WEEK 4: PSYCH HOSPITAL NUMBER 3 FOR THE SUMMER

Monday: Took day off from program. Went to Psychologist to line up appt. Found out that his testing did NOT diagnose mental illnesses. I asked what the purpose would be for any testing. He said it would be for the purpose of finding brain damage and to check memory levels. 

Tuesday: Got call that the outpatient program was finding that the current levels of medications were not controlling the paranoia and delusions. Found out about problem on the bus. Counselor in charge told us that the psychologist needed to change his medication levels and that our son would need to go BACK into a psych ward. This was very sad news at first, but since Tuesday I have to admit that this is the best of any mental hospitals in our city. The gardens are nice, the staff VERY professional, and the facilities extremely clean and well run. Natural lighting comes through all the upper windows and side windows. Unlike the last two places, there are trees and grass to look at. The paintings on the walls are well done and there are positive mottoes painted as murals to encourage the patients.

Wednesday: In hospital. Visitation is during the evening meal so there is something to do with your loved one.

Thursday: same

Friday: same

Saturday: same

Sunday: Got call from our psychiatrist asking how we felt about our son's progress. It is great to find a doctor who actually asks this question. Most just call the shots and a nurse's aid calls later to report what's happened. Instead we were part of the process. We both agreed that the medication was now at correct levels to control the delusions and paranoia.

Monday: Our son is released from the hospital and signed up again for the outpatient program.

He seems much more driven to change for the better. We are seeing progress for the first time since the mental breakdown in late June.

He is still off of caffeine and other stimulants.

***

Today's 5 minute break has the best of titles. It's Terra Naomi's "Say It's Possible."

She's got an intoxicating voice as if she's singing just to YOU and know one else.

I like that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlXlhFlHR8A&list=PL1F39AAC46E8BB120

from my garden

WEEK THREE....THREE STEPS FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK

The third week after being released from the psychiatric ward had its ups and downs. Thankfully, it ended on a positive note.

Monday....Always wants to know if he has to go to the classes (PHP) and if he has to take his medicine. Took a long time to get him up in the morning. He stayed out way too late with friends.

Tuesday...Worst morning since out from the clinic. Was hostile towards and refused to take his medicine until we told him we would take him back to the lock up facility. Had to go outside to cool off. Hates everything. Had meeting with psychiatrist and staff. 

Met with new psychologist so that we could develop a safety plan and a plan of action for extreme threats and violence (when off meds).

Wednesday...Much better day. 

Thursday....Best day of the week. Had great time at YMCA playing basketball with old friend.

Friday...Had very hard afternoon. Wants car back. Skipped meds and stayed up until 3 am due to heartburn. Feared meds were killing him. Finally went to sleep.

Saturday...Slept all morning. Had family over to celebrate an event. Our son stayed very quiet the whole time. Eating out was not fun due to too high of expectations. Night was OK.

Sunday....Was too depressed to go to church. Had party in afternoon. Part of it was OK and part was to overwhelming emotionally.

Monday....Went to testing center to set up psych test. Had difficult night. Thought everyone was evil at YMCA. Thought hamburger patty was a form of cannabilism. Worried about sharks attacking him. Some mild delusions about food being old because it didn't have the newest bar code on the label.

Called brother to explain it to our son.

***

Time for a 5 minute break.

Here's a great guitar soloist names Sungha Jung. I used to play like this back in my younger days, but was never this well-versed. Great job!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyMQRVA2pnc&list=PL30740D167736D909

summer 2013 is over

a flower from our garden

A SONG FOR MENTAL HEALTH CAREGIVERS

Today was difficult.

So much of me wonders if this is going to last forever.

We see a glimmer of hope only to

find such sudden and overwhelming regression the very next day.

I don't see how those of you working in mental health hospitals

can do what you do every day.

I can barely keep up with one patient (our son) let alone

dozens!

My prayers are with you all.

***

As promised, I have a special song for you.

It's by Sidewalk Prophets and it's entitled "Help Me Find It".

Enjoy you break.

David/:0)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsjZ94K7UQs

A flower from my garden

OUT OF THE MENTAL HOSPITAL WEEK 2: SLOWLY BUT SURELY

I'm so glad I'm writing all this down so that I can see where we've been and where we are going.

Our son is on week two of a Partial Hospital Program as part of his treatment for a mental collapse during this summer. Here's this week's review:

Week 2

Monday: Did not want to go to the treatment program. Did not want to take his meds and asked why we were doing all this. He is on 4 meds right now during this fragile time. Afternoon was good and he was in higher spirits.

Tuesday: Was more agreeable. Doctor added an med he used to be on for mood stabilization. This made a remarkable difference in a positive way.

Wednesday: Better day. Good night. Physical workout each night helps immensely with depression.

Thursday: Same good day as Wednesday.

Friday: Asked why he had to go to program. Difficulty taking meds, but finally agreed.

Saturday: We stayed home for most of the day and relaxed.Went to small party for a friend but was overwhelmed by noise. Went with brother to a coffee shop. This was better.

Sunday: Went to church for the first time in months. Better day.

Went out with friends all day and up until 10:00 PM at night. Too long of a day, but positive until having to take meds. 

Monday: Could not wake up in time to catch bus. Had to take him to classes.

All in all, there's very little depression this week and no violence or outward yelling.

He needs lots of space.

Downside: Short term memory is being wiped out by his medications. No long term effect, but still scary.

***
For today's 5 minute break, I'll take you to a wonderful song by Mandisa. If you've never experienced Mandisa, then hold on. She's a powerful positive influence in this world and I love her music!
Enjoy!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z29olPjFbqg

drawing by Paul Klee