How to Help Someone in a Psych Ward (from a girl who's been there)

[@4TEiight48]

As a person who has been to hospital more times then i can count these are the most essential items, Slip on shoes because they take your shoe laces and your shoes fall off, a (sweatshirt or long sleeve shirt because it is freezing in there), a bible if you are religious it is a really good way to pass the time. sum hospitals have a vending machine so a few dollars wouldn't hurt, several pairs of clothes, so you can shower and put on clean clothes, sometimes they provide you with a gown while your clothes are being washed. all these items are a must have sometimes you can ask for a bible and they will giv one to you

[@FatSynthDude]

Even if you're not religious, a Bible definitely helps because it's good to read when you're bored, and carrying one also leads to a lot of interesting conversations with the other patients.

[@SandyTheDesertFox]

My cousin worked in the hospital i was committed in, and yet he never came to visit 😢 Please visit, people...

[@SchizoKitzo]

This

[@Miranda-x7p]

Hello Kit, thanks again for a great video! I just wanted to suggest that the person visiting bring toiletries.Often when someone has been admitted they didn’t have a chance to pack anything and I know I missed my comb,toothbrush and toothpaste and deodorant and body wash.I was so scarred by that experience that I carry a mini toothbrush and tube of toothpaste in my purse at all times as well as a mini hair-brush! Also, bring exercise books like Sudoku or join the numbers to create a picture. Those take up hours and can be a thoughtful gift from a loved-one. Last but not least,warm socks and sweaters! (If you’re allowed to wear your own clothes.)Psych wards can get chilly and warm clothes are always welcome.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Love these additions!

[@Miranda-x7p]

@@SchizoKitzothank you Kit!

[@Catlily5]

The hospitals I was in provided all that stuff.

[@Miranda-x7p]

@@Catlily5 That’s wonderful! :)

[@larabenevides9261]

I really disliked visitors, because it made me super self-conscious. I always felt like people were judging me (to be fair, some of them were)

[@SchizoKitzo]

You are so valid for that, thanks for sharing your perspective, and I’m sure you’re not alone! ^_^

[@noyomama]

Keep in mind they will be there from 3-7 days usually, sometimes longer. Extra tips: Some hospitals allow clothes just without strings or band logos along with shoes the same way!! Bring them some shampoo, coniditoner, bodywash, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary products, deodorant, and a plastic bottle of perfume!! These things will help a lot with the stay, some places also let you bring a pillow and blanket!! These things helped me a lot especially being a teenager in and out of mental institutions.

[@gckinsey]

Thank you for putting together such a great list of tips! This is going to help me for sure the next time anyone I know ends up in a psych ward. Some of the things you mentioned that visitors should bring never would have crossed my mind, especially puzzles and photos. (I'm also loving all the suggestions people have made in the comments about other helpful items to bring.) I'm glad that you had good support from the outside during your stay, and I appreciate you sharing about that experience.

[@SchizoKitzo]

The comments on this video are so good I’m so happy! And I’m glad you liked the video too. Thanks GC!

[@PrinAnie]

I hated visitors. In everything, regular medical and non-orgaised-by-me birthday visits too. Heck I hate birthday phone calls. Idk, I'm weird.

[@80islandia]

This is an important point. Do not just “drop by.” Ask the person whether they would like a visit. There are all kinds of reasons why someone would or would not like to be accessed while in a psych ward, including fear that the visitor might get harmed/killed, depending on the type of delusion.

[@jmanke6057]

No my friends like that sometimes

[@jmanke6057]

Thanks

[@davidchilders2437]

You're right about meeting interesting people in the psych ward. I met a guy who was 6 foot 4 with all kinds of tattoos he looked like a real bad ass! He was one of the nicest people I've ever met!

[@FatSynthDude]

For me, what got me through the four weeks i was there was a notebook. I wrote awful poetry constantly, and i ended up throwing it all away, but it was great for passing the time.

[@waceyseufer7083]

letters helped me the most. both jail and psych ward.

