatient treatment. And if you are really ill, you shouldn't BE on the internet. Everything you put in cyberspace stays FOREVER. Do you want some manic rant to the President on a Secret Service Agent's to-do list? How about a death threat to your boss lingering in cyberspace? Or how about writing a long painful suicide note and emailing it to your entire contact list?People are inpatient for a reason. They are too ill to function outside the hospital. So don't give access to outside the hospital when they are that ill and ruin their lives once they've recovered.

Last edited by sophiebunny; Dec 22, 2019 at 01:16 AM..
sophiebunny is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Anonymous46341, HopeForChange
 
Thanks for this!
HopeForChange
Anonymous46341
Guest
Anonymous46341 has no updates. Edit
 
Posts: n/a
Default Dec 22, 2019 at 08:16 AM
  #7
Thanks, everyone, for sharing your perspectives on this. I pretty much agree with all the responses, thus far.

I have seen posts here at PC from people claiming to be in the psych hospital. I'm sure most are true, though I'm not 100% sure if all are. In any case, I guess I feel that if a person is so depressed or manic (and/or psychotic) that responses from strangers or online friends may or may not be helpful. We are not experts here. What if some response could be more harmful than helpful? That goes even for people in their real lives. Though I was very happy to have the pay phone, it was limited. Even visitations were at least within the ward and within earshot and view.

What if posts/calls from people in crisis are triggering for people on the outside? That is another consideration. And the mention of other forms of destruction from within the hospital via internet is a real biggy. Thanks for mentioning that, sophiebunny.

I definitely see some benefit for internet access for very long-term stays, but think usage should be partially monitored or prevented depending on the current mental state of patients.

I know many people despise the psych hospital and that regular phone and internet may be the only way some will even go. I never yearned for it, but I do remember having outbursts from having other things restricted. It can be a tough call, indeed, in my view.

Christina, that's rough that you have had to go so far from home for psych inpatient. You have a great husband that he has traveled the distance to visit you so much when you were there. I guess I am lucky. One psych hospital is within walking-distance of my house. Another, a 25 minute drive. Only my husband ever visited me during my psych hospitalizations, even though my dad and siblings live only 30 to 35 mins drive from both I mentioned. They likely would visit me if they were physical issue hospitalizations, though. I think the difference relates to a bit of fear and stigma.

Last edited by Anonymous46341; Dec 22, 2019 at 08:49 AM..
  Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Nammu, sophiebunny
 
Thanks for this!
Nammu
sophiebunny
Veteran Member
sophiebunny has no updates.
 
Member Since: Jan 2019
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 570
5 yr Member
77 hugs
given
Default Dec 22, 2019 at 05:53 PM
  #8
I've read comments from people claiming to be inpatient also. I always assumed they were in another country where the rules might be different. (still very stupid) Also,, exactly what are you supposed to say to someone who is so ill they need inpatient care? Get better? The wrong word could really set someone off and that's not fair to either the person hospitalized or the person posting outpatient. For example PC has many forums. Some would be grossly harmful to someone truly ill and inpatient. I wish PC had a rule that you can't post while on a psych unit. It does no one any good.

Last edited by sophiebunny; Dec 22, 2019 at 06:19 PM..
sophiebunny is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Anonymous46341
Mountaindewed
Legendary Wise Elder
 
Mountaindewed's Avatar
Mountaindewed NoahsArk30
 
Member Since: Jun 2016
Location: Where the sidewalk ends
Posts: 35,842 (SuperPoster!)
5 yr Member
8,655 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Dec 23, 2019 at 08:30 PM
  #9
No I haven’t but at one hospital they’d just give you phones for half an hour and you could call whoever. I remember calling 1-867-5309 and I didn’t get caught. At the last hospital I was at we were allowed to make phone calls several times throughout the day for an hour or 2 at a time. They were phones with cords but they didn’t care who you called. No internet though at any of them. Maybe at one hospital for school since I was at children’s psych unit in a very good medical hospital. but I can’t remember.

__________________
Ridin' with Biden
Mountaindewed is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
Anonymous46341, bpcyclist
 
Thanks for this!
bpcyclist
ArtleyWilkins
Magnate
ArtleyWilkins has no updates.
 
