What to pack if you’re going into a mental health unit (Like Minds Ep3) BBC Stories
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- Опубликовано: 6 окт 2017
- If you or someone you know - are going to hospital for mental health care, you might be wondering what to take and what’s useful. Charlotte has been in hospital for her bipolar disorder three times in the last 15 months. She’s created a sort of checklist of what helps her and what she needs to pack if she returns. Every ward has different rules but here are some of Charlotte’s tips to get you started.
Produced by India Rakusen and Tom Heyden
If you have been affected by mental health issues, the following organisations may be able to help. (www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/artic...)
People in mental hospitals aren’t all that bad. I met a very intelligent girl who could draw beautiful and realistic pictures from the broken crayons provided. I met a guy who made me laugh and had the most beautiful singing voice. Everyone there was so kind and understanding. It felt like family. I love them. I wish I had kept contact with them.
The best friends I ever made and the most supportive people I met while in psych units. They get the struggle of life.
Nova Celeste Rouge CBA with this ignorant Paul, you used to be reasonable now you just idiot, what happened did the fame go to your head? the moment I started to realize you were untrustworthy was when you was all front n for psychiatry n shit, like wtf is up with that? surely any intelligent fool can figure out that the mental health "services" are evil, my values are based around consent, the mental health system ignores consent, therefore its evil, it forces patients to take harmful, potentially fatal medication, (don't believe me, look up mental health non c takedown on RUclips, you'll find no end of videos from hospitals showing men and women being strapped to tables and injected without their consent, which is obvious due to the fact they're screaming, no don't do it, as far as my standards go if someone is capable of saying no then that no should be respected, failure to do so crosses the line into evil. look up side effects for anti psychotics you'll see no end of side effects, its not even denied, it's written on the box the pills came in, when I was on them I felt worse than I have in my entire life, I know you've told stories about bad pharmacy experiences before, so what made you decide to go train to be a psychiatrist?! I thought you figured out its all fucked, apparently not. literally if people can figure out that rape is wrong, I don't see why they can't figure out why injecting someone with potentially fatal poison against their will is wrong, surely that's even worse? I seriously feel sorry for the men and women that are forced to take these horrible drugs every day, they would be so much better off with Mary Jane, I know cos I've done both, this is from experience, Mary Jane don't kill or put you in a coma like anti psychotics can, it took me years to go even halfway back to normal but most of the damage they do is permenant, if they kill you or not. so fuck calling anyone mentally I'll and when you tell a suicidal person to "get help" if what you mean by help is anti psychotics, which is often given to suicide attempt survivors (usually without the patients agreement) you could be sending someone to their grave, so next time you're thinking about saying "get help" maybe you should be a little bit more honest and say "get a load of potentially fatal side effects and feel 10 x worse than you already do."
Nova Celeste Rouge why were the crayons broken?
rthomeschool the crayons were broken from years of use.
The people were fine but others were creepy. They'd stare, try to take things I'd made or drawn, or even try to touch me.
I didn’t think they’d let them take a scarf because it’s like laces or clothes with strings...
You could hurt yourself with pants in the same way you could with a scarf. You simply can't take away everything one could use to self harm so why not let them have scarfs.
Pants are more of an everyday use. Scarfs aren't.
Some people wear scarfs every day but that doesn't matter, why not allow something that can't harm you anymore than something pretty much everyone in every hospital has. I've been to a few mental hospitals and we were always allowed to have scarfs, even on a closed ward.
Hey I loveeee your prof pic. Brendon urie is amazing.
That’s actually what I thought
Ive been admitted quite a few times for the same disorder and you arent allowed to have shoelaces, hoodies with a hood, tights, long socks, draw string pants, or anything of the sort so i have no idea how she is allowed to bring a scarf. In all of my experiences we had to go in with bare minimum. We had a maximum 3 socks, panties, shirts, and pants. One pair of jammies and some soaps without a high alcohol level (people can drink it and become drunk). With that said, i am in america.
Ive also never been in a facility without in room toilet. There are almost always small bathrooms inside the room but you arent allowed to close your room door and the toilet has a curtain instead of door to the room. Some places have shower rooms and sometimes there are many and sometimes there are one but flip flops are a total must for showering
They let different people take different amount of things depending on the illness and past problems.
Jen Helena you arent allowed to shut doors or lock anything so its a general rule that you cant take anything that can hide anything, used in a dangerous way, or anything like that
Mary Durrett
Also you can’t bring electronics or pen/sharp objects. Those have to be given to you and they need to watch you use it. Somethings you can’t bring wire bras and feminine products. I was allowed to bring in more clothing then you but I was in the child unit at the time .
Mary Durrett I'm in America as well, hoodies weren't allowed at all. I accidently got everyone banned from markers because I subconsciously used them to stim(chew on them)
A good book (they dont let you have books that talk about murders or anything that could trigger people though)
Lego The Cat lol pretty much, fantasy is good though
Grandpa Goodman Harry Potter?
A Distressed Catbug I think Harry Potter would be ok because the book I tried to take in was called made to kill and I don't think Harry Potter would be as triggering
So no hunger games books 😂
U could take something like Harry Potter or Anne of Green Gables
I was admitted to a mental hospital for a suicide attempt and cutting and I was SHOCKED when I saw that they where doing so much to keep dangerous objects from patients yet in the activity room they had a nail kit with nail polish and things of that sort. In it there was a nail clipper. Even though I still deal with cutting and suicidal thoughts I was concerned for the safety of other patients. When I cut a lot I would use ANYTHING. Including a nail clipper which is very painful. I’m still under 18 so I was surrounded with children ages 10-18 and most of them just wanted to go home but there was one kid who always fought the nurses and screamed things like “I want to die. Just let me die” all night while being wrestled back into his room. They usually never let him into the activity room but once they did and he got a hold of the clippers and took them in the bathroom without anybody noticing. He later had to leave the mental hospital to go to the emergency room. Before all of that happened I asked the staff and nurses to take it out of the nail kit but they didn’t believe me.
...I love how the healthcare here is so crap that, even after a suicide attempt, I had to wait six months for an ASSESSMENT
TransitioningGhoul same, I have been waiting ages for A REFERRAL even though they know that I self harm and are I a bad place
God that is so shitty and stupid of them. Hope you're okay now.
emochromo ive been waiting years even after being deemed dangerous to myself many times and begging for hospitilization. I ditched therapy and meds tbh
My sister had to wait only a few days after her attempt
Same with me, i went in at 3am to hospital had to wait for all the drugs to get out my system and then wait until 9am to see a child psychiatrist, she then said i have to meet the crisis team, which was an hours drive away coz my closest one closed they told me i'll be higher up on the list but it was still a 7 month wait, SEPT in my area then changed to NELFT trust and i got "lost in the system" after the change other had to wait another month to see another crisis team etc and they then told me i was so close to becoming split personality because my brain couldnt deal with the trauma
just some points from my experience....
