TW: Mental Health
I’ve “graduated” from the partial hospitalization program. I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially coming in from off the street instead of inpatient. When you are in inpatient, you make friends and when you move on to PHP those friends go with you. When you are coming straight into PHP you don’t have that connection. The last time I did PHP like this, I never connected or felt close to anyone. Maybe that’s due to a difference in health level, or a difference in age and maturity. Regardless, this time I made several connections that I think I will keep going moving forward. We’ve exchanged hugs, and phone numbers and we’re even starting a DnD group.
I also feel like a I got a lot more out of PHP this time. Again, maybe it was age, maturity or health, but maybe it was because of those connections that I made. Also, the therapist this time is by far the best group therapist I’ve ever had and unfortunately, I’ve had many. I even painted a gift for my therapist on my last day.
In honor of graduating, I got a certificate, a pen from my therapist and hyped up by (almost) everyone in the room. I was told I was welcoming and had a wonderful smile. I was told that I put people at ease on their first day (3 separate times). One person told me some very nice things that I can’t remember all of since he also told me that I was like a mother figure. I was flattered and horrified in one breath. I will miss them all and am happy that I will still see them in the lobby during IOP. And hopefully some of them will graduate and join us in IOP.
I’m going to reiterate the importance of asking for help. Mental health matters and you should be kind to your mind and all that other jazz. Get a therapist, a psychiatrist, go inpatient or partial hospitalization, go to support groups. What is important is that you ASK FOR HELP.
My Plucky Life 