Anonymous wrote:Another person here who was hospitalized as a kid. I did not find it traumatizing either (though certainly don’t want to trivialize the experience of the PP). I was more traumatized by what my parents didn’t do, that might have helped prevent me from getting to that place at all. My parents both times were devastated, but it’s what I needed. Today, they rest with ease. In my 40s now and life is good, and stable.

Stay hopeful, OP.

I'm sorry you went through this, but very relieved you are doing well as an adult. Thank you for sharing. I'm not the OP, but my DC just got out of inpatient today and I desperately need to hear success stories.

Another person here who was hospitalized as a kid. I did not find it traumatizing either (though certainly don’t want to trivialize the experience of the PP). I was more traumatized by what my parents didn’t do, that might have helped prevent me from getting to that place at all. My parents both times were devastated, but it’s what I needed. Today, they rest with ease. In my 40s now and life is good, and stable.

Stay hopeful, OP.

I agree in many cases it is important for the teen/young adult to gain knowledge that as one might need to take medication for a physical health condition, one may need to take medication and do certain things to keep in balance for a mental health condition which are basically intertwined with the physical system, too. Daughter was hospitalized once in college and once in grad school but has gone on to a full and comprehensive life with marriage, children, job, friends etc. However, using the resources of medication, therapy and medical doctor for medication review are a continuing part of her life to keep a good balance. OP - it will be important for you to have an outlet to keep a balance so do make that a priority need, too. If you have a family member or friend who can step in and spend time with DS as he moves forward, but may not be reliably safe on his own time, then do try to enlist.