1) a lot of places won't let you take in scarfs or anything rope like for obvious reasons
2) a lot of places make you take of jewelry and watches
3) a lot of places won't let you take in phones or MP3 players/iPods so headphones are rather pointless
4) some places won't let you take in earplugs or the like as you could ingest them...
5) a lot of places won't let you take in cuddly toys as you could be smuggling in things your not aloud
6) a lot of places won't let you take in any creams or pamper things as these could be used to poison yourself...
ItsMePhoebe 1161 That sounds so sad 😰 Wouldn't that make a person worse to not having anything comforting?
yep... it sucks.. though some places do have cuddly toys there, so you still have a comfort item, its just safer that way.
ItsMePhoebe 1161 At least there's that, a toy from home would be more comforting though 😢
sounds more like a prison
Sounds like they try to restrict them from everything. I mean every item could kill someone in some way.
About 7 years ago i was admitted for a suicide attempt and the thing that helped me most was one of my friends dropped off my guitar and the staff just kept it behid their desk or in the staff room for me but it was the one thing i couldnt live without having there. And all the other patients in my ward would all sit by the doors of their room and listen when i would play before everyone would go to bed. We weren't aloud to have any electronics like phones or ipods or music players so i think being able to play music on my guitar really helped me and the people there so much and it got to the point where when anyone was having a hard time the staff would ask me to play cause it always calmed everyone down. Anyone about to go thru being in a place like that or who has been just know it always gets better. Good luck and god bless♡♡♡
Also if you smoke cigs and are in the adult ward i highly recommend bring a carton of smokes or more depending on how long you will be there. When i was there most everyone smoked and if they didnt they started to when they were there. Its an absolute life saver to have!!!!
Hope you are doing well. Where are you located?
Why did ya get sent there did ya kill someone
@@pugtato2196 Fu&k off Pug
In America you can't have
- electronics
- shoelaces
- scarfs
- pencils
- markers
- long sleeves
- bra
- underwear (from what I know, they give the mesh hospital ones)
- hard back books
- jeans ( you can have sweatpants but the string has to be taken out and if they feel like you aren't safe with them they give you gowns)
- jewelery
- lotions/ face mask
- razors
Edit: from what I know they don't allow exercise unless your therapist says it's okay
I was allowed jeans, bra and underware. So it isn't all America hospitals, I was also allowed markers.
Makeup ???
They don't allow exercise? Sounds like you can't even breathe without doing something wrong in the US.
THE BEST 3 MINUTES OF YOUR LIFE MUSIC I'm not sure
Ki Ji Hoon you're not wrong lol, I think it's so the patients don't develop anorexia. They also have a point system where if you eat all your food or you don't have a episode you get a certain amount of points that you can use to call home. It's kind of crazy really.
She seems really lovely ^^
I take
Pillows
Blankets
(Lots of) snacks
Iphone
Buddies (stuffed animals)
Jacket
Sneakers and sandals
Short short charger
Books
Toiletries
Small toys
Paint and brushes
I have bipolar too, just alot more different moods.
Angry, hyper, sad, and what i like to call rock.
Rock= when i curl up into a ball and act like a rock
(Im wierd)
Roschita FoxTail how do get an iPhone in? I'm not being rude just curious.
No Honey Boo Boo, I'm Ms. Urie They didn't allow electronics in my local hospital, try to take things loaded with music but without a camera or internet access
I do the rock toooo. Aha I thought I was the only one omg
You obviously do not have bipolar disorder, and you've obviously never been in a mental care unit.
Oof Because you would obviously know that. Stop starting shit just to start shit.
I've been to adolescent inpatient wards so heres what I bring:
I have a hospital wardrobe which includes baggy light cotton pants and long sleeve tees (for easily covering s/h scarring especially when it's hot)
Sensory items that I use for self soothing.
An Ipod nano (any other mp3 player without a camera or internet access will do) loaded with music.
Slip on shoes like vans (when going to meal areas covered in shoes are often required for safety and laces aren't allowed often.
My own bedding if it's allowed (especially a fitted sheet to prevent the sheets moving and having to sleep partially on the plastic mattress)
the rules are different from adult wards especially in regards to mobile phones
lizard lace yes blankets are really important
Hey, what’s it like for a teen in hospital? Would I be allowed my phone and my wireless headphones or would I need to bring my nano
+Louise Blair in the hospital I went to no electronics were allowed. they had one Wii and one tv that we were allowed to use only when they said so. anything such as phones, tablets, iPods, headphones, etc. we're taken at admission and given back at discharge. we we're allowed two 15 minute phonecalls a day and only under supervision (that and you could only call people that the person who admitted you said you could, for example my dad admitted me and he let me call him, my mom and my best friend every person on the list also had to have their own individual paper filled out and they all had to say a special 4 digit code before they were allowed to talk to me) also anything along the lines of body care things such as lotions, shampoos, toothpaste were all taken at admission. certain clothing wasn't allowed like off the shoulder or anything above mid thigh and they almost took all my jewellery (they took rings and necklaces I barely made it out with my lip jewellery). other than that they took all my colored pencils, though all these things were given to me as long as I was being supervised. except electronics, we weren't ever allowed to have those
+Rayne Blackwater oh, other things that were taken included makeup, scarves, and certain shoes, nothing heavy nothing steel toed. I do suggest bringing your own blankets, it's literally impossible to sleep without one they have the most uncomfortable beds you can imagine
+Louise Blair bring your nano, I wasn't allowed my phone or anything with a camera. good luck :)
When I was in the hospital I had my parents bring me chocolate, and a book to read, and I brought a list of phone numbers of the people I cared to contact because they did not allow me to keep my phone while I was in
Also I couldn’t have clothing with wires or extra strings and such, they removed the drawstring from my pajama bottoms, and I could only wear bras without underwire
I wasn't allowed ANY electronics, regardless of their ability to connect to the internet, no shoelaces, no drawstrings, no earrings, jewelry with chains, we couldn't even have pencils. They provided the pencils and they were strictly under 1.5inch
Bob Severson I know why they do it, I was just shocked her inpatient facility allows the things they do
Same.
You could just ask another inmate to stab you a lot a gang violence happens in jail
Pug Tato mental hospitals are not jail, and people there are not inmates ffs.
when I went in for the 1st time I was a kid and they had just found out I had bp to add on to my Tourettes, adhd,and obviously depression it was so weird because they would allow people to bring me like food and stuff but only things I could eat right there cause they didn't want the other kids to feel left out so I would say bring like a candy bar or sonething cause the food isn't always the best
Rainelle Raycroft why did you get sent there did kill someone
I live in America and have gone into a mental ward for the first time for suicide attempt and hallucinations (been four times) I had nothing but the clothes on my back and my book bound sketch book with a pencil. And it was terrifying cause my shoes were taken along with my book and that was the first time I physically broke down cause sketching is my way of coping with depression and anxiety. Over time I was given it back yet in other hospitals I had it taken away and I wasn't allowed music,pencils,pens,and talking to others in some cases. There was other things I wasn't allowed like certain clothes like pjs with draw strings and I can understand. What I had done to basically survive and keep my sanity was drawing non stop,putting my emotions on paper or what I had as hallucinations down so I could be calm and collected when I was in pain from the cuts I gave myself or the nausea caused by my anxiety I had also brought a blanket and used it as a body pillow so I could feel something like a hug at night. I am ok now and have been hospital free for two and a half years now and have a better grasp of myself.
Update: hate to say it but I've gotten worse again and might(it's a possibility) go into a hospital again for harming myself again,I'm a little scared because I'm a legal adult now and have never been in an adult ward just a children's ward. I know what I could bring and have packed to be ready if I just get worse and worse and worse before I go off the deep end. To sum it up I'm a bit scared and anxious.
They just got some scissors and went thru my bag, cutting the ties and strings off everything last stay...
Glad you are doing better, I know how it feels.
Good luck! I´m sure you´ll come out on the other side and feel much much better!!
Do what’s best for your mental health. If you feel as though going to the hospital is the best thing for your mental health, then it is probably a good idea. Good luck on your future endeavors.
You’re not alone 💕 sometimes even though it’s scary the hospital is just where you need to be. After going to the hospital I would consider going to a CBAT as they offer further treatment and teach you how to get back to life productively. I wish you the best of luck.
I really wish my ward had been "boring". In the UK there is law which states you can be legally detained if you are considered a "danger to yourself" or seriously suicidal. The problem is in some places once you are in you rarely get seen by qualified professionals and are instead ridiculed and abused by staff and even denied basic rights like food or water (if you are physically disabled like some patients were unlucky enough to be there you would be treated as a nuisance and at best ignored or at worst thrown into "the isolation room"). Attitudes would only temporarily change when outside inspection arrived but staff would lie about patient scars as "self harm". A patient attempted suicide and later lost her life while in there due to staff not observing her and watching television instead. It was honestly horrifying and has left me with a fear of all hospital wards.
The good news is the evidence mounted and the one I was in has since been shut down but this was only four years ago and sometimes I wonder at how much of this could be going on, unchecked, all across the UK? When I am better I want to work with a mental health focussed charity (like Mind who I highly recommend for support) to change this situation. The problem is not the staff abuse its the fact that the NHS allows and even indirectly encourages it by doing nothing and letting it fester.
PS I don't mean to scare anyone who might be going into a ward now, there are many decent wards with good levels of care- I just want to raise awareness of the many experiences of the ones that aren't. If you are being mistreated, DON'T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP! It's important.
...
If you are going to stay as an inpatient for a while, remember that even if it doesn't seem that way sometimes you are stronger overall than the illness, it may be difficult but you have survived so far and will continue to do so, and with just some help you can manage the symptoms to have incredible days where you will appreciate everything! They seem far away now but they are right there waiting for you along the way, just when you least expect it in your fight :)
The worst part is that Taxes compared to Italy(I used to live there) or other country are higher and some of the money go to toward the NHS, but the service they provide is soo bad, when I have the possibility I try to evict them
Im training to become a mental health nurse, im finishing off my Health and Social Care course, ive just applied for my uni places and i can assure you that is isnt within the NHS constitution (many people dont know this but the NHS constitution is what you should expect from the NHS) and you could definitely sue for medical negligence (many people dont like sueing the nhs because its funds they dont have) but all care places have to have medical negligence insurance so the insurance pays out not the NHS. Also, if anyone is reading this and this type of stuff is going on in a ward etc you need to contact CQC (vare quality commissions) they're kind of like OFSTED but for any place offering care, before you even go into a mental health unit you can actually look up their report on the CQC website before going. If you cant contact CQC for whatever reason then you contact Social services, social services dont just look afyer child they look after children and venerable adults. Like you said, dont let it go! If you see any type of abuse you must report it! the longer people with abuse the more damaging the results are.
I think your helping people already that was really well written
I was lucky to get into a Hospital in Germany .. they are so good in what they do. It was Like a hotel but with people who can Help you...
Is it terrible to say I've heard/seen even worse? There was a mental institution in my home town in the U.S. and in the teenager wards were hell. I heard an obscene amount of rape stories, because the teen boys and teen girls were only separated by a hallway. Not only that but from first hand experience, there were actual jail cells there, and being used. They usually just drugged the patients up on medication to zombieland or if it's someone with addictions just let them go through withdrawal, two weeks and you were cured (sarcasm on being cured). Luckily it's been shut down since then and there's a new one which gets much better feedback from patients, but just driving by the lot where it once stood puts me on edge. The memory has outlived the experience. The world continues to improve. ....I think...?
I've been to a mental health unit 12 times in the past 6 years and nothing she brought with her would be allowed in. I don't know if it's different because she's in Britain but in the USA this would all become contraband and you wouldn't be able to use it.
Depends on the hospital, and state, as well as whether it's a lock down, or self check in. Lock downs are extremely strict, whereas self check ins are pretty relaxed.
Tia D. True and it's probably since then only ones I have been to are in Cali
the longer i stayed in a hospital the more i wanted to kill my self in my opinion
Elizabeth Elman I agree 100%
Why did you get sent there did ya kill someone
I would never be able to go into a mental health unit even though I KNOW I 100% need it and I’m not safe at home and I can’t keep myself safe anymore but in the US it’s literally a prison...actually wait no at least in a prison you can wear your actual clothes and not a hospital gown. It sucks but that’s the US for you
If it's any consolation, it's a bit better in other countries so if it feeling too much like a prison is the only issue you have with them maybe that would be possible?
