Is it weird to miss the mental hospital?

Hi! I'm a nurse who worked at a mental hospital. A LOT of people miss their mental hospital. For some, the mental hospital gave them structure, and a feeling of control, which feels safe. Safety is nice! If this is you, there are things outside the hospital that can give you structure - whether it's you yourself choosing a daily itinerary, or something as simple as visiting a nice group of people every week or so. ("Nice people" can mean a therapist, a book club, a church, etc. Anything nice and structured.) For others, their family/friends are not supportive, and they miss the hospital staff being nice to them, or miss the safe environment of the hospital. If this is you, seek out nice people outside the hospital (therapist/church/safe friends, etc.) For others, they've been in the hospital so long, it's become their normal. In that case, time will help you adjust to a new normal. Some feel that only fellow patients can understand them. This is tricky. I don't know your friend group, but I do know nobody's perfect, and we're all a little messed up, in our own ways, and that's okay. A therapist can help you work towards figuring out how to connect. I don't know which of the above you are - probably a combination - but I need you to know... yes, you're normal. And I'm proud of you. And you've got this. :)

I don't think this is weird at all. If it is somewhere where you felt safe and in control I think it is common to feel scared and not at ease being out in the world again. It will take time to readjust to things. In the hospital it can feel like you are in a cocoon, safe and protected from stresses. When you get released you are back to the everyday and that can be overwhelming to take in. I think taking it easy and getting back to the swing of things is a good way to go.

Of course not! :) Assuming in the mental hospital you were a patient at people cared, and you had access to life saving care its completely understandable.. Now, if you think your in a position at home (again, assuming your back home) where the environment is unhealthy, or you feel yourself getting worse, its important to talk to your doctors/therapists, and decide what level of treatment/care you need, as everyones different! And remember, if you think going back to a inpatient environment is what's right for you, thats perfectly OK and its important to talk about these things to ensure your in the right environment!

Missing the mental hospital is not abnormal. In times of stress or when a bout of mental illness occurs, many will feel that they are unable to manage symptoms in their daily life. Mental hospitals can provide a sense of security and comfort for those struggling, and once the supports offered are cut off, people may find it difficult to return to everyday life without the proper resources. Mental hospitals take away the external responsibilities which often contribute to heightened symptoms of mental illness. This is why it is often essential to be in contact with a therapist upon discharge.