A great visual, and your last words really resonated with me - "I walked out aware...and I never looked back." Thank you for bringing us into this experience and for sharing this with us. 💜
So fascinating. Your ability to see these people as people (as well as see the humor in the situation) is top notch.
Also...did you ever see that episode of Sex and the City when Carrie was dating David Duchovny who was in the psych ward? Totally pictured him for the Match.com guy.
Thanks so much! And yes that was an iconic episode. My guy was a little older, but still a very handsome smooth-talker. The situation was so juicy I’d have stayed longer to see it play out. I still think about all the people I encountered on the inside. I did see one on the street about a year later. What was heartbreaking is that not one of them could justify the need for them to be there. They argued that they were there due to a misunderstanding or mistake.
excellent piece of writing. I can honestly say that is the best written description I have ever seen of a psych ward and very amusing too. I have been on many wards myself for long periods of time so I know how it is but in your short period incarcerated there you have done what many others have failed to do in books on the subject. Well done.
You’re SUCH a good writer. I wonder if you’d like Anne Gisleson’s book The Futilitarians. It takes place around hurricane Katrina and she had lost both her sisters to suicide, so it’s all about navigating grief. She’s a wonderful person and, as a writing professor, was a great source of relation after my brother suddenly died. I used to do a lot of readings here in the New Orleans literary community before life dealt some more harsh blows. Do you read anywhere? Would totally support. I think you’d make a huge impact on whatever crowd.
I’ve never heard of that book but will definitely read it. I’m so sorry about your brother. Life is so hard. I actually just started writing again after a few decades of not writing. I communicated through photography. I’m not even in any sort of literary group. But I do see that in my future. It feels so good to be writing again.
I’m so sorry about your son too. I can’t imagine. Life is unbelievably hard. I relate a lot in a different way to your fixation and obsession and your post made me realize it was actually after that sudden loss that I became really obsessed with deconstructing systems to get to the why’s. And this particular post — I think I’ve heard quite some stories from that particular ward if it’s the same place. Your writing is so honest and gut punching and at times even funny — brings out all the feels. Anne might know of some readings. And lmnl…there are many around pretty constantly. I want to work up the courage again myself at some point. But your writing I’m sure would be a hit.
The hospital was near the corner of St. Charles and Gen. Taylor. Maybe it’s the one you’re thinking of. I’m touched that my writing helped you work some things out. We’re all here navigating it together and have a huge opportunity to learn from each other.
A great visual, and your last words really resonated with me - "I walked out aware...and I never looked back." Thank you for bringing us into this experience and for sharing this with us. 💜
Thanks, Molly🙏🏼
This was a great read and I definitely could relate. Especially the treasured pudding cups.
The pudding cups were the only safe thing we had inside since they were prepackaged 😅
I remember them well. Highlight of my days when I was locked up on a Behavioral Health Unit three times. Oh, and don’t forget the Graham crackers.
I read your stuff as much for the observations and revelations as I do for the way you use words…
“…trying to butter a slice of beige drywall…” 🤣🤣🤣
It looked just like beige drywall😂 I need to reenact these scenes for you in person one day
Just say when. 🤣
This is fantastic. Following. Forever left wondering about online dating steak guy.
I don’t even remember his name. Otherwise I’d have devoted my life to finding him to get that info😅
So fascinating. Your ability to see these people as people (as well as see the humor in the situation) is top notch.
Also...did you ever see that episode of Sex and the City when Carrie was dating David Duchovny who was in the psych ward? Totally pictured him for the Match.com guy.
Thanks so much! And yes that was an iconic episode. My guy was a little older, but still a very handsome smooth-talker. The situation was so juicy I’d have stayed longer to see it play out. I still think about all the people I encountered on the inside. I did see one on the street about a year later. What was heartbreaking is that not one of them could justify the need for them to be there. They argued that they were there due to a misunderstanding or mistake.
So sad. I wish we could figure out a better way.
excellent piece of writing. I can honestly say that is the best written description I have ever seen of a psych ward and very amusing too. I have been on many wards myself for long periods of time so I know how it is but in your short period incarcerated there you have done what many others have failed to do in books on the subject. Well done.
I really appreciate your compliment. Being able to help others makes the tough times worth it.
You’re SUCH a good writer. I wonder if you’d like Anne Gisleson’s book The Futilitarians. It takes place around hurricane Katrina and she had lost both her sisters to suicide, so it’s all about navigating grief. She’s a wonderful person and, as a writing professor, was a great source of relation after my brother suddenly died. I used to do a lot of readings here in the New Orleans literary community before life dealt some more harsh blows. Do you read anywhere? Would totally support. I think you’d make a huge impact on whatever crowd.
I’ve never heard of that book but will definitely read it. I’m so sorry about your brother. Life is so hard. I actually just started writing again after a few decades of not writing. I communicated through photography. I’m not even in any sort of literary group. But I do see that in my future. It feels so good to be writing again.
I’m so sorry about your son too. I can’t imagine. Life is unbelievably hard. I relate a lot in a different way to your fixation and obsession and your post made me realize it was actually after that sudden loss that I became really obsessed with deconstructing systems to get to the why’s. And this particular post — I think I’ve heard quite some stories from that particular ward if it’s the same place. Your writing is so honest and gut punching and at times even funny — brings out all the feels. Anne might know of some readings. And lmnl…there are many around pretty constantly. I want to work up the courage again myself at some point. But your writing I’m sure would be a hit.
The hospital was near the corner of St. Charles and Gen. Taylor. Maybe it’s the one you’re thinking of. I’m touched that my writing helped you work some things out. We’re all here navigating it together and have a huge opportunity to learn from each other.
I'm intimately familiar with the grippy sock vacation. Thanks for sharing some of yours.
I’ve been in a few. This particular trip was my final one. It was the toughest stay. Sometimes we need some tough love
Glad you’re doing better now. My wife hasn’t had one in over 3 years. I’m hoping she’s made her last trip, as well.
Awesome post. Hits the nail on the head. I want everyone to read it so these people get better outcomes and aren’t just left for dead.