I keep reading comments from Americans about their mental health units and it sounds disgusting. Like, no compassion, no help for the service user, no actual "trying to make you better" its just sounds like an off brand prison, its basically take your meds shut up and stay in your room. It sounds like there is no care, there is no affection for the service user the get better. Most of these places would most probably get shut down by CQC (here in the UK CQC are the ones who go into any place that offer care like care homes, hosptials mental health units) to make sure there is no abuse happening and to make sure that the service they are offering is adequate
operalovesing well I went to a residential which is much better than the hospital it's still very strict but you can have most of your clothes and you can bring sketchbooks or books they just need to make sure you don't have anything hidden in them
I went to a really good facility in Long Beach with really great staff members
So idk where you live but the one i went to we were allowed to have our own clothes and shoes as long as there were no strings, we were able to have a notebook and one crayon, and we were able to stay in our room or go outside or watch tv or play board games. We had classes where we would think of what coping mechanisms we could use, and a therapist for whenever you need someone to talk to. This wasnt one of the "nice" ones either. Look into mental hospitals because they can definitely help.
I have extreme depression and my mom has been considering sending me into one. I'm actually kinda excited
DONT DO IT
people say lots of scary stuff but i’ve been twice when i was in high school. i’m going for a third time this week. its a valuable resource and it saves lives
How did it go?
Well, when I have to be hospitalized, again, I'll bring a few things:
1) drawing stuff: I love to draw, and you have a lot of spare time, especially at the beginning
2) my guitar: If I'm allowed to, I'll bring my guitar. But it depends on the hospital you're going to
3) books: Books are great, I don't think I need to explain it any further
4) My diary: Sometimes, you need to organize your thoughts. Being able to not only talk to therapists and the other patientd, but also writing it down can help a lot.
You can look what you've done in your therapies later on aswell.
5) A warm, cozy blanket: Always bring a blanket. Sometimes you aren't allowed to bring your own sheets, so just bring a blanket and some plushies if you like, just to have something from home.
6) Mp3-player: Obviously, they don't allow you to use your phone. So bring a Mp3-player with your favourite music and get some audiobooks
7) Pictures, photos, etc: Bring photos of things that are important to you.
That's my list :)
There's no way they'll let you bring a guitar.
I'd doubt they would let you bring an MP3 player.
I find it interesting how she got electronics and razors and pencils. I've been in "Floor 7" 3 times and wasn't even allowed a small blanket to cuddle with because the material was easily torn and could be used for hanging. I only just managed to sneak-in some markers that were pen-like, but I kept them under my pillow in a bag my mother had brought me, and wouldn't budge from the pillow the entire time I was there.
Also, on my 7th day in the ward, I told the doctor point-bank, "It's illegal for y'all to keep me here for longer than 6 days without a court order." Then he suddenly changed his tune and told me how to get out; filling-out a workbook! It was never emphasized to me to do so, nor was any importance put on it. It was actually illegal for them to keep me there beyond 3 days according to a lawyer!! They stripped me of my humanity, my dignity, I was a number, and I was an animal.
I love how open and confidenct this woman is! As a disabilities worker, I can see so much potential in her getting better. She is beautiful and intellegent.
All I need is some clothes,headphones,music,sketch book,diary,and my teddy bear Jaxyn.
You can’t have long cables but they allow you a long scarf?
I spend a long time on surgical wards and for me it’s:
1- iPad for reading, music and downloaded apps (when I can afford WiFi I can use on line apps). Don’t forget the charging lead.
2- phone to stay in touch and let people know what’s happening. Again remember the charger.
3- colouring book, coloured pencil and a sharpener (I’ve cheated a bit and put these as a package)
4- my 1 litre drink bottle and loads of squash or flavoured water (if anybody asks if I need anything then drink is always the answer) it is so hot in hospital and pain medication always make me thirsty. The reason for the bottle is that hospital cups are tiny and I’m very clumsy.
5- Fan, as previously mentioned it’s always very hot and most windows don’t open more than 3” and I often have a high temperature. (Wards generally only have a few fans so I take my own) If by some chance the ward has plenty of fans then the No 5 slot would be left open for real books.
So that’s my top 5.
It depends on the ward, but mental wards are very different. Some places are a little more lenient, but other are like concentration camps
Kathryn Lupin-Black hence the reason I said I spend a lot of time on surgical wards. I wouldn’t expect MH wards to allow any sort of blade.
How on earth was she allowed to bring a scarf? The mental hospital in which I was admitted into didn't allow anything will long sleeves [Meaning cuts were all visible] as they were often used to suffocate yourself.. God, I wish I was allowed at least an mp3 player in there..
she has a very gentle and pleasant presence, I'm so sorry for what she goes through, I realize I have issues myself. I just wish more people talked about it and it wasn't looked down upon to inform employees, friends, lovers and family about it. I know I am very understanding and put up boundaries and just want to help people.
Flowers. bring them flowers. it's so nice to be able to feel like you can keep something alive if you are struggling to keep yourself alive.
This was all considered contraband when I was in a mental health unit. A nurse came into my room at night with a flashlight and took the two magazines my mom brought me because they had staples. I wasn't allowed to have pens unless I was in a common area where I could be watched.
May Charlotte recovers soon. My sister 52 years old has a bipolar type 1. I learnt that Mental disease is like common disease such as High blood pressure or heart disease. It can be treated. It is expected that there will be relapses in between just like common diseases. My sister was admitted to hospital last week due to depression. She took 1 week of medicine at once. Her las admittance was 2 years ago due to manic episode
Thank you for this video, I am a carer for a family member and this has been very helpful 🙆
if you go and visit someone in a mental hospital , bring them slippers , you'd be so suprised how much we need comfy things on our feet in there
Cozy blanket, pillow, comfy clothes, and if you can books are all good to have and give to someone in a mental health unit. Sometimes you are allowed to bring meals and snacks to them at visiting times to eat with them and that can be just amazing to have a nice meal with familiar person and won't get the patient too stressed or pressured. This is from my experience a few years back and my mom visited whenever she could and brought me meals. Also if a patient asks you to bring something to them on a reasonable level it's really good to do that, I had my mom bring some watermelon one day and when she had slices of watermelon for me it made me so happy
As someone who went into a mental hospital, sometimes the nurses may take stuff away. Don't hesitate to ask why, or to ask them to reconsider. They took away my legend of Zelda cardigan, which has no inappropriate graphics, and no drawstrings. I asked why, and another nurse checked it out. She said she didn't know why it was taken away and gave it back to me. I also had my mother bring me some books, an adult (but child friendly) coloring book, makers, my favorite blanket (it's so soft and not scratchy like the ones provided), socks, pajama pants, a pillow, and some other various items. Just make sure you check at the desk about what's okay and what's not, and don't be afraid to ask why. Hospitals are not scary whatsoever, and though it may not be ideal, it's actually not half bad. I would definately consider it if ever necessary.
