The Complex Reality of Psychiatric Hospitals: Marchwood

Why Psychiatric admission should be avoided at all costs.

In recent times, there has been a noticeable surge in young adults seeking psychiatric hospital admissions as a last resort in their battle with mental health challenges. However, it is crucial to understand that psychiatric hospitals should only be considered when all preventative measures have been exhausted, and individuals have lost the capacity to make decisions and keep themselves safe. In this article, I will share my personal experience during my admission to Marchwood Hospital in 2020, shedding light on the loneliness, struggles, and unexpected realities that are often faced within these facilities.

• The Last Resort:

Psychiatric hospitals should always be the last option in a comprehensive mental health care plan. Before considering hospital admission, it is crucial to exhaust every preventative measure available, such as therapy, medication, and community support. These measures equip individuals with the necessary tools to manage mental health challenges effectively and maintain a sense of normalcy. However, for people who lack capacity or cannot cope in society, therapy inside of a psychiatric hospital can help to provide a calm and stable learning space, away from financial struggles, children, family struggles, domestic abuse etc. Therapy helps navigate emotions and develop coping strategies, medication stabilizes mood and alleviates symptoms when prescribed thoughtfully. With this knowledge in mind, people who are severely unwell may be admitted to a psychiatric hospital so they can adjust/find a stable medication to help them when they return to society. Outside of a hospital setting, community support offers validation and shared experiences. By diligently pursuing these avenues, individuals can empower themselves to manage their mental health challenges and approach their well-being holistically. It is important to seek personalized guidance and develop a comprehensive care plan that works best for each individual.

• The Loneliness Within:

During my admission to Marchwood Hospital, I experienced overwhelming loneliness. The absence of visits from my parents for over two months exacerbated the emotional strain I was already facing. It is important to acknowledge that the support and presence of loved ones can play a significant role in the recovery journey. However, psychiatric hospitals often lack the infrastructure or resources to address the emotional needs of patients, leaving them feeling isolated and disconnected.

• The Harsh Realities:

Within the confines of a psychiatric hospital, patients may encounter situations that they have never imagined before. The physical restraint by staff, who are often much larger, becomes a necessary intervention when safety is at risk. I vividly recall the terrifying moments when ligature material had to be cut from my neck to preserve my life. These experiences are deeply distressing for myself to recall and further highlight the extreme circumstances that can unfold within psychiatric hospital settings.

• Struggles and Misdiagnosis:

Personal experiences, like kicking over my consultant’s door out of frustration and feeling misunderstood, shed light on the complexities of psychiatric hospital admissions. It is not uncommon to encounter misdiagnoses or misunderstandings that can hinder the recovery process. I was misdiagnosed as a narcissist by my consultant to my parents and this caused a rift in my family that we have never recovered from. Communication barriers and limited understanding of individual needs can exacerbate the already challenging circumstances faced by patients.

• Unforeseen Loss and Mental Drain:

Unfortunately, the constant exposure to crises, where individuals transition from calm to distress in a matter of seconds, can be mentally draining for both patients and staff. It is a reality that must be acknowledged when considering psychiatric hospital admissions.

Within the hospital walls, unexpected encounters with people who impact your life can occur. I formed a strong bond with a fellow patient named Ella, whom I regarded as a big sister. Sadly, she passed away in January 2021, leaving a profound impact on my journey. She sadly left this world shortly after leaving hospital. This has left an emotional scar on me as I wish I met her under better circumstances and I wish I had more time with her, she was a special person who I will never forget.

Psychiatric hospital admissions should be approached with utmost caution and considered only when all other options have been exhausted. The realities within these facilities, such as loneliness, physical restraint, and unforeseen losses, demand a comprehensive understanding of what individuals may encounter. It is crucial to emphasize that these places should be reserved for those who truly cannot ensure their own safety or the safety of others, or those who lack the mental capacity to function in society. As a society, it is crucial for us to work towards a mental health system that prioritizes preventive measures, community support, and understanding to reduce the need for such desperate measures. Thank you for reading this article, and I encourage you to sign up for my mailing list to stay updated on future articles.