In Hospital - What would you like to talk or learn about in group therapy?
I've recently been hospitalized for 2 weeks. I've been in this hospital many times before and I have become bored with the occupational therapy groups. It seems to be just the same topics over and over again. So, instead of just complaining about it, I thought it might be meaningful to give them some new ideas.
My question to you is: If you were hospitalized for mental illness, what topics would you like to discuss or learn about in group therapy? Or what do you think could be meaningful?
I post this here in the depression subcommunity, but in hospital there are people with different kinds of mental illness. So, please feel free to tag people from other subcommunities. Also, this is a hospital for short-term admission. Usually no more than 21 days. Just to give some context. Some topics that they are already covering include things like stress management, effective communication, conflict resolution, relaxation techniques, etc.
I thought about things like mindfulness, values (ACT), managing emotions, self-expression (for emotions specifically), self-knowledge, your inner critic, self care, meditation, knowing your strengths and weaknesses. What can you add?
Tagging a few people: @FreeToFly, @sweetMango91,@creativeCamp2095, @SpruceRaven, @wizeakre, @melliotm, @Lavendersubmarine, @dancingRainbow45, @blissedNblessed, @mimameid, @Jenna, @Anomalia, @DarkCoffee, @lazyKatz, @DaveMcGrath, @ladylazarus1971, @LunaHecate, @BridgetAileen, @Moj, @LittleLotte, @LifeIsMyCanvas, @DaisyLion
@Chiaroscuro1 Great topic! I have not been hospitalised myself, but am helping a family member who is, and she feels the same way. Group sessions can be hard, but from what i gather they can be quite flexible with topics, so definitely suggest things you would like to talk about.
Your list is pretty thorough, and i second the suggestion of talking about hobbies or art as therapy (check out hobby forum, there are threads on this topic). While it is great to work through mental health issues, I firmly believe focussing on the positives in your life can have amazing benefits. For me personally, art and music are as much support as therapy. They are also much more readily available.
I feel the aim should be to find things that can help you through the times when you do not have a therapist or doctor on hand. The times where YOU are the only thing keeping yourself up. Rewrite the words to My Favourite Things and sing it whenever you feel you need it :)
@LunaHecate - Thank you. I really appreciate your response and I like what you said.
I'm currently helping to run some group sessions with a charity, the sessions are called 'Improving your mood with sleep and food' and it's amazing what a difference improving your sleep or diet can do to your mood - and what things we don't realise are affecting us. I think if you're in hospital, it'd be useful to learn some things that you could take with you into your life.
@LittleLotte - Yes. Sometimes simple things can make a big difference. Thank you.
