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My Baker Act Experience
My #Bakeract experience began about 3 weeks ago. I had visited my dad at the hospital as he was recovering from surgery. We shared a few cold-words after a triggering conversation started. Being #triggered had made me want to get up and walk. I told him I would be back, and left the room. Down the hall I walked and at the end of the nurses station... It began. #PanicAttack ! I was having a hard time catching myself and slowing it down.
I was rolled to the E.R where the nurses asked me if I wanted to harm myself or another. I had yelled about my Dad's situation that was fresh on my mind.. "I just want it all to end!" Boom. Baker Acted. Removed my wired bra, pants, shoes, put on rubber bottomed socks, and a fabric gown. I was confused. I didn't want to kill myself. But that's what they interpreted it as because it was my answer.
Upon transfer to the Lifestream Behavioral Hospital in Leesburg FL, it was awful. I had dirty living conditions. No schedule for therapy. No time of when I would meet with a doctor. Horrible food, and surrounded by people who legitimately tried to kill themselves and others who were meth addicts. One patient tried to kill a staff member. Someone threw juice at a chair, and the day rooms were filthy. They also did not give me my medicine and I was having severe withdrawals. I got sick.
I called my husband and told him I felt like I was in prison. No sunlight for 4 days. Bad food. Scared for my life the whole time about the warning the nurse gave me about other patients ("If anyone attacks you or touches you inappropriately, report them right away.") After 4 days of hell, I was released. It took me a week or two to recover. I had lost 5lbs.
I saved many details... Such as not being able to get snacks so I could avoid the staff that was making fun of patients... And more.. but I will save you the time.
I never want to be baker acted again. If I was not stablized and really genuinely did not want to hurt myself, then there is no way I would have #survived there.
#BipolarDisorder
#AnxietyDisorder
#PanicAttack
#MentalHealth
