I’m kinda on risk for being put into one, so I kinda wanted to learn some stuff about how is it inside those. I think my biggest fear there is boredoom. Like, will I be able to videocall friends and/or listen to music there? Will my mp3 player/portable chinese retro emulator/phone/any eletronic be confiscated there?
Most folks seem to cover the emotional and psychological aspect so I’ll give some practical tips.
Shampoo and conditioner. If you are allowed to pack some or have some brought in by a visitor, do it. The hospital shampoo was really astringent and dried out my scalp horribly. After a week my head was constantly itchy from the lack of moisture. Conditioner would have saved me so much misery.
Make friends if you can. It will make you feel better to talk. It will help others to talk. It will make you a positive influence on the ward and help get you some leniency if shit hits the fan.
Take time with the crafts. It’s so fucking boring 80% of the time that when you can make something, really put your focus into it. Take your time. It’s cathartic.
It’s okay to ask for things. A lot of what you ask for will be a “no” but sometimes you’ll be surprised. I didn’t know I could get a shit ton of paper on request and tried to learn origami. It’s something to do and you’ll find what’s available.
Good luck. The ward is only scary the first time and the folks are so tired of dealing with shit (literally they all have a poo story) that you being calm is a relief. Be cool and you’ll be fine.
Remembering that the attendants are people, people who are at work. Remember work? How fun it was? They’re at work, being chill goes a long way.