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Contemplating treatment for Self harm and Eating disorder but scared and want to know what Residential is like?
Question : Contemplating treatment for Self harm and Eating disorder but scared and want to know what Residential is like?
I have struggled with SI and ED for almost 10 years. I went into treatment at the Renfrew Center in June and am now in out patient there. I was told last week that they really want me to do residential or in patient. I did the day treatment and IOP. I really feel like I shouldn’t be where I am at but I am and today in therapy I was almost forced to go into the hospital but made a compromise. Part of me thinks I can keep trying and maybe eventually it will stick and that I’m just going through a rough patch but on the other hand I don’t know, maybe I should. Has anyone ever been in patient or residential for either of these? Please tell me what its like good or bad. I need to know!!
residential treatment centers for eating disorders
Best answer:
Answer by Serene E
HONEY!!!! THE FEAR COMES FROM THE SELF HARM AND EATING DISORDER!!!!!!
Both are overly concerned with what people think of you!!!
YOU’VE SUFFERED 10 YEARS!!!!!!!! GET HELP!!!
Well I’ve gone in by choice and been committed by doctors and the experiences were very different.
When I went involuntarily, it was scary because I was in with a whole lot of random people who seemed dangerous. If you get forced, the doctors and staff will know and they do treat you differently. I was also considered uncooperative by the staff because I was there involuntarily. It might take longer to complete your stay or you might start out with no or signifigantly reduced freedom or privileges when you’re there. My movements were monitored and watched with suspicion and it was embarassing and demeaning. There wasn’t any worthwhile therapy because the other people who were forced to be there were disruptive and unruly. I was either frightened or wasting my time every minute I was there.
When I went in on my choice, it was a huge improvement. Of course all that therapy can be annoying (music therapy is my least favorite) and there are a lot of stupid “rules” on the floor but it isn’t scary and I didn’t feel like a criminal. This helps with the attitude I brought to therapy – like I was there because I chose to not because I was forced. Suprisingly, it was a safe place to work on my stuff without any distractions. Also I felt better faster because I got to jump-start my medication treatment because the doctors were there 24/7 to watch for any weird side effects.
My volunteer stays were like being on a college dorm hall or indoor camp. The food was much better (fresh cafeteria choice vs. mushy hospital tray) and I got to walk around without and staff – even outside. Plus I didn’t feel like my fellow patients were going to kill me. And the best part was that I got to bring my own clothes and pajamas to wear and I didn’t run out of underware or have to wear the crappy hospital gowns like I did for my forced stay.
As someone who has gone in all types of ways and who is now older, wiser and now better
, I advise you to go in by your choice. No one *wants* to be there, but your hand might get forced soon anyway, and it is MUCH easier to go in as a volunteer.