Mental health hospitalization is a critical intervention for patients experiencing acute mental health crises that cannot be managed safely or effectively in an outpatient setting.
The intensive care, tailored medication, & continuous monitoring in the secure environment of the mental health facility address immediate crises, stabilize the patients & averts a potential catastrophe.
However, while this indispensable care plays a central role in the treatment, it is not the end of the journey. "Sustained progress that ensures long-term stability and mental health well-being is what we aim for at our psychiatric hospital in Boston," says one of our therapists at Psych Boston. "The progress made in the hospital needs to be maintained and built upon in a supportive environment to continue recovery, reduce risk of relapse, and avoid setbacks," he added.
So, a parent’s role becomes indispensable in the recovery journey. But how does one create the right environment, lay support system, and robust support system to enable a smooth, long-term recovery?
We are here to help. Today's guide provides the most essential guidelines to help you ace this phase with clarity and confidence.
Essential Guidelines for Parents: Steps to Take After a Mental Health Hospitalization
As soon as the discharge date gets nearer, parents need to open discussions with the mental health specialists at the hospital about what comes next in the follow-up care.
Here are a few basic guidelines that can help parents stay informed and empowered about follow-up care:
Understanding Discharge Instructions & Medication Management: First, it is essential for the parents to carefully review the discharge instructions, including the treatment plan, medication, and follow-up appointments required. The mental health professionals provide complete instructions for the parents after hospitalization. We suggest you carefully read the discharge summary and make a list of any questions you may have about the instructions given by the mental health professional. Make sure to understand the purpose of each medication, its dosages and timings, and emergency responses in case of any issues.
Create a Safe & Supportive Home Environment: After a necessary sojourn at the mental health facility, creating an open and supportive environment at home is paramount to stabilize recovery and aid in healing.
"A supportive environment fosters a sense of belonging and minimizes stress. Openly communicating in a safe space also helps patients to express concerns freely and aids in self-management," said our counselor psychologist at our psychiatric hospital in Boston.
When asked about the possible approaches, he suggests:
Open Communication: Be a non-judgmental listener and encourage open communication to empower children to speak freely about their feelings and experiences. "Normalized discussions about mental health will significantly reduce stigma and encourage openness in children," according to
Structure and Routine: Establish a consistent daily routine that promotes stability. Predictable and consistent routines make promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and sufficient sleep easier.
Safety Measures: Limit access to potentially harmful items like medications and sharp objects. Seek help from mental health professionals at the facility to develop a safety plan that identifies warning signs in case of crisis and outlines steps to take in an emergency.
Monitor Progress & Adjust Care:
Monitoring the progress of the child after a mental health hospitalization involves carefully tracking their behavior, habits, and mood shifts. One needs to keep a close eye on changes and adjustments, whether negative or positive, to understand the progress better. Parents must be prepared to remain flexible and adjust the care and plan in collaboration with mental health professionals.
"This adaptability helps us tailor the after-hospital care to the patient in line with evolving needs to maximize the chances of recovery," says adult psychiatrist in Boston.
Do not Forget Self-care:
The child's healing journey relies heavily on the support system around them. So, parents need to prioritize self-care to ensure they are emotionally and physically equipped to provide the necessary support.
Managing stress and maintaining one's well-being becomes essential in this healing journey. We suggest parents take time for self-care activities that relax and rejuvenate them.
If they feel overwhelmed, parent support groups and mental health therapy are also recommended to help parents cope and manage the stress.
Reminder for Parents: Early Re-Intervention Is the Key
The promptness of outpatient therapy appointments after discharge plays a crucial role in recovery. The faster the outpatient therapy appointments tend to be, the higher the chances for patients to avoid relapses and stay on the path of mental health recovery.
According to research, patients who undergo follow-up within seven days are likelier to stick to medication and utilize ongoing treatment services.
So, the parents must be proactive about contacting the mental health facility to get outpatient therapy appointments as soon as possible after discharge.
Psych Boston: Always Ready to Help!
The first follow-up sets the right direction and enables the child to smoothly engