If you’ve recently been hospitalized in a psychiatric or behavioral hospital, you may feel nervous about visits from family and friends. But the truth is, one American university found that millions of people have visited hospitals for mental health issues in the past few years. Receiving inpatient psychological care can be much more common than you think. Any of the following mental health challenges may have brought you to our Wisconsin-based facility:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Suicidal thoughts and depression
- A debilitating anxiety disorder
- Two or more mental health issues, known as a comorbid or dual diagnosis
Receiving visits or visiting a loved one at our Middleton campus could feel overwhelming, but some scientific findings on community healing may encourage you. Research shows that getting visits while hospitalized can help clients feel more certain about their futures. Another study found that receiving support from family during a hospitalization had positive effects for clients, especially during aftercare and outpatient program attendance.
Feeling awkward, overwhelmed, or even hesitant to make and receive visits while in treatment is natural, and this article can give you some tips on how to overcome those feelings.
Tips for Visiting Someone in a Psychiatric Hospital
Your support as a family member and your willingness to take visits as a client can make a real difference for your healing journey. These tips explore some do’s and don’ts of inpatient visits.
What to Keep in Mind Before a Visit
The following are some tips to consider before a visit:
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- Let your loved one know you’re coming. Try to check in before visiting. Sometimes, your loved one might need some quiet time. They could also be in the middle of a therapy session. A quick call or text may help them feel respected while giving them a chance to look forward to seeing you.
- Try to stay in contact even if you can’t visit. You may live out of state or have an impossible schedule. That’s okay. Send a quick text, write a letter or email, or drop off a small gift—maybe their favorite snack or a card. Small gestures may help remind your friend or family member that they’re in your thoughts.
- Support and empathy travel further than pity. No one wants to feel pitied, especially when they’re working through something tough or unknown, like a new mental health disorder diagnosis. Put yourself in their shoes, try to acknowledge how difficult their experience might be, and verbalize that you’re there for them, no matter the diagnosis. Offering comfort without making the person feel small or pathetic is the key.
- Treat them like themselves. Even if they’re struggling, your loved one is the same person they’ve always been. Try to talk to them the way you always have. Avoid acting as if their mental health condition has changed who they are or how you view them. Familiarity and consistency could help them feel grounded and motivated to follow their treatment plan.
- Be mindful of blame. Sometimes, a difficult event brings clients to us, but mental health challenges aren’t anyone’s fault. If your loved one needs hospital care, it’s because they’re taking steps to get better, not because anyone did something wrong. Focus on how proud you are of them for taking care of themselves, and avoid playing any blame games.
How to Be Supportive During and After a Visit
The following are some ways to support a loved one during and after a visit:
- Make visits meaningful. Try to plan a visit around what your loved one might enjoy or need. Sometimes, just sitting quietly together is enough. A good conversation or a simple activity, like a puzzle or card game, can also help pass the time in a positive way.
- Offer practical help. Daily tasks can pile up while someone receives inpatient care. If you’re able, offer to water plants, feed a pet, or run a quick errand. Little acts of service could ease their mind and make their transition home smoother when discharged.
- Don’t feel like you have to be perfect during the visit. You may not know what to say to your loved one or how to react to things they might say or do during a visit. Sometimes, the best approach is just listening. You don’t have to have all the answers. Just being there and saying, “That sounds really tough,” can make your loved one feel heard and understood.
- Treat their mental health like any other health issue. Mental health conditions often need to be treated just like a ‘real’ physical issue. Your loved one deserves the same care and compassion you’d show if they were recovering from surgery or a physical injury.
Visit Miramont Behavioral Health Inpatient Care Center in Middleton, WI
Contact us today to understand how to schedule time with loved ones! We can provide more guidance on how to structure your visits and get involved in your family member’s care.
