what is it like inside a treatment facility?

[mylifee]

what it like?
does it feel like jail, or like a hotel?
what are the treatments like? do you be at it all day?

might have to go to one, please help

[Theoretical]

It's a little different in each one, also different depending on the level of care.

It is not like a jail, although there will be times you feel trapped and helpless, or you get mad at the limits on what you can and cannot do. People who describe ED treatment centers as "jail" have not been in a real jail, or a state psych ward. Trust me, any treatment center that specializes in ED is going to be paradise compared to these.

For comprehensive reviews of treatment centers written by patients, PM me and I'll send you a link. I can't post links yet.

Good Luck!

[p_fine]

Being an in patient of an ED unit is different depending on where you go. I was in one last year for 9 weeks. It is certainly not a hotel, although where I was, we were well looked after. The nurses and doctors will be there to look after you no matter what. It was often hard but definitely worth it. I have made some amazing friends from my time there and we are still in touch often. It works if you work it. If you go to one to be an in patient - you have to want to get better - other wise it will take longer and be harder. If you believe you can do it, you will.

Good luck and sending you lots of love and thoughts. Let me know what you think or if you have any more questions.

[EyesWideShut]

My sister was in one-it was like a jail. You weren't allowed to make friends because you had to focus on getting better, you had no access to the outside world except through the phone and that was a supervised conversation. And you had no privacy.

It was hell, but she got better. I suppose they are all different though.

[Palmolive]

Hey there.

I'll start by saying my sister was in one for nearly ten months. I was also put in the same one but for depression. It treated both eating disorders and other mental health issues.

I know she got on well there and it helped lift her weight up and to be more healthy and have someone to talk to. They did it pretty smoothly and encouraged her to talk to the other young people there as well as doing three activities a day where the whole unit would do something together like art, sport, walks, films etc. She could get home leave depending on how much weight she gained each week and as long as she had no more than three strikes. You got strikes if you refused to eat a meal etc. They did a diet plan with her too.

When I was there, it was the same. I was in for just over three months. Activities, encouragement etc. It was alright. Not a place you particularly want to be but a place you'll go if you really want the help and feel it could help you.

But remember all places are different. If you are asking because you're thinking about it, try writing down pro's and con's etc. Really think hard, because if there's a chance it could help you, then it could be weel worth it.

Jessie'

[Reflections]

I was wondering this myself. Ive been in a psych ward for almost a month, spread out in 2 two week time periods, and that was hell. You were allowed to socialize, but it was monitored. You werent allowed to talk about things the nurses didn't like. You weren't allowed to go outside, depending on your level of progress. Phone calls weren't monitored so that's good I guess.

I've never been in a ED in-patient so I don't know what to say there. I just think they might put me in one soon, so it was good to hear what it's sorta like :/