After the Crisis: What Happens Now?
Your loved one has been admitted. The immediate danger has passed, but you’re left with questions: “What happens inside? How can we help? Will our family ever be normal again?” This guide takes you from the hospital ward to home.
For detailed understanding, explore our psychiatric admission overview.
A Typical Day in Psychiatric Ward
Morning (6 AM – 12 PM):
| Time | Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Wake-up, vital signs | Monitor physical health |
| 7:00 AM | Morning medication | Start treatment |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast | Restore nutrition |
| 9:00 AM | Psychiatrist visit | Daily assessment |
| 10:00 AM | Group therapy/activity | Social reintegration |
Afternoon: Lunch, individual therapy (2-3x/week), occupational therapy, family visiting hours (4-6 PM)
Evening: Dinner, quiet activities, night medication, lights out by 10 PM
Key: Structure helps brain heal—routine restores order to chaos.
How Treatment Works – The Three-Pronged Approach
[1] Medication (दवा) – Restoring Chemical Balance
| Medication Type | What It Does | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Antipsychotics | Stop hallucinations/delusions | 2-7 days to start working |
| Mood stabilizers | Level extreme mood swings | 1-2 weeks |
| Anti-anxiety | Reduce panic and fear | Hours to days |
| Sleep aids | Restore normal sleep | Immediate |
Important: Finding right medication/dose takes time—like adjusting spices in cooking.
[2] Therapy (परामर्श) – Individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, skills training
[3] Structure & Support – Consistent sleep, healthy meals, exercise, social interaction
Your Visits: Making Them Count – What to Bring vs. Not Bring
| ✅ Allowed | ❌ Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Home-cooked food (if permitted) | Sharp objects (knives, scissors) |
| Comfortable clean clothes | Belts, ropes, wires |
| Religious items (prayer beads, small idol) | Glass bottles |
| Family photos, books | Lighters, matches |
| Phone (during visit) | Medications from home |
How to Talk During Crisis Phase
| Situation | ❌ Don’t Say | ✅ Do Say |
|---|---|---|
| “Doctors poisoning me” | “That’s not true, stop being paranoid” | “I know you’re scared. I’m here to keep you safe. Let’s talk to doctor together” |
| Upset about admission | “You were crazy, we had no choice” | “I know you’re angry. We were very worried about your safety. We love you” |
| Wants to leave | “You can’t, you’re too sick” | “I want you home too. Doctors say a few more days will help. Then we go home together” |
Key principle: Acknowledge emotions, redirect toward safety and healing.
The Science of Family Love
Studies show family visits actually change patient biology:
Family Visit → Patient feels safe →
Stress hormone DECREASES →
Bonding hormone INCREASES →
Brain healing ACCELERATES 40-60%
Your presence is medicine.
This vital role of family is explained in our family role in mental health recovery.
Preparing for Discharge
48 Hours Before Going Home
You’ll Receive:
- Medication list with clear instructions
- Follow-up appointments (usually within 3-7 days)
- Warning signs to watch for
- 24/7 emergency numbers
- Home crisis plan
Find detailed discharge planning guidance at discharge and aftercare planning.
Your Home Safety Checklist – First Week:
Recovery Timeline: What’s Realistic
Week 1-2 (पहले दो हफ्ते):
- Sleep improving but still irregular
- Eating better
- Calmer but needs reminders
- May be withdrawn or emotional
Month 1-3:
- Thinking clearer
- Can hold conversations
- Interest in activities returning
- Mood more stable
- May gradually return to work/study
Month 3-6:
- Managing much better
- Becoming independent again
- Relationships healing
- Confidence returning
Month 6+:
- Living relatively normal life
- Managing condition well
- Often stronger than before crisis
Important: Everyone’s timeline differs. Celebrate small victories.
More about this can be found in our mental health recovery timelines.
Warning Signs: The Traffic Light System
🟢 Green – All Good: Sleeping 6-8 hours, regular meals, taking medication, participating in family activities, keeping appointments
🟡 Yellow – Call Doctor This Week: Sleep changes 3+ days, appetite changes, missing medication doses, withdrawing from family, mild mood swings
🔴 Red – Call Hospital TODAY: Suicidal thoughts returning, hallucinations/delusions back, refusing food/drink, refusing all medication, severe agitation, family feels unsafe
Review warning signs to watch after discharge and emergency interventions.
Caregiver Self-Care
Signs You’re Burning Out
- Constant exhaustion (even after rest)
- Resentment toward patient
- Physical symptoms (headaches, stomach pain)
- Using alcohol/smoking to cope
- Feeling hopeless or trapped
We provide resources and support in caregiver self-care programs.
If 3+ apply: You need help too.
Your Self-Care Plan
| Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 7+ hours sleep | 4 hours personal time | Your doctor visit |
| 3 meals | Talk to friend | Activity without patient |
| 30-min walk | Support group | Check your wellbeing |
Remember: You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Common Questions After Discharge
🔗 Additional Links
-
Family Therapy Support: Helping families heal together during recovery.
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Occupational Therapy Services: Practical skills for daily living and independence after hospitalization.
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Psychiatrist Visit Importance: What to expect and how regular psychiatrist care supports healing.
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Mental Health Emergency Care: Immediate help options for crisis situations.
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Patient Education Resources: Guides and materials to understand and manage mental health better.
Final Message: Crisis to Comeback
Involuntary admission wasn’t the worst thing—it’s often the beginning of healing.
The hardest decision you made was an act of love. You saved a life when their brain couldn’t save itself.
Recovery won’t be easy. There will be hard days. But with treatment, family support, and time, recovery isn’t just possible—it’s the norm.
“Recovery isn’t about going back to who they were. It’s about becoming who they’re meant to be—with wisdom, strength, and a family who fought for their life.”
