What To Expect If You Are Hospitalized for Bipolar

Perhaps you have been thinking about going to the emergency room for bipolar symptoms. You might be reluctant if you don’t know what to expect — especially if you believe you may be hospitalized. Perhaps the images that you have of the psych ward scare you. As a result, you’re scared to go. Let me say this: I.TOTALLY. GET. IT. 

Here’s the reality, from someone who has both worked in a psych ward and been admitted several times for extreme bipolar one symptoms —it’s not all that bad. In fact, it can be lifesaving. Let’s take an accurate look at what happens if you are admitted to the hospital’s mental health ward. 

How Does Someone Get Admitted to the Hospital for Bipolar Disorder?

Typically, a person is admitted to the hospital after being evaluated in the emergency room. If the ER doctors believe that you are a danger to yourself or others, or gravely disabled, they may recommend inpatient psych ward admission. If the hospital doesn’t have any beds available or they don’t have a psych ward, they might send you to a different hospital. 

You will be told if you are going to be hospitalized under voluntary status (where you check yourself in) or involuntary status (when a doctor determines that you need to stay because you are a danger to yourself or others).

How Can Hospitalization Help?

Psych wards are safe spaces where you can go to get stabilized. The goal of admission to the hospital is to reduce your symptoms and ensure that you are safe to go home. You may have other treatment goals as well.  

The doctors may start you on a new drug or therapy. Or, they may recommend other treatments, like ECT, if your symptoms are severe. You will participate in groups to help you cope with symptoms. 

Learn more about ECT for bipolar. 

What Is a Psych Ward?

Psychiatric wards are locked hospital units that are staffed by doctors (typically psychiatrists), social workers, and nurses. Residents and student doctors may also work at psychiatric wards if the hospital is affiliated with a university. Other trained healthcare staff may work in psych units as well. These units provide 24-hour care.  

You may have your own room or you may share rooms depending on the hospital. There are usually shared spaces for meals, therapy groups, and socialization. 

You may be able to wear your own clothing (depending on your treatment plan). Patients who are at risk of self-harm or elopement may have to wear hospital gowns or clothing. If you can wear your own clothes, there will be rules surrounding what you can wear (no hoodies with strings, etc.). 

What Happens After You Are Admitted to a Psych Ward?

Here is the general process for psych ward admission. This may vary depending on the hospital you are admitted to and your specific treatment plan. Generally, you can expect the following: 

1. Belongings are taken: In most hospitals (in the US), patients' belongings are taken for safekeeping. This includes your cell phone and other electronics. This ensures that you have nothing that you could potentially harm yourself with. 

2. You’ll be medically cleared: You will likely be medically cleared in the emergency room before going to the psych ward. This ensures that none of your symptoms are due to a medical condition. 

3. Staff will search you: You should expect to be searched upon admission to the psych ward. This ensures that you have nothing that you can harm yourself with. Staff also make note of any marks, bruises, or other concerning conditions. 

4. You'll participate in treatment: While at the hospital, treatment typically includes medications, therapy and/or skills groups. 

5. Discharge planning: Finally, you will be given a discharge date. Before this date, you will create a safety plan with therapists or other staff at the hospital. This plan is to ensure your well being after you leave the hospital. Your safety plan might include upcoming appointments with your outpatient treatment team, the names and numbers of support persons, and what you can do in a crisis. 

Related: Counseling for Bipolar 

FAQs

Your questions answered. 

What is the average hospital stay for bipolar disorder? 

The length of stay for bipolar illness depends on many factors, including your support system, participation in treatment, effectiveness of treatment, and whether you are a danger to yourself or others. It could be anywhere from a couple of days to weeks. 

If you voluntarily admit yourself to a mental hospital, can you leave? 

Not necessarily; it’s important to understand that you can initially present to the emergency room or hospital voluntarily, but that may later change to involuntary status. Involuntary admission typically occurs if the psychiatrist or doctor believes that you are a clear and immediate danger to yourself or others. 

You will then be detained for involuntary admisison to the hospital. The intial hold is typically for either 36 or 72 hours, but a physician can file a petition with a court to extend the length of your stay in the hospital. The exact process and how long you can be hospitalized involuntarily depends on the state (in the US) that you reside in. 

Can you have your phone in a mental hospital? 

In most psychiatric hospitals, you cannot have your phone or other electronics. There are several reasons for this. Privacy and confidentiality are concerns.  Also, the staff wants you to focus completely on treatment. Cell phone use can be distracting and cause anxiety and a FOMO (fear of missing out) when used too much.

Can you have visitors? 

Yes, in most cases, you can have visitors. However, the rules surrounding visiting hours and who can visit depend on the specific hospital mental health ward. Ask the social worker or another staff member for details.