I'm surprised so many hospitals let you take so many different things. Like, the one I went to, we couldn't bring pens or pencils, no bathroom supplies with alcohol, no pillows or blankets from home, no electronics at all, no stuffed animals, no food, no bras with underwires, no dvds or cds, belts, wire-bound notebooks, keys, earrings or other piercings (even plugs), wallets, or hair ties or clips. Any shoes you brought couldn't have shoelaces and no glass. Meaning at night they make you put your glasses in a little bin and walk to your room blind. I just always assumed that's how all hospitals were
I had a friend that use to drink Purell hand sanitizer to get drunk. Hence the no alcohol in products allowed. Lock down units are really stict, but the self check in units were pretty lenient. The one I usually go to has a kitchenette, and you can get snacks at anytime.
SAME... I'm reading through all these comments and just... My mind is blown by how much STUFF people are/were allowed! I was allowed books and that was it--and actually, they took one of my books part way through because they noticed it was in french and apparently that's... not allowed? I still don't understand that and I'm angry all over again just thinking about it.
Why did ya get sent there did you kill someone
Electric Razor, comfy clothes, and pants because hospitals are usually not warm unless you are in a dedicated Mental Health building.
Also if you have something with a camera you can't have it.
In my experience under 18 wards are stricter than adult wards. If you have any self-harm marks you might need to cover them. No scarves allowed unless they are knitted that's really weak.
I'm Canadian so each place is different.
Depends on the type. I have before, as some don't have any sharp points.
They use to let us shave with a special electric razor the hospital used for surgical shaving, and it was always supervised. The under 18 ward I was in was really pleasant and friendly, but it was very strict, and they kept strict schedules of everything. Some wards are pretty relaxed depending on the severity of the patients they get, and also because the head unit doctor usually makes the rules.
I was hospitalized involuntarily and I found that I needed was a stuffed animal to hold at night or day :)
also is there anyone who scratches themselves or pulls hair instead of cutting? I’ve always thought cutting wasn’t my thing :/
nvm cutting is gr8 keep it edgy ma d00ds
I know this comments over a year old by now, but wanted to say I'm a scratcher too, and a bruiser. Generally when someone says 'self harm' people automatically tend to think: cutting. But in actuality the number of self destructive habits is vast. Anyway, yeah scratching. Really soothes me down. It really upsets people when they see you scratching (and I don't blame them) it's just very addicting truthfully. I mainly go for my face and wrists. I had a period of almost a year where I hardly scratched at all, but I fell back into it. Tough habit to break. Hope you're doing well though lol :)
i don't scratch or cut but i bash my head violently against walls
I scratch myself with sharp objects, self harm is any kind of harm you self inflict
Old comment but
I punch my legs until they bruise
It’s weird because this came up randomly on my suggestions screen and I’ve been struggling with severe anxiety and depression for years now. On Christmas Eve I was about to end up in a mental hospital and I was (and still am) scared about going. I also have separation anxiety from my mom and I can’t even sleep over at my grandmothers house 5 min away without having a panic attack at some point. I now have a bag ready for when or if I need to go but this video has seriously helped me
I have a security blanket that's helps me with my anxiety.
A very very soft blanket and a stuffie
Aww I feel this. I was admitted last month for a manic episode, it sucks being there but there are usually good people you will meet, at least the times I was in hospital.
Some things I always bring to the hospital:
-Lots of underwear as sometimes it takes a while to do your laundry
- a really comfortable sweatshirt
-flip flops for the shower
- pictures from home
-lots of books
-homework from school if you have any
-mp3 player because they wouldn’t allow phones
-exercise clothes
-a big towel
- calming face masks
- a wireless nightlight for reading
- slippers
- movies if they have a tv for the common area
-cds if they have a radio
- something that smells like home
- alcohol free painting supplies
- stress balls or other stress toys
- a journal to write down feelings and experiences can help with anxiety. It also helps to write lists of what you will do when you get out so that you have a plan set in place
Tip: don’t bring anything that you would hate to have stolen or lost. Usually they will not let you have products that contain alcohol in the ingredients. If you are going to a hospital that you’ve never been to before do some research to see what programs they may have for patients to keep you busy.
Great list and so realistic.
I've been in a psych unit five times, and I find the rules can vary on what you're allowed to bring. Some places are lenient and let you bring electronics, but other places are way more strict and don't even allow pens and pencils. I remember the first time when I was in a unit that strict, and I immediately called my parents and asked them to get me a set of fine-point markers because no way was I going to write in crayon the whole time. Also definitely bring a sports bra, ladies, because they probably won't let you keep any bras with underwire. Which is really inconvenient for bustier ladies like myself because sports bras do nothing. Also I recommend bringing a hoodie or sweatshirt because I find that they all seem to be a bit chilly inside, regardless of the season.
What you can/can't take varies between wards, the security of the ward (HIGH SECURE/LOW SECURE) and country but from my experiences what you cannot take into most adolescent wards in the UK are as follows: cables, shoelaces, scarves, blades, razors, electrical items, phones with a camera, pornographic/offensive items, weapons (if you arrive with such items, staff will confiscate them and keep them for safekeeping until you are discharged and deemed responsible with the restricted items or they will let you use certain items e.g hair dryer under supervision). In some cases, they may and are allowed to discard items; usually blades or bits of material that are used to self-harm.
What do I recommend taking? - slippers, slipper socks, your own teabags or your own snacks from home (depending on ward rules and if you have a meal plan), jumpers-something cosy, books, notebook ( I kept over 7 diaries during my two admissions) , cuddly toy, general comfy clothes and a set of smarter going-home clothes, a list of phone numbers of your friends or family (my unit had a payphone where your parents could call the unit and the call would be forwarded to you). If you're not sure what to take and you have a planned admission (a non-emergency admission where a patient arrives with their parent or carer from home. Emergency admissions tend to come straight from school, hospital, a&e or another unit) it is worth researching the unit you are going to and checking their rules.
