Question by Jess: Psychiatric ward and self injury treatment center?
First off, this is going to be a bit long.
I’m fourteen.
I have ADHD (If that matters.)
In March 2011, I started self injuring myself with my fingernails.
In April it turned into using a pocketknife.
I cut as deep as I could with the blade, but it wasn’t very sharp. I still made every cut bleed though.
I cut on my wrists, my legs, and on my stomach.
I wore sweatshirts and never wore a bikini or something that would show my cuts.
In early July I told my mom that I cut and she told me to stop or she would send me to the hospital. I promised her I would, but later that day I cut again. And the next day. And I kept cutting all the way up to last night without telling her. But last night I broke down and told my brother everything.
I also have constant mood swings that have nothing to do with menstrual cycles, because I have POS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) so I do not often get periods. In these mood swings, I go directly from overly happy, straight to rage, and then to depressed. Repeat. My brother had a theory that this might be bipolar, and my manic phase could be taken in the form of my self injuring. I told my mom that night too. My brother also suggested Rehab, or a self injury treatment center.
Before the treatment center, I would probably have to wait a few days in the Psychiatric Ward until I can be sent to a center. I was wondering if I should go to Rehab, or the treatment center. I could also wait for my mom to find me a therapist, but honestly I don’t believe a therapist will help me.
I’m addicted to cutting and it makes all my pain go away, but I believe if I receive the help I need, I could stop. So I was wondering:
Should I go to Rehab or a self injury treatment center?
If the treatment center, what is the psych ward like?
Do they let you have outdoor breaks?
What do you do while there?
All knowledge about the psych ward would be appreciated.
What is a Self Injury Treatment Center usually like?
Do you get to go outside?
What do you do while there?
Are there other people your age?
Do you have internet access?
Do you have phone access?
Is there always one in your state? Or do I have to be shipped off somewhere? If so, how would that work?
How long do you stay for?
Any knowledge about a self injury treatment center would be greatly appreciated.
I apologize for the bulk of this question, but I truly believe I need help and that I can stop with the help of professionals. Without help though, I will never stop.    Read more...