I'm wondering if
"Camp Cupcake" for Martha Stewart is similar to Unit 4 of Peachford.
I'm going to say yes. I'm going to think that Martha and I both had plastic
covered cots, had to "check out" a dull razor as if it were a library
book only between the hours of 7:45-9:15, use a hair dryer in the hallway supervised during "sharps" hours only, had no electrical outlets in
her room, slept with flashlights shined every 15 min, lined up for meals like kindergartners, woke
up at 6 AM and had cell mates with names such as hippie chic and wheelchair girl.
It's funny because my
complaints were so minimal during my week long stay. It's almost like reverting
back to a child like state where your Mom made all of your decisions such as
meals, bed times and Doctor appointments. It's extremely a mindless
exercise to exist with no stress, watches, cell phones or schedules. It was an eye opener for me at
how truly sick I was and had been for a really long time.
That being said, while
it is a great mental health break, I totally get how prisoners aren't able to
adapt to the real world. It's a tough tough transition to be locked up 24/7 for
days on end and then thrown out to the wolves for survival! Not literally
of course for myself, but truly an eye opener that life has gone on for
everyone else during the sabbatical. Sadly some patients are thrown back out to
the wolves. Since Peachford is a "Crisis Management Facility", the
length of stay isn't nearly as long as it should be for some. Once the
"crisis" (whether it be suicide, a manic episode, alcohol, eating
disorder), has subsided, it is time to leave. It is time for the patient
to follow a treatment plan of Dr. appointments, therapy visits, support groups,
AA/NA , etc. Unfortunately, many fall through the cracks and relapse due
to having financial problems and no one to support their recovery at home. Not
all of us are blessed with faithful cheerleaders on the sidelines of the game
cheering us on to victory. It is heartbreaking to see a raise of hands of
patients with no ride home after release. As positive of an experience I
want to say this was for me, I cannot help but see how we as a society are
failing our mental health patients. Many don't know how to cry for help
much less where to go for help. Our Er's are not equipped and are severely
understaffed. Many who do are left to sit in cold Er's for 24 plus hours with
no sleep increasing their depressed state even further until a bed is located
at a mental health facility. It is a rude, harsh awakening at health care and the mental
health system in America. It is easy to place blame however, I find that to be
fruitless. Instead I choose to try to make a difference in the life of
mentally ill patients. I will continue to attend support groups for my
own benefit and also speak up in these groups in hopes I can help one person.
We are only one but we can make a difference! I believe this to be true.
I saw how one person made a difference in my life when it was nothing but
darkness. One ignored text, one harsh word, one smile, one kind word, one
hug... Could be the difference in life and death. Trust me, I ran that race and
crossed the finish line. Be kind. If there is one piece of advice I can
give us all, it is to be kind. The reward of kindness
is so much better than the alternative of negativity.
It is through some of
the deepest pain we can find truth, faith and see the beauty in people and
humanity.
There is some humor to be found in my seven days. I only hope I can do the funny stories justice this coming week without being offensive to some. After all, sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.