So I work on a psych unit in America. We would have never allowed the scarf (it can be used for harm), the Bluetooth headphones would have been a no (hard plastic can be used to break and harm), we don't allow personal hygiene products unless prescribed by the doctor (many people have allergies and smells affect them), no cords at all (metal can harm), not allowed to bring mr bunny, no colouring pencils (unless they are about 3inches) or markers (they use them to write on the walls and also hard plastic), absolutely nothing with strings no matter how short, we don't allow razors at all, no food or drinks (we don't know what's in them), nothing with hoods, and only 3 of each clothing item. Also all patients are checked on every 15 minutes. It's strict but it prevents a lot of harm from happening.
Payton F woah well now I'm really glad I'm not in america.... not that I want to end up being admitted but if I were here the rules are way less strict (I'm from germany...). I guess an american Mental Health Unit would see me break down more than ever before. Because that would be taking all my coping mechanisms from me (because well I guess books wouldn't be allowed at least not hardcover books?).
Yeah well luckily over here we know the first thing about mental health and don't punish people for having problems.
Also you can hide sharps in the doll so that’s a no no as well.
Penelope G Wow! I was allowed to have my stuffed tiger with me, they just thoroughly checked it every day to make sure it wasn't broken into. I had my hoodies. I was allowed soft tipped markers, I just had to give them back at the end of the day. I was allowed my own hygiene products as long as they were in original container, airplane allowed size, and didn't contain alcohol, and the nurses held onto it until shower time. I live in America.
That’s so fucking contradicting. Ridiculous. Quite weird how most American health institutions think about what they can do to punish individuals for being sick. At the very most it should be based on how severe their illness is and wether they’re having suicidal thoughts, because of they’re not already wanting to kill themselves, they sure as hell will want to being locked between four cement walls with absolutely nothing to do. ESPECIALLY if they’re a young adult or teen who was forced to go because they’re parents didn’t feel like dealing with emotions.
weirdly specific but ok
i have been in the hospital and i agree with most of this. units crack down on what you have on hand. because anything can harm you if you try hard enough
Scarves are a definate no, no. I can't believe she is showing taking one.
Thanks for the video,now I know what to hand to my mom when she is having those times 💝
This is really helpful. I'll be doing my undergrad internship in a mental institution near my college. I'm a bit scared, but I'm eager to start.
im legit watching this because i finally had the courage to go to a therapist. the therapist thinks i have depression and that i should diagnosed which i will soon if my mum allows it. my mum doesn't like mental hospitals. so yeah. probably gonna go to a mental hospital either way because of my suicidal thoughts.
I'd bring my stainless steal bar or soap. its just a piece of steal in the shape of soap but its extremely calming to rub.
hate to tell ya but that'd be taken from you immediately
Ya it could be used as a weapon so
it will be taken, its steel, could be used as a weapon on yourself or others
Yeah. They won't let you have it. I have crutches to walk and they took the away. I had to hobble about and it was agony
Really interesting and useful. Thanks. The best people to ask are always those in the know. It also demystifies a lot more than what to pack just seeing it shared by someone you know makes it less scary. I assumed you were not allowed to pack (lived with a £10 note in my shoe for a while due to this) I've heard, "Oh we don't put people like _you_ away," from Drs and social workers and I thought, "Ugh, no, really, medico...?"
that's really disablist/sanist! Between the people who reminded me that as a disabled person I'm 'lucky' (it was years before I realised that meant "lucky we don't institutionalise mild cases like you anymore") and people like my mother and sister in law who seriously kept trying to trying to make me crack. I really did expect to end up needing to at some point and it was terrified. I once told a psych this and it went on my record as, "Her family are concerned about her." That is such a great demystifier of the high leading to rage - I've seen that in a relative on his page (after his death) 'great ideas, I'm the best' rage on the nephew's FB page and she describes it so exactly but so well it actually helps more than anything I've ever read to contextualise it!
I have anxiety and depression. I've been threatened to be put into a mental hospital many times, but I've never been, yet. I'll make sure to keep this video in mind, just in case.
the worst part is the staff and boredom, but youre occupied and busy every waking moment and youll make tons of friends no matter who you are. nobody is left out.
When I was in the psych ward I thought it was horrible because I didn’t have a lot of stuff. It’s really stuff you take for granted. No shoe laces, no jewelry, no underwire bra, no bags, no brushes, no belts, and absolutely no technology. I always found it helpful to take paper and some finger paints, books (not hard cover bc you could hurt yourself), and some music. I would have a nurse come in and sit in my room to watch me at all times and she’d play music and we’d get to talk and sometimes watch movies. I don’t wish on anyone that they go to a psych ward like I had to do. I was young and went multiple times and even though it was horrible at times I’m so much more better now.
i was in a unit and if you’re giving them something, write them a letter, preferably a longgg one because it is true that you’re there for awhile and the days are long. Along with that, bring something comforting, like a soft blanket or a stuffed animal that smells like you or familiar smells. If you’re going in, bring BOOKS! i read about 7 books and make sure to bring lotion because the soap there is veryyy drying.
When I was admitted in America I wasn’t even allowed to bring my own hair brush or tooth brush. They gave us flimsy combs and heap tooth brushes which we were only allowed to use once a day
During my psychiatry rotation, I had the misfortune to witness the travesty that was the psychiatric unit. And yes, patients weren't permitted to have preposterous stuff like hairbrushes, normal shampoo, or closing bathroom doors. I wish that I could ask for a tuition refund for the bullshit that I was forced to study. To any sane person, it becomes very clear that a psychiatrist is nothing more than a glorified drug dealer, at best, or just a jailer.
Ive been in several long term hospitalizations and they do help, i know that saying ive been multiple times doesnt sound like it helps but i swear to god it does. but you need to want to work. dont lie just to get out or youll go right back in. be honest and work with the people who want to help you.
i was on a teenage ward for 6 months and we werent allowed any cables (at all) or electronics, but the colouring books and teddy are very good tips !! i would also suggest fluffy slippers and a journal and crayons ! we werent allowed anything we could hurt ourselves with including pencils or pens. also pictures of friends and family !! i had polaroids of my friends to put on my wall to encourage me but i wasnt allowed to put them up which was sad ):
The food is almost always amazing
I never went into a mental health ward but I was in the hospital quite often for anxiety rehab and I had a lot of the same things but here's my list.