[@melanieblack4224]

Is it weird that I found three out of four of my psych ward stays kind of enjoyable? The three I liked were in the same hospital, to be fair, and two were even in the same ward. I hated having no Internet, but it kind of felt like a safe place where all these issues I had been struggling with were finally, FINALLY being taken care of, and just knowing that I was in the hospital made me feel like, well, the fact that I'm here means my delusions probably aren't true, so maybe I don't have to worry so much, which helped me improve on its own. I remember cozy days of reading manga my parents brought me from the library (I gave them a list and they had a library staff help them find them all), coloring in my coloring books I brought while listening to the TV (I'm a big multitasker), and listening to music on the few radio stations the hospital had access to, among other things. Every now and then I feel weirdly nostalgic for those stays, especially when I struggle really badly with my bipolar disorder and kind of wish I could go back there for help. To be fair, I might have been hypomanic during at least one of those three stays (I didn't know I had bipolar back then and didn't know what hypomania was yet, but the doctors seemed to notice something was wonky about my moods), which would explain why I found the hospital so enjoyable. I remember being told that I was talking really fast and stuff like that. I just wanted my paranoia gone, and the hospital environment was comforting because I thought "As long as I'm here they can't get to me." So, it always confused me when people described horrible things about psych wards because that was SO different than my experience. Of course, my most recent stay was eleven years ago and I'm sure things have changed, and I might have just been lucky and ended up in a good hospital. Who knows.

[@andrewoats]

I loved my stay too. It was fantastic taking all the pressure off outside life off and I figured out some deep stuff I’d been struggling with for a while. At one point a staff member checked on me because I was just sitting there with a weird smile on my face because I’d just had a huge epiphany about a trauma I’d been hard core struggling with for like a year. I met some really cool people there too and it was so nice not having to pretend to be normal for a change.

[@Catlily5]

I have been in some hospitals that were ok and some that sucked.

[@FatSynthDude]

I've only been in once, and the doctors totally sucked, but everything else was great. The food was awesome, I learned to love the show Scrubs, my roommates were fun, I had great conversations, I played a ton of chess and dominoes, and I was very comfortable. More than anything, the daily routines kept me from slipping into hopelessness, and it was just generally a safe place where the only thing I was obligated to do was to get better, and on my own terms. I feel bad for people that had awful experiences, but I don't think I'd be here today if it hadn't been for my time in the funny farm.

[@KevinChristensen-h8x]

Ive been in a psyche ward 6 times, my parents visited when they were alive, but after my parents died, i got no visiters. I like the food in psyche wards.

[@andrewoats]

So much food, oh my gosh. We had coffee then breakfast then snack then lunch then snack then dinner and yet another snack when I was in. Most of the food was decent but I hated how they’d ask questions if they felt you weren’t eating enough. I have a light appetite and I swear I thought I was going to get an anorexia diagnosis there because they kept marking poor appetite on the observations and the nurses quizzed me nightly about why I didn’t eat snack or why I didn’t finish dinner.

[@KeithR.Abellanosa-hx5rj]

Good for you! Thanks for bringing hope to my life by sharing your story! It's very healing.

[@toddolson3521]

I dread when my dad dies... my brother lives farther away I have one friend who would come... my social circle has gotten smaller as the years go by... They would only let us have decaf coffee 🙃

[@JeffAiken-ui6hk]

Your advise is spot on and once again thanks for your awesome presentation. I visited my boy everyday and even went every week to see him when he was in a psych ward 400km away. No one visited me

[@KevinChristensen-h8x]

The worst roommate i ever had i befriended him in a psyche ward then he was a crappy roommate outside the psyche ward. Never trust the people you meet in psyche wards and become thier friends. Your there to get help and so are they.

[@grahamelliott9506]

i got two phone numbers from the psych ward given to me by two ladies I called neither. lol

[@FatSynthDude]

Similarly, don't start a relationship with someone you meet in the funny farm. It's a place where emotions are running high and you're stressed out, so it's very easy to get into a relationship there, but I guarantee it will not last when your stay is over.

