synergy

Post-Hospitalization Support

Blondzila writes about the twin concerns of being released from the hospital before a patient is stabilized and patients not taking medications regularly. Both are serious concerns, especially for patients with little or no support network to assist with their recoveries.

When K was released from the hospital after her first visit to the psych ward, the hospital provided no new prescriptions or even instructions as to her care. After release, she rapidly spiraled downwards into a psychotic state was was readmitted four days later in a much worsened condition. This cycle took a toll on her and probably slowed her recovery. Even after her release from the second hospitalization, I believe that the daytime program she attended as an outpatient deserves a large share of the credit for her subsequent recovery.

This downturn occurred with an individual, who wasn't as ill as many patients on the ward. K had a strong support system of friends and family to help her recover. She is religious about taking her medications and had the added benefit of an outpatient program.

Even with all her advantages over the average mental health patient, K fought hard to return to being a productive member of society. What happens to patient without those financial, emotional, and medical resources? Where do they go and what support structures do they receive from their state, city, or local government to help them heal and be independent? I fear and know that the answer is that they receive little, if any support. Rather they remain trapped in their hell of mental anguish. It is the wrong answer for a civilized society to give to the mentally ill.

posted by synergy @ 4:24 PM