Lived Experience Forum

[Marty2]

Hi there, first time posting here. I’m getting discharged from the hospital next week and I’m feeling super anxious about it. Does anyone have any tips or advice? I know I’m doing much better now than when I arrived and I trust my doctors when they say I’m nearly ready to go home, but I’m so scared of becoming unwell again and going back to that dark place. What can I do when I’m at home alone with my thoughts to try and get through the difficult moments? Thanks. 

[Oaktree]

Hi @Marty2 

Welcome to the forums. I would say when you leave hospital to not put too much pressure on yourself and just take it a bit easy. Whenever I have a hospitalisation it takes me quite a while to get back to normal. Everything feels a little overwhelming at first because you have been in a low stimulation environment in hospital. Make sure you lean on your supports. Make an appointment with your case manager if you have one. Look after yourself, consider a short daily walk where you can collect your thoughts. Walking is supposed to be good for general mental health. Just be kind to yourself.

Good luck,

Meggle

[Bow]

Hey @Marty2  welcome to the forums. I’ve had many a hospital admission over the years and I often struggle with the transition back home. I get rather emotional. I’ve gone from this very controlled environment where everything is taken care of for me, I’m safe, people are looking after me, then back to where I can make choices about things, I need to take care of myself and I am not safe anymore. 

I find it really important to make sure I have a routine back at home. Perhaps even sticking to the one that I had in hospital to start with. Get up, eat, shower, take meds and go to bed all roughly at the same time. I’m usually always discharged with follow up from the community mh team, my case manager and I would usually already have an appointment booked with my psychologist. I find it important and helpful to touch base with everyone as soon as I can and let them know I am back home. I’ll also book in with my gp to do any follow up blood work that I need (I have an eating disorder so nearly always need blood work done post hospital admission). 
I’d hope that they would discharge you with some kind of follow up? If they don’t tell you about it, ask for it. 

Get out of the house too. Don’t stay home. Fresh air, gentle exercise, eat, drink regularly. I find I spiral and fall back into old habits quicker if I stay home and stay withdrawn from people. But don’t overdo it. And when you find yourself starting to struggle reach out for support. Do you have supports in the community already? A psychologist? Psychiatrist? A good gp? 

hope that helps @Marty2