[@katryonkelly3772]

My experience with a hospital was quite positive. Kind staff and a chill environment. Sorry your case was rough. Thanks for the advice, I plan not to return though. Much love! 😊❤

[@toddolson3521]

Totally true contact with people you are familiar with / like are a link to the outside and can help you get into the outside world faster and in a more stable state... flipside... really sucks when someone is on your list and they don't show up or never show up... puzzles are 👍 great

[@a-ms9760]

Kit i like the backgrounds to your videos and the thumbnails. The colors help me identify quickly which videos i've already watched, and they're pleasant to look at generally

[@SchizoKitzo]

Oh this is awesome to know. Thank you!

[@50Hz]

I didn't want visitors, I didn't want people to see the terrible place it was and feel bad for me. We could have our phones, and there was a charging station you could lock it in when charging.

[@kinzhe83]

Well I'd say just bring good mood and positive attitude and be prepared for all kinds of things if the person is manic or dissociated (like in my case for first 2 or 3 weeks when I was hospitalized), and also bring good mood and positive attitude when the person is depressed and broken shell (like in my case for the rest 5 weeks of my stay). Food and playing goodies are nice too but they didn't help my mood too much, as my depression was killing pretty much all the joy from them. Thanks Kit, wishing you and all of us here good health and far distance from psych wards.

[@Catlily5]

They didn't allow outside food in most of the hospitals that I was in.

[@kinzhe83]

@@Catlily5 Well I live in Bosnia and the psychiatric ward here had intensive care and semi-intensive care units, and they allowed my mother to bring me food when I was transferred to semi-intensive care unit. But that was 16 years ago, not sure if it's still the same.

[@taylorsteiner9273]

Great video! Having my mom call everyday and visit was my favorite part as well.

[@xronald619x]

Clothing is a must most psychwards in Miami are freezing cold

[@damnablethief]

I hate psyche wards...that being said I have been tempted to go back into one lately. Like my paranoia is so bad I am scared I will end up hurting someone...just changed up my meds again but if things don't get better, I might go back in for a while.

[@Fire-Queen]

How are you feeling now? Hope it gets a bit better again! 🍀

[@damnablethief]

@@Fire-Queen I went back on Zyprexa...it helps some. Idk still tempted to go to a psyche ward. Just got fired from my 5th job this past year...

[@matilbeast7044]

I’ve been struggling with mental issues of my own since I was 14 I’m 24 and still admit myself on a basis. Been in there over a couple handful of times .

[@SchizoKitzo]

I know it’s possible for me to go back as well. Just a part of the reality.

[@jackivacha]

When I was in the psych ward, my people(my husband and daughter) were able to bring me soda, gum, and my favorite snacks! I was also allowed to have my stuffed snoopy. But, they had to check snoopy first to make sure they didn’t stuff him with something bad! Visiting hours for me were 1 hour twice a day. I was inpatient for 5 days and outpatient for 3 months. And, although it was a real tough time for me I did learn a lot while going through it…..I’ll never forget it.

[@SnowLeopard6397]

We were allowed phones when I was in psych ward, which made an enormous difference.

[@andrewoats]

I would hate that. We had media time which was a half hour with our phones but I never went because I wanted to disconnect. Going online wouldn’t have helped me one bit and replying to text messages would have stressed me out.

[@MarkFive-ec7ig]

Wise words from my favorite blue haired fairy. Love you Kit. 😊

[@lmg88.80]

Wonderful Video!

[@mjlove6574]

Great video! ❤❤❤

[@xronald619x]

Psychwards need to be bigger I feel claustrophobia in a psych ward.

[@lina32090]

I had my phone I went to a great Phyc ward in NY had a nice city room view and great food u can order on a menu

[@Catlily5]

I would have never thought of photos. Thats a good idea!

[@SchizoKitzo]

It helped so much!

[@janetleesteinman9165]

I brought pictures of my kids with me. It made me feel better.

[@d14551]

Visitors help so, so much!

[@tombigelow7391]

New viewer. Looking forward to this journey with you. Hold on!!!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Welcome to the Hive!

[@colmmulryan9731]

love your channel, it really helps

[@SchizoKitzo]

Glad to hear it!

