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Not Heidi

(1,290 posts)
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 01:14 PM Feb 1

What the hell happened?

Last Friday (Jan. 26) I was discharged from a partial hospitalization program. I'd been in it for five months. I was there primarily for depression, ADHD, and anxiety. I learned a great deal.

I'd posed the question of discharge to my case manager. He told me that the treatment team had come to the conclusion that it was time for me to go. I can't say I was elated, but I was glad.

This morning, on my fourth day after discharge, I awoke deeply depressed. I crapped out on my guitar lesson, and I'm going to have to force myself out of the house for PT and some medical tests.

Now, I've taken my morning meds, and I hope they'll give me a boost (especially the ADHD drug). I'm going to force myself to action today, and hope I'm able to sustain it.

I'd be grateful for your suggestions.

18 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
What the hell happened? (Original Post) Not Heidi Feb 1 OP
Do you have an accountability buddy/person who can listen to you when you need it irisblue Feb 1 #1
No. Not Heidi Feb 1 #6
One foot in front of the other, and stay in the moment. 1WorldHope Feb 1 #2
Wonderful words Not Heidi Feb 1 #7
You are so welcome. 1WorldHope Feb 1 #11
a suggestion drthais Feb 1 #3
Excellent Not Heidi Feb 1 #8
I like the idea of going out to lunch by yourself. Irish_Dem Feb 2 #14
You should have been referred to an outpatient therapist who will follow up with you. Irish_Dem Feb 1 #4
Ok... Not Heidi Feb 1 #5
Yes this is proper clinical protocol. Irish_Dem Feb 1 #9
I'll keep the appointment - Not Heidi Feb 2 #12
Excellent. Irish_Dem Feb 2 #13
I know what depression and anxiety are like scipan Feb 1 #10
Hug XanaDUer2 Feb 2 #15
Thank you, XD2 Not Heidi Feb 2 #16
This message was self-deleted by its author Not Heidi Feb 2 #17
Routine and sunlight. limbicnuminousity Feb 3 #18

irisblue

(32,980 posts)
1. Do you have an accountability buddy/person who can listen to you when you need it
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 01:48 PM
Feb 1

Or push you when you need to be pushed?
Sort of like a 12 Step Sponsor?

Not Heidi

(1,290 posts)
6. No.
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 04:03 PM
Feb 1

That's a good idea.

I left the program with many friends and the phone numbers of the more stable ones.* We plan to keep in touch, part of which we've agreed will be checking up on each other.

Thank you, irisblue.

* Also, several unstable people gave me their numbers. Perhaps it sounds cruel, but I won't be calling them. I don't need the downers I'm sure to hear. (After five months, I know these folks.)

drthais

(870 posts)
3. a suggestion
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 01:55 PM
Feb 1

just keep moving.
One step at a time.
move forward.

If there's anyone to visit, visit them or have them to the house.

Go out to lunch; yes, by yourself.
bring a newspaper or a book.

have a goal for the evening; reading, watching a specific tv show....

and smile at anyone you see

Not Heidi

(1,290 posts)
8. Excellent
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 04:10 PM
Feb 1

Thank you, drthais. All of this is good advice. (I especially appreciate your advice to go out to lunch by myself; Mimi's French onion soup has been calling out to me.)

"Just keep moving" reminds me of a life motto I adopted after seeing "Finding Nemo:"

just keep swimming
just keep swimming
just keep swimming
what do we do
we swi-i-i-im
just keep swimming . . .

Irish_Dem

(47,131 posts)
14. I like the idea of going out to lunch by yourself.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 02:33 PM
Feb 2

It is a way to get out of the house and also a nice treat.

I like to do this and people watch. Or read.

Stay in the moment, appreciate how you are being good to yourself.
The food, the restaurant, the wait staff, the other people in the restaurant.

If you are not up to a solo activity, a friend could join you.

Irish_Dem

(47,131 posts)
4. You should have been referred to an outpatient therapist who will follow up with you.
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 02:27 PM
Feb 1

A PH program should not just discharge you without a safety net.
If they didn't do this, arrange to see an OP therapist.

Yes you cannot become a house mouse, you must get out and do your normal activities
and routine.

Not Heidi

(1,290 posts)
5. Ok...
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 03:56 PM
Feb 1

Second paragraph: good advice. Thank you.

First para: I have a therapist. Due to insurance restrictions, I was not allowed to see her while in the program - known as "double dipping." We resume our regular schedule this Saturday. So - not to worry.

Thanks, Irish Dem.

Irish_Dem

(47,131 posts)
9. Yes this is proper clinical protocol.
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 04:26 PM
Feb 1

You work with your clinical PH team while there.
You work with your OP therapist when out of PH.

Yes you cannot see your OP while in PH. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

It is important to keep your OP appointment on Saturday and tell the therapist how you are feeling.

Irish_Dem

(47,131 posts)
13. Excellent.
Fri Feb 2, 2024, 02:26 PM
Feb 2

You spent some time in PH and transitioning back to home is a big adjustment.
This is to be expected.

Stick to the home routine as set up by your treatment team.
Your OP therapist will help with the transition issues.

If there is a crisis hotline in your area you can call them if needed.

scipan

(2,351 posts)
10. I know what depression and anxiety are like
Thu Feb 1, 2024, 05:01 PM
Feb 1

My advice is to do some little tiny thing, like make coffee or whatever. It often gets you a little dopamine rush and gets you off your ass.

Oh, and don't be too critical of yourself. You wouldn't do that to a good friend who asks you for advice, so why do it to yourself?

Response to XanaDUer2 (Reply #15)

limbicnuminousity

(1,402 posts)
18. Routine and sunlight.
Sat Feb 3, 2024, 12:40 AM
Feb 3

It may take some time for you to settle into a new routine even after a partial stay. Be patient but firm with yourself establishing a functional routine that's conducive to self-care. And take walks if you can! Even 30 minutes of sunlight can do wonders for your general sense of well-being.

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