Hailey Tran
I never thought I'd end up in the hospital, but there I was, hooked up to machines and surrounded by doctors and nurses. It all started when I began to feel a sharp pain in my stomach. At first, I tried to ignore it, hoping it would go away on its own. But as the hours went by, the pain only intensified. Eventually, I realized that I needed to seek medical attention. I called an ambulance, and by the time we arrived at the hospital, I was in excruciating pain. Little did I know that this would be the start of a journey that would change my life forever.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for hospitalisation | Mental health issues, including depression, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal thoughts |
| Feelings before hospitalisation | Unhappiness, hopelessness, loneliness, feeling trapped, not feeling enough, exhaustion |
| Actions taken before hospitalisation | Imagining being hospitalised or having a serious illness, attempting suicide, calling a hotline |
| Experience during hospitalisation | Interacting with doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists; being prescribed medication; participating in activities like making macaroni necklaces |
| Realisation during hospitalisation | Happiness is a choice, the need to actively choose happiness and take action to improve one's situation |
| Outcome | Feeling happier, resigning from a job, starting a business, improved mindset |
Dehydration
Mild dehydration can cause problems with blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. It can be treated by drinking more fluids, preferably water. However, some fluids can make dehydration worse. It is best to avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, as they may cause the body to lose more water.
If an individual experiences severe dehydration, they need to seek immediate medical attention. Severe dehydration can cause weakness or confusion, and in extreme cases, it can lead to kidney damage, brain damage, and even death. In a hospital, severe dehydration is treated with intravenous (IV) fluids.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is dehydrated, it is important to look out for symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, and reduced urination. For infants and children, a change in weight might be used to help diagnose dehydration. If left untreated, severe dehydration can be fatal. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical help if you or someone you know exhibits signs of severe dehydration.
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Alcohol poisoning
The symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion, slowed responses, lack of coordination, difficulty remaining conscious, and a delayed or absent gag reflex, which can lead to choking on vomit. In severe cases, individuals may experience pale or blue-tinged skin, which may be more easily noticeable on black or brown skin inside the lips, on the gums, and under the fingernails.
If you suspect someone is showing signs of alcohol poisoning, do not leave them alone, as there is a risk they could choke on their vomit or stop breathing. Call for emergency medical assistance and follow the operator's advice. Do not attempt to treat alcohol poisoning at home or try to "sleep it off". At the hospital, individuals with alcohol poisoning may be monitored, given fluids through an IV drip, and provided with breathing support until the effects of alcohol wear off.
To prevent alcohol poisoning, it is important to drink in moderation and limit alcohol consumption. Avoid drinking games and excessive binge drinking, and stay hydrated by drinking water after each alcoholic beverage.
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Overconsumption of drugs
Secondly, drug use can directly cause medical emergencies that require hospitalisation. Overconsumption of drugs can lead to an overdose, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Additionally, drug use can cause or worsen mental health issues, which may also require hospitalisation for stabilisation and treatment.
Thirdly, drug use can lead to indirect medical complications that necessitate hospitalisation. For instance, individuals may develop infections or other health issues due to unhygienic drug injection practices or sharing of needles. Drug use can also exacerbate existing medical conditions or interfere with the effectiveness of prescribed medications, leading to adverse health consequences that require hospitalisation.
Furthermore, hospitalisation may occur due to the social and economic consequences of drug use. For example, individuals struggling with drug addiction may experience homelessness, unemployment, or financial difficulties, which can indirectly lead to medical issues that require hospital care.
Finally, hospitalisation may be a result of attempts to obtain drugs or manage withdrawal symptoms. Individuals may intentionally seek hospitalisation to access certain medications or to receive treatment for withdrawal symptoms in a supervised setting. Inpatient hospital settings can provide a safer environment for individuals to manage their drug cravings and withdrawal, especially when coupled with appropriate addiction treatment and supportive services.
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Lack of sleep
Sleep is essential for everyone, and while the amount of sleep needed varies with age, it typically ranges from 14 to 17 hours for newborns to 8 to 10 hours for teenagers and adults. However, some individuals may require more or less sleep due to genetic factors.
Sleep deprivation can occur due to various lifestyle choices, work demands, and environmental factors. Prioritizing sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, including on weekends, can help improve sleep quality. Creating a bedtime routine, optimizing the sleeping environment, and getting frequent sunlight exposure during the day can also promote better sleep.
For individuals experiencing insomnia or other sleep disorders, seeking help from a healthcare professional is essential. Psychologists can offer evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) and Mindfulness-Based therapies to improve sleep quality.
Additionally, hospitals have been identified as places where sleep deprivation is a prevalent issue. Patients' sleep is often interrupted by vital sign checks, medication administrations, and other necessary medical procedures. While some interruptions are essential for patient care, hospitals can implement organizational changes and sleep protocols to minimize unnecessary disruptions and improve patients' sleep quality during their stay.
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Head injury
Head injuries are a common reason for hospital visits and can range from minor to severe. Minor head injuries often cause a bump or bruise and rarely result in permanent brain damage. However, it can be challenging to distinguish between a minor and a severe head injury. Severe head injuries can lead to bleeding in the brain tissue and the layers surrounding it, known as subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, or epidural hematoma.
If you suspect a skull fracture, avoid applying direct pressure to the wound and do not remove any debris. Instead, seek immediate medical attention. Call your local emergency number or 911 if there is severe head or face bleeding. It is crucial to stabilize the head and neck by placing your hands on both sides of the person's head and keeping the head in line with the spine to prevent movement.
Concussions are a common type of head injury that can occur when the head strikes or is struck by an object. Symptoms of a concussion include headaches, nausea, dizziness, mood swings, and trouble concentrating. These symptoms may not always be immediate and can worsen over time. Even a mild concussion warrants medical attention to prevent potential complications.
In the case of a mild head injury, treatment can often be managed through outpatient care with a primary care physician or specialist. However, it is important to monitor your condition for at least 48 hours after the injury and watch for any new or worsening symptoms. If you are unsure about the severity of your head injury, always prioritize caution and seek emergency medical treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
I ended up in a psychiatric hospital due to my unhappiness at work and at home. I was in a role that required me to be detail-oriented and cold with people, which was not a good fit for me.
Yes, I did attempt suicide but chickened out and called a hotline. This resulted in the hospital being called and I waited 6 hours, spending 10 minutes with a doctor and 20 minutes with two psychiatrists.
No, I didn't want to die, but I wanted to end up in the hospital so people would care and take me seriously. I wanted to be at the top of everyone's priority list.
Yes, I realised through discussions with my therapist that happiness was a choice. I had to actively choose to be happy and do things in my life that made me happy, like exercising, meditating, or meeting a friend.
I learned that it's important to ask for help and tell people how you are feeling. I also realised that blaming others is pointless and unhelpful, and that I had to take responsibility for my own happiness.
