Ask Lemmy

I went through some super traumatic stuff, that ended with my mother almost murdering me, being resuscitated, and a long medial recovery. I was potentially going to be placed in a situation where my mother would still have control over me, because I was terrified of talking with my court appointed lawyer, or any adult about what happened. I became psychotically depressed and attempted suicide. (My first suicide attempt was as a 5 year old.) I spent 10 months in a mental hospital that had a unit for adolescents. The food was ok. 2 people to a hospital room. Pay phones were available, and you had to sign up for blocks of time to use the phone so everyone that wanted a chance to use them could. No computers, internet, or electronics. 1 TV for the whole ward. We had tutors so we could keep up with schoolwork. We had art therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and individual therapy. They kept us active and busy. Overall it was beneficial for my mental health, but I was misdiagnosed due to not knowing that bipolar ran in my family and my parent not being forthcoming with medical history. I struggled with mental health my whole life. It wasn't until 3 years ago I was able to get stable insurance and find a psychiatrist with an opening for treatment.

Mental health is underfunded and understaffed. Unless you do shit that is criminal due to mental illness, or make an attempt at your life, many will find it very hard to get help.