On this date last year, I was preparing to walk out of the Psych Ward! Yes, you read it correctly. I was in the "Looney Bin"..."The Nut House"..."Behavioral Health" Let me try to explain.
My mom had just closed the family restaurant after being in business 35+ years. I was trying to help her tie up those ends. Also, I was attending pre-op surgery appointments and supporting her during her surgery and recovery. On top of all that… I caught a terrible cold. Oh yeah, I had just pulled through a stressful Christmas holiday.
After staying in the hospital with my mom for three nights, I decided go home and get some sleep. If you know anything about being in the hospital you know you don’t get quality sleep (if any sleep at all) whether you are the patient or a visitor. So, I took my prescribed sleeping pill and headed to my doctor’s appointment. Don’t get your drawls in a bunch. I have a high tolerance to medication. Normally, it takes 2 ½ hours for this medicine to kick in! So, I knew I had time to attend my appointment and return home before I would feel the effects of the meds.
About 15 minutes later I sat in the office and started telling the doctor what was going on with me. Low and behold when
I woke up, my husband was there in the office with me. “WHAT? He didn’t come to the appointment with me”, I thought! He sure didn’t! They called him when
I passed out.
Apparently, while I was under the influence…somewhere between being conscious and unconscious, I answered a ton of questions and the doctor thought I was apparently trying to kill myself and/or was crying out for help. NOPE, my body had just collapsed. Having NyQuil already in my system before taking my regular medication, and being DOG tired, my body had enough. Lights out!
I was given the options to admit myself (with the ability to leave at my own will) or they will would admit me and I'll be escorted by law enforcement. Of course, I chose to admitted myself.
Joel drove me there. During the ride, I ate an entire foot long sub (which is normally impossible and would cause me to be gravely ill), posted on Facebook and text a couple of folks. Which I had no idea I was doing! I was out of it.
After sleeping for almost 24 hours, I finally spoke with my husband so he could explain what I was doing in "THE BIN”. For the next couple of days, I mostly did nothing but eat three meals a day and sleep. There wasn't any "real therapy" offered to me. However, I was able to reflect on my life and write out my thoughts and feelings. FINALLY, after a few more days of rest I decided to check myself out and head home.
Once again, why am I sharing something so personal and could be held against me? Because I am not ashamed. You just never know what another person is carrying around in their heart and on their shoulders. Secondly, to warn you that you have to take care of yourself before you can fully take care of anyone else. Thirdly, to remind you that it’s better if you make the choice to relax than forcing your body to make the decision for you.
As the New Year begins, I won’t make a lot of promises that will stress me out trying to keep them. I plan to take one day at a time, thank God for a sound mind (‘cause I SAW REAL CRAZY), ask for the strength to deal with the pressures of life and the sense to know when I need to get somewhere and SAT IT DOWN!
OAN: I will neva call anyone crazy haphazardly eva again! I saw what REAL crazy looks like.
In all things pray and seek the Lord. Allow Him to help you make decisions-not Kooley! These are just my thoughts, opinion and experiences.