Quiet Confessions, Episode 39: Psychiatric Hospitalization Part 2

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After returning from my first hospitalization, realizing I was not any better, I took a leap of faith. In this episode, I recount the whirlwind that led me from my home in Vermont to one of the few specialized perinatal psychiatric units in the country: UNC Chapel Hill.

I discuss the crushing guilt of leaving my family, overcoming a lifelong phobia of flying, and the magical thinking that convinced me this was the place that would finally fix me.

Key Points and Takeaways

• The Gap in Care: I realized that standard inpatient stays were not enough for my perinatal mental health needs.
• Specialized Resources: I focused on the rare specialized units in the U.S., specifically the one at UNC Chapel Hill.
• The Logistics of Crisis: The rapid process included booking flights, securing a bed, and the emotional toll of a 24 hour turnaround.
• The Physical Environment: The UNC unit featured weighted plastic furniture and communal day rooms, though it was under construction at the time.
• Spiritual Crisis: I wrestled with magical thinking and the heavy question of why these struggles happen.

If you are in immediate mental health crisis, call or text 988 for assistance from trained professionals.

This episode discusses topics that may be triggering for some individuals. Please check the show notes for more information and be mindful of your own mental health and comfort levels.

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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

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