Member Since: Oct 2018
Location: USA
Posts: 2,786
5 yr Member
7 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Dec 27, 2019 at 07:26 AM
  #10
My hospital didn't allow access to internet or cell phones, and I'm glad they didn't. Part of needing to be in the hospital is the need to disconnect from the chaos of the life and people who are often a large part of the stressors that land you there in the first place. As distracted and, frankly, addicted as so many are to their technology, it seems counterproductive to have that kind of access. They had landlines we could use if we needed to call someone which was really all that was needed. I also wonder about the people who report being in the hospital while on their technology. If people are so ill that they need to be inpatient, posting seems like it would to be counter to their own treatment and perhaps expose them to things that might create additional problems. I'm assuming and hoping there is some limitation to how much time most hospitals allow on technology.
ArtleyWilkins is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Hugs from:
sophiebunny
 
Thanks for this!
Nammu
sophiebunny
Veteran Member
sophiebunny has no updates.
 
Member Since: Jan 2019
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 570
5 yr Member
77 hugs
given
Default Dec 29, 2019 at 01:42 AM
  #11
I've made an outreach to the founder of PC. I suggested they change their policy and explicitly forbid posting from psych units. I'm a contributing author for PC so I'm hoping my email will at least get some attention. I feel so strongly about this subject it was worth contacting people who have the control to see if a policy change can be made. I realize it's tough to enforce, but if someone is overtly stating they are posting from an inpatient unit, the posts should come down. It's for everyone's safety. The safety of the person inpatient and the safety of people who are not inpatient but could be triggered by the posts.

I'll let you know if I get a response. I also just sent them another article I've written. We'll see what happens there as well.
sophiebunny is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
splitimage
Moderator
Community Support Team
 
splitimage's Avatar
splitimage has no updates.
 
Member Since: Mar 2006
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 11,250
15 yr Member
73 hugs
given
PC PoohBah!
Default Dec 29, 2019 at 06:26 AM
  #12
sophiebunny,

I completely disagree with you. If a person is IP and capable of posting within the community guidelines, then they should be allowed to.

I've had 3 psych hospitalizations, in the top psych hespital in my province and in all 3 cases we were allowed to access the internet, either via a shared computer on the ward, or on our own laptops if we brought them.

The psychiatrists who treated me when I was IP, really stressed the importance of building and maintaining a support system so that it would be available for us on discharge. I explained to my assigned psychiatrist that most of my support was from on-line communities, here and 3 others that I interact with daily. Posting in these communities, helped me stay connected. I was also given evening passes so that I could attend AA meetings in the community. Again the thinking was needing to build community support.

And for some members PC may be their only source of support, it seems against the philosophy of PC to deter them from posting


The community support team can deal with any inappropriate posting, just as we deal with other inappropriate posting.

splitimage

__________________


"I danced in the morning when the world was begun. I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun". From my favourite hymn.

"If you see the wonder in a fairy tale, you can take the future even if you fail." Abba

Questions: Negatives and positives of psych wards allowing patients internet access?
splitimage is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
 
Thanks for this!
GeekyOne, susannahsays
sophiebunny
Veteran Member
sophiebunny has no updates.
 
Member Since: Jan 2019
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 570
5 yr Member
77 hugs
given
Default Dec 29, 2019 at 04:14 PM
  #13
I completely disagree. I'll restate. The amount of damage someone in patient can do the themselves and others on line is mind boggling. It's nice it didn't happen to you, but for many, many, people the destruction could ruin their post admission lives. If you are so ill that you cannot take care of yourself outside the hospital you are too ill to engage with the outside world online while in the hospital. In patient units are meant to protect patients from the stresses of their outside lives so there can be focus on their psychosis, mania, suicidal depression, anger/rage outburst, etc. The internet is a danger to healing in this context. Consider how ill people are in patient. Having access to a website that lets you not only vent your severe illnesses with out a filter but also lets you get triggered by other people's illnesses is malpractice.

I may not get PC to change their policy, but at least I will have given them something to think about. Quite seriously, the policy as it is now is a law suit waiting to happen.

Last edited by sophiebunny; Dec 29, 2019 at 05:01 PM..
sophiebunny is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
vultureculture
Account Suspended
vultureculture has no updates.
 
Member Since: Oct 2019
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 144
3 yr Member
Default Dec 30, 2019 at 07:11 PM
  #14
It sure would help the occupational socialization factors get shared easily especially if you get the doctors time to show them what is happening it would be a really good idea in my mind....I say yes on this!
vultureculture is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:23 PM.
Powered by vBulletin® — Copyright © 2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.



 

My Support Forums

My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.

 

Helplines and Lifelines

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Always consult your doctor or mental health professional before trying anything you read here.