[@roberttravers7587]

Great video!😁

[@PrathamSharma-vj2sb]

I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 2023 i was trying to learn how to play guitar and got pscyotic after 1 months i was feeling i was only got this disorder

[@AngelTalkstoofast]

I'm a YT creator and I would REALLY LOVE to speak with you. How can I get in touch with you?

[@SchizoKitzo]

First, thanks so much. Secondly, all my links to other socials are in the description of this video!

[@nutterts]

I tried to get experiance workers (eg: been commited) be hired as a host for ppl coming in because it can be a traumatic experiance in itself, it can be wild at times, to explain things, show things, maybe a play a game or two. Still stand by the concept but never seen it done...

[@WIZARDANOMALOCARIS]

my mom visited me nearly every day during my stay. she brought me books, clothes, and my stuffed prehistoric shrimp (anomalocaris). i got diagnosed with bipolar-2 while there and it was so so scary to get that diagnosis while alone in the psych ward. she was my only visitor.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Madame Bee (my giant stuffed bee that I love) says hello to the stuffed anamocaris :) I’m glad you had your mom!

[@dhlaing8228]

Hello I don't comment much on vids but I have to say thankyou for positing and having a utube channel about this. I suffer from the same diagnosis as you and it's helpful there is someone else out there willing to do what you do online. Thanks again from UK

[@SchizoKitzo]

No prob! Thanks for the comment!

[@JamesVestal-dz5qm]

I got put in the psyche ward for 2 hours after police raided my house and nobody did these things. I guess that's why Kansas State University made sense.

[@KingoftheBlackSun]

It's sadly the same even if not in a ward - I am functionally psychotic/schizophrenic from a raucous spiritual awakening and I've spent about ten months in utter isolation ongoing, though living at home in Los Angeles, and that's because, i mean - no one cares. I don't know how else to say it. If you don't fit in people's narratives, they will never talk to you or care anything about you. I am that which remains, so I don't fit in any one's narratives. I am functionally invisible. The isolation is worse than the illness. I struggle with resentment. I don't want to be so angry anymore. Yet I can't seem to be a part of humanity either, soooooo wtf I do? My system is pretty stable, I mostly need community to heal yet it is no where to be found, not without ableism governing. :\

[@jackivacha]

Have you ever been in a psych ward? I feel as though it was the best thing for me (at that time in my life). I met some very interesting people. I was inpatient for 5 days and outpatient for 3 months. I know now that I really needed it. And, although I hated being away from my home and the people and doggo that I love so much, it WAS what I needed. It was a very dark time. I cracked. I crumbled. I was a shadow of myself. I made it through and for the better. Much love to you. ❤

[@KingoftheBlackSun]

@@jackivacha I have not, yet I have fantasized about being able to just "surrender" and let myself fall apart, to be taken care of for a time. Sadly I don't think I can - my life is so empty, who would take care of my cats? I have no income, no family, no friends, and I am afraid of losing my autonomy to a predatory system. It's funny you mention doggo as I am exactly like a brilliant 2-legged dog. I can't 'human'. I did not have parents and was raised like a dog in neglect. Yet the identity erasure going on, people can't imagine that I am different so no one will help me. I just get ableism, judgment - your kind reply is minority, and so very appreciated. My external identity is destroyed. I have no 'form'. I feel not the shadow of myself - I am the Shadow of God, and the wrath is great and endless for this world that wounded and abandoned me. Yet my heart is still full of love so I cry not wanting to fall to blind rage. Thank you for the light you send. A lost doggo appreciates you, even as she walks through the Dark. 🧡

[@LaCosa973]

I love wrestling with the orderlys everytime i go i was diagnosed with the same thing as you two years ago 🤟🤟 the food is bomb haha

[@billyfoster7219]

Years ago i was in the hospital so much because my wife and kids and i were living in a homeless shelter might not have been a huge one but been around all the people and the rules was too much while trying to get the right medicine but one of the nurses is now my doctor giving medicine that seems to help so not all bad but it seems like life is always taking things away 🤷‍♂️

[@billyfoster7219]

Fyi schizoaffective here as well

[@a-ms9760]

Also nice hair color!

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Warm Brownies and ice cold fresh leche!

