The psych ER can be a miserable place, and almost anyone with suicidal thoughts or intentions ends up there for a night before going home or transferring to the psych ward. During my first hospital stay, I was in the psych ER for two nights. I didn't have access to anything; I had nothing of my own. Here is what I learned to do:
- Stretch. I did this a lot, and it really soothed my tense body as it gave me something to do. Try all kinds of stretches.
- Use the phone. Usually, one is available if you ask. I had to talk on the phone while standing in the hallway. Hearing a loved one's voice is grounding. I brought a list of phone numbers with me to the hospital, and the nurses let me keep it, so try that or memorize numbers.
- Try to tune out. Since everyone is talking to doctors and using the phone, you may hear some disturbing things. Try not to think about it.
- Watch TV. A psych ER bay usually has a TV. Watch it. Ask the nurse to change the channel. I don't typically watch TV or find much comfort in it, but the silly sitcoms on the Disney Channel helped the time pass.
- Walk. If you have space in your bay to walk a few steps back and forth or around your bed, do it. You won't be allowed to walk in the hallway.
- Sleep. As much as possible, close your eyes and sink into sleeping. No one is going to judge you for it, and you literally have nothing more important to do. Sleep until the next meal, the next check-in with the doctor, the next time you have to go find the bathroom.
- Remember. Carefully retrace anything you've memorized, such as poems or scriptures or even song lyrics. Take yourself step-by-step through a dear memory.
It seems endless, but it will end. Once you get to the psych ward, you'll have more space, you might have your own clothes, and you'll be able to talk to other people. You'll feel more like yourself.
