The hospital
Unfortunately, there are many myths and prejudices about being admitted to a psychiatric ward. However, most of these myths originated from the days in the old hospitals.
The living conditions in the psychiatric wards improved tremendously over the years. These days, you will be admitted to a comfortable room, pleasant physical environment. The staffs and healthcare professional are friendly and caring. In Singapore, there are psychiatric inpatients services offer by a number of hospitals:
- Alexandra Hospital
- Adam Road Hospital (private)
- Changi General Hospital
- Institute of Mental Health / Woodbridge Hospital
- Mt Elizabeth Hospital - Charter (private)
- National University Hospital
- Singapore General Hospital
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Today, we have effective treatment methods at our disposal, the treatment can heal or alleviate depression in the space of just a few weeks. Importantly, seeking treatment as early as possible is the key to recovery!
Most of the time, patients diagnose with depression don't require admission. However, there are instances when patients are having suicidal thoughts, or they are suffering from a severe or psychotic depression, admitting them into a safe and conducive will be best for them. Another group which often needs to be admitted consists of patients with both depression and a serious physical illness. Admitting them into the hosptial is to allow observation and close monitoring.
Acute treatment
The first time you are admitted with depression, the doctor will work with a team of paramedical staff like nurses, psychologists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, physiotherapist...etc to devise a care plan for you. This enables you to receive the best possible treatment under the observation of a team.
You will for example be relieved of things which seemed to be insurmountable strains because of your depression. They can be mundane things such as:
- cooking
- caring for your children
- cleaning
- shopping
- working
When you are admitted to a psychiatric ward, you will be examined and treated in a number of ways at the same time, and it is rarely possible to do this outside a hospital. The treatment will cover the following important aspects:
- Observation to make an accurate diagnosis
- Care and protection from any self-destructive behaviour
- Exercise with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to maintain a certain physical level of function
- Social advice
- Environmental therapy
- Treatment with medicine
- Psychoeducation, group therapy, and maybe psychotherapy
- ECT treatment (in severe cases)