[@spyro37]

I just like getting teddy bears 🐻 😅 it helps

[@insomniac_at5461]

I am quite curious about other stuff that can be brought to patients in psych wards, partially due to the likelihood of me ending up in one for a bit, and I have a few questions about it. Would something like a dos or switch be allowed? Because with a ds at least, you can’t really communicate with people and you may technically be able to use the internet but no sites actually work. I know you mentioned puzzles so would other board games be allowed? And you said only one pack of cards, would two be allowed, and if not, why wouldn’t they? Would clothing be able to be given, or no? These are just the questions I have off the top of my head, I’ll probably come up with more in a bit

[@andrewoats]

Generally no devices are allowed. Cards should be fine, clothing is usually allowed within the rules like no strings on hoodies and some places don’t allow leggings because you can hang yourself with them. Outside food might be allowed during the visit but not allowed to be brought out of the visiting room. A lot of things vary but details should be on the facility’s website. If you’re in and asking someone to bring stuff I’d suggest your top priority should be toiletries. They will give you stuff but it’s super basic. Just make sure none of it contains alcohol like most mouthwash or antiperspirants. I had a bag when I went (sectioned from my therapists office and I knew it would happen based on what I had to talk about that week) and they took my deodorant away because it contained alcohol, something I didn’t even think to check beforehand.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Is your music borrowed from a Beautiful Mind?

[@jmanke6057]

I wonder if psych ward phone says medical or something? I get so many bogus calls but they don’t leave voicemails. Do they let you leave message then I could call my friend back? Only had one of mine that went to 72 hour hold he told me he needed rest and they left him alone so he didn’t mind. There was someone who pushed his buttons and he hadn’t learned how not to go off. Me and my mom when she was alive seemed to be a calming effect not sure why we just smile kindly and gave him a ride home. He had triggers till doctor started listening to him on his treatment. He still drinks to much hope works with his meds but he doesn’t drive and hasn’t been locked up after that. He paying his bills on time and seems happier these days.

[@jonesilvasilva]

Hello, I enjoy your videos. Congratulations on your channel. I am Brazilian, a lawyer, and I work a lot. I have Bipolar Disorder Type 2 with comorbid ADHD. I would like to ask you a question: what is life like for someone with bipolar disorder in the United States in terms of benefits for people with bipolar disorder? Does the government provide medication for those who cannot afford it? Does the government provide a psychiatrist and psychologist, or does everything have to be paid for by the individual? If you are experiencing a crisis, can you stay at home to receive treatment, or do you have to be hospitalised? How do Americans perceive a person with bipolar disorder? Do they respect and help, or is the stigma very strong? Is there a lot of prejudice? Are you allowed to drive? I apologise for asking so many questions.

[@Catlily5]

I have bipolar disorder in the USA. If you qualify for disability the government will pay for medications and a psychiatrist. If you don't qualify for disability and you work full time then the place you work for will pay for insurance where they pay more but you still often have to pay a lot. If you are self employed, work part time or are out of work you pay for everything. Probably you will be homeless if you don't work unless you have family or friends to help you. There is prejudice here against the mentally ill including bipolar but I don't know how it compares to Brasil. You can still drive if you have bipolar disorder unless your doctor says that you can't. But that is rare. Everyone I know with bipolar can drive. I can't but that is because of my vision not because I have bipolar.

[@thebutterfluffman6855]

Never gonna catch me Mary Jane and me till the end.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Risk too suggestive?

[@lisatomihiro3488]

Did your mom and other friends never call or visit? I only ask because you only mentioned 2 people. How do they decide who can visit you?

[@grahamelliott9506]

they take it case by case, and you don't have to go to visitation if you don't want to

[@andrewoats]

I only had two visitors because most people didn’t know I was there. My family came one day and my friend another. The only restriction was you could only have one visitor per day.

[@Catlily5]

Every hospital has different rules about visiting.

[@Catlily5]

Usually it is your choice.

[@TheJoshuaJames]

Cigarettes lol, smuggle in some cigarettes, they are worth gold

[@Catlily5]

They often strip search you.

[@pavel6174]

you're so beautiful 😍