- toiletries (obviously)
- activities; books, your laptop, music, movies, colouring pages, a journal, anything you can busy yourself with
- earphones/headphones and earplugs; there will be quite moments but there will also be times where everyone is talking or doing something loud and you need to tune it out
- lavender oil; for me lavender has always been a calming scent if you don't have an essential oil you like go with your favourite perfume or your mum/sister/best friend/girlfriend's perfume or dad/brother/friend/boyfriend's cologne any scent that will make you feel safe (it helps you settle into the environment)
- money so you can buy stuff from the vending machine or if there's a restaurant in the hospital
- a stuffed toy never underestimate the power of a stuffed toy, they're magic
- your favourite robe or jacket or the jacket/t-shirt of someone you love
- eye mask
- slippers; trust me even in summer the floor will probably be cold and you don't really want to walk around barefoot in a hospital
- your own pillow and blanket; again to help you settle in
- comfortable clothes; you're in the hospital, not the runway you don't need to be done up every day... or at all so be comfortable (unless that would make you feel better)
and one of the things that helped me the most...
- pictures of my dogs; I saw my family every day but I only got to see my dogs on weekends so I really needed those photos
again I wasn't in a mental health ward/unit I was in an adolescent ward that also happened to have some kids with mental health issues so some of the things on my list might not be allowed but I thought I would share what I took and what I found useful.
I have a friend named mason, he has depression and I remember he came to the nurses office when I was there one day, he had cuts all over his arm, he’s currently in a mental hospital, he was like a brother to me, and I love him and miss him so much
This was made the day I got out of my clinic. It was a nightmare in there. I left as fast as possible as it made my mental state worse. Hear my warnings. Never go to Horsham Clinic in Pennsylvania.
i wish i had seen this before going to the psych ward. comfort is everything!
how is it there- like daily life
@@nat7243 well, you wake up, eat breakfast, sit around for a few hours, eat lunch, sit around some more and hope that you'll get a visitor, eat dinner, sit around, go to bed, repeat. that was my experience anyway
@@malfunctionnnn :( my friends in a residential ward for two months and i hope shes doing fine
I've never been hospitalized for mental health issues but I've been hospitalized for other things. The things I always need to bring are my "hospital slippers," a colouring book and some felt tip markers, a book, music, my body butter, a cozy sweater or hoody, and sweat pants.
What I took with me was some books and a lot of journals to write in
If you are bringing someone something bring something with a little taste of home-- a card or picture
iirc none of the places i was ever admitted allowed any electronics or scarves or stuffed animals. we could have ear plugs but the had to be kept behind the nurse’s station until we went to bed. generally we couldn’t bring anything with metal bits either, and i remember one of the hospitals didn’t allow us to bring erasers.
crossword puzzle books were always my go-to. thankfully i’ve gotten to a point in my recovery where i’m no longer in and out of inpatient wards!
if you go to a ward that only allows brick phones or if you can only use a ward phone bring a list of numbers of friends, family, and if you can get your therapists work phone number it will be very useful
I work at Sheppard Pratt in Maryland and we won’t allow:
.Strings (shoelaces or pants/shirt strings), pens/pencils, sharpies, phones, necklaces, bar soap, loofas, makeup, electric anything, food, any pumps, any products with alcohol as the first 3 ingredients (not in the patient rooms), scarves (unless for religious purposes), perfumes/sprays, erasers, spirals in notebooks, plastic knives, stuffed animals, plastic bags. Patients need a one-to-one for oxygen tank usage (a sitter). The list goes on.
Clothes is a big one for me, cause the first few days you're in scrubs and they NEVER fit me.
Stuffed toy, books, my glasses, a notebook, stuff like that helps a LOT.
When I first went to a mental hospital i brought a bunch of books, my blanket and my pillow. I was not allowed to have phones, wires, or like dangerous stuff. The other patients were nice and we played a lot and it was fun. I was sad but I just thought of it as a break. Cards was what I used mostly. I also had the thick noise canceling headphones.
I remember visiting my brother in the unit for under 18s with mental disorders. The first time he was admitted their, I must've been seven. I remember being checked with a metal detector, and thinking that everyone did this when they went to see family members. But, at the same time I knew it wasn't normal because his room had none of the stuff he had in his room at our house, so I started getting really confused. Luckily, he was only their for a few months, and our house was literally opposite it.
I went into a mental hospital when i was about 12 and it was surprisingly easy and the other kids that were there felt like family we all became quite close I wish i could go back some times
Wow where I went, both places in America, we couldn't have any electronics, no jewelry, no shoelaces, scarves or strings, and no pens or pencils. They gave us markers or crayons that were kept away. If you had visitors they could bring extra clothes or acceptable shoes but that's it. All I packed were simple clothes, slip on shoes, my blanket and we could bring our own toiletries and keep them behind the desk, I would've loved my own music or a journal, its helpful to a lot of people but I get why they do it
Pajama pants (without strings), blanket, favorite shirts, photos of your friends and family,, among other things. There are a lot of things you can't bring... the ones I've been to didn't allow cellphones or any form of outside electronics. Some don't allow blankets or certain types of clothes like dresses and leggings. You can't have spiral notebooks either...
But, it isn't scary. It's nice to be safe... And you learn things about yourself.
I have dissociative identity disorder, bipolar, and ptsd and depression. I am sick. I have serious illnesses that can't be seen from the outside...
It isn't bad to go to the hospital when you need it. It is supposed to help
Depends on where you go. I’m already seeing something you couldn’t bring. A scarf! The headphones is a good idea. But, you won’t have it for a while. Until they authorize it. Sports bras are a good idea. Again. It depends on if you would be allowed to do that depends on why you go in, and if they think thats a wise idea. I guess it also depends on the situation and if you actually have time to prepare and pack. If you aren’t lucky enough to pack. You will probably end up with scrubs, and your own shoes. Unless, it for some reason doesn’t meet requirements. They will most likely have supplies you can use. Like art supplies, books, puzzles, games. Group activities. I really would suggest packing or have someone bring you something of your own. Because you are already not feeling great, you don’t know any of the people, and you aren’t in your comfort place. So, something as simple as your own shirt is majorly helpful especially at night.
Take books if you like reading, also knitting if you think knitting needles are safe. A really really comfy blanket too. They absorb tears.
You would definately not be allowed to have knitting needles
"there's no way you can hurt yourself with this" ... *instantly thinks of 4 ways*.. glad I'm lucky enough for those days to be hopefully over for me.. In the UK we have different types of hospitals- sounds like this lady was in the lower secure end of things, in PICU's things tend to be more strict (pens are restricted in ours, books over a certain size...), if PICU cant keep you or others safe then they can send you to more secure hospital (usually private options paid by the nhs- but not nice).. each type of hospital also does different levels of supervision and 'short term' isolation or 'special care unit'
I'd bring brush pens and a giant stack of good paper for them,and they're brush pens so they're really soft, not much to hurt yourself with, and it's just generally my preferred texture of brush.
