I have now been in CAMHS inpatient care for nine months: AKA far too long. I’m now approaching my discharge and, as it edges closer, I become more and more desperate to get out. The gripes and the grudges build up until I just have to make a list. So here it is.
A Non-Definitive List of Things I Will Not Take for Granted When I Have Left Hospital
- Being able to get a drink whenever I am thirsty and not having to wait for staff to be free to get it for me.
- Sleeping in when I am tired.
- Going to bed when I am sleepy.
- Being able to say that I have a headache without a doctor pouncing on me.
- Not being questioned on how I care for my dog.
- Having the option to be with people or not be with people.
- Not being surrounded by distressed people constantly.
- Not suffering the horrible noise of the panic alarms which seems to change pitch as you move your head.
- Absence of people playing ‘devils advocate’ every time I just want to have a little grumble.
- Choosing who I spend my time with.
- Going out when I want
- Going where I want
- Singing at the top of my voice
- Going to College
- Being with friends
- Not being alone
- Internet access
- Social media support
- Independence
- Food which isn’t from a silver tray
- Privacy
- Organisation
- The power to change the central heating temperature
- Not being observed
- Not having an ever changing conveyor belt of staff in charge of my care
- Having more than one 16th of control over the television remote
- Watching soaps without people moaning
- Long dog walks to nowhere in particular
- Loud music
- Laughter
- Doors that aren’t locked
- Being able to go and see people
- Being stable enough to make plans with more than a 60% chance of it actually being carried out.
- Gyms and swims!
- Fresh air
- Not having visiting times to stick to.
- No ‘compulsory’ workshops to go to.
- Watching DVDs rated above a U
- Not being woken up during night observations (they turn the lights on once an hour)
- Not being in hospital!
I am currently camping in a coffee shop making my time off the unit last as long as I can!
If you have been in hospital, what will you never take for granted again? 
Keep your chin up chick (I hate it when people say platitudes like that – sorry) you will get through this and people are learning so much from your blogs your breaking down barriers and smashing stigma!
By the way if people try and tell me how to look after my dog I turn into the Incredible Hulk…
Haha it’s okay! Comments like this make my day 🙂 and oh yes… I go very hulk too…