I always used to take my psp for my sister, the charge on it lasts for a good three or more days, so when it gets flat I take it home and charge it, then bring it back the next day.
Something to twiddle with
I've been inpatient twice and each time I always brought photos and posters to make your room more homely, as for visiting someone I would suggest bringing magazines or books, during my stay in hospital my mum must have spent a fortune on colouring in books for me 😅
I don't know how different it is in the UK or on adult wards since I'm a 17 year old american, but I'm only a minute and a half in and I already see so many things that we would definitely not be allowed to have
Most of the things she wanted to bring they wont alow in any hospital ive ever heard of or been to
As someone who often has suicidal thoughts I've been getting extremely aggravated that I still haven't got a therapist since August. My Anxiety and depression have spiralled into hellish levels. Mental breakdowns are becoming an almost daily occurrence of an anxiety attack every two to three days. My previous therapist wouldn't put anxiety and depression on my medical records unless I complied with her methods which _did not_ work for me. She even tried to say I wasn't depressed. But after living with three people who having Manic Depressive Disorder and one with Seasonal Depression, I know what Depression looks like. And my mother, who has MDD Anxiety Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, has said she can tell I have MDD as well.
Lexi Barrow Sounds rough but I hope you get through this! I can relate to the depression and anxiety and it sucks. (Btw awesome profile pic lol)
I don't have bipolar but I also get it where when I'm low, that's all I know, and same with when I'm really happy. I never remember what it is like to be in any other state than the state I am in.
I wasn't aloud to have electronics everyone at a minimum was checked on every 15 minutes no cords no matter the length no scars no shoes not even flip flops unless they were 1 strap no pens no pencils it is veery hard especially if it's a hold placed out of no where my hold messed up but if you get put on a hold it's hard I couldn't find a way to comfort myself I was alone I shared a room with someone I was not able to find comfort or happiness but I faked it to get out because where I was at was not a good hospital
I bring alot of moisturizer and skin care because when im having a really bad period prior to being admitted, i dont take care of my body and face so when you get out and all your skin feels nicer , you feel like you've recovered more. Thats just me but
As someone who lives with a condition that affects my mental state on a daily basis, I can imagine how distressed I would feel in a mental health hospital. I know that it sometimes can really help certain people, but I wouldn't be able to stand it.
A good book and lots of warm fuzzy things, slippers, blankets, sweatpants. As well as a good book and anything entertaining, a rubicks cube, paint, a good book. Honestly the most important thins is warm company, once you leave you go back to the outside, they go back to a ward. Its not enjoyable.
BOOKS, AND ALOT OF THEM. Also things you can get creative with for example art tools ect. Knitting tools if you are allowed to bring that. It depends on the hospital ur in. Also music ect things to listen to. And as said things that smell like home. I used to bring my favourite blanket, a very soft one with owls in different colors. I was in a psychiatry for young pepole as im only 15 and back then i was 13 and later on 14 (i've been there twice) Take something you can use to focus on. And treats aswell if you are allowed.
I've been in-patient 9-10 times last year. Maaan I was bored. I was able to bring a DS Lite, one that has no internet or camera. I also brought a radio once, and a portable DVD player. I actually made friends I'm still in contact with and hang out with from the hospitals (who actually follows the no number trading rule) :')
i was admitted and i had 5 things from home and a photo of home and my family. I had to have my service dog. I hade some art markers and a sketch book and a couple other things. I ended up leaving and it was very helpful. Hospitals are not as bad as people and movies make it seem. They still suck
When I get to hospital I was in the child’s unit. I was not aloud a bra that had a wire, hard books a note book that had a wire in it, they had to take all the strings out of my clothing (shoe laces, elastics to hold up pants etc,)
im still in a place like this, more of an insetution, a year soon
so far theyve put me in a unit for selfharmers a few months, mightve caused some kinda trauma and done nothing
i thought trying to take ones own life was a thing there needed to be dealt with.. not left alone
I never go to hospitals or mental health services, but I’d always recommend a sentimental comfort thing. Like a stuffed animal or a blanket.
My local facility doesn’t allow anything electronic at all like no cell phones so your only hope for music is a radio that is shared in the day room
okay, (i am not diagnosed and i do not mean and harm or offence to anyone who is diagnosed or anyone at all) the way the she described bipolar disorder is exactly how i feel. it’s like out of no where i’ll be really happy and loving like but it’s not a calm happy is a crazy happy. and sometimes it because aggressive. and other times i become very very deeply depressed. i won’t shower for a like a week. and i will be very low. and when i am in either state i can’t seem to understand how i could ever feel the other way. like when i’m in a low state i think what is there to be happy about like why was i happy and then it gets deeper and deeper and i think about suicide. and the same with my happy, like how could i ever feel like that. etc. i don’t if i should see a doctor about this or if i should just leave it. but it gets scary sometimes, and i do scare myself sometimes.
When I was in one, my dad could bring me clothes, books (paperback only. No hard covers), and plushies. I didn’t ask for anything more than that, so I don’t know if they allow your own blankets and stuff.
They have to check the items someone brings to make sure they’re safe.
You can’t even bring pencils into your room. You can only have any sort of writing utensil in the day room (which is sort of like a classroom. You have a hospital staff watching the “class” like a teacher while things like rec therapy and talk therapy go on.)
Then again, this is my experience as a teen. This woman in the video is an adult so it was probably a lot different.
In the US it's pretty different. I've been inpatient twice and no phones or technology is allowed whatsoever. You can't have sweatpants, or sweatshirts with strings in them or sneakers with shoe laces.
Soft things that remind you of something you like or something that makes you happy. A journal with special pens - glittery, metallic, pastel, etc. (Alternatively a sketch book with nice pencils) Air fresheners (if allowed). Puzzle of some sort that won't frustrate you, and you simply enjoy. Your own pillow case. Ear plugs/mask. A happy and pretty picture or art book. Flip flops. LOTS of clean clothing.
When I was admitted you couldn’t have scarfs or stuffed animals or drawstrings or anything like that and everyone was on 15 minute checks. You also weren’t allowed any electronics. I was in a teenage psychiatric unit so it might be different. I had my friend bring me coloring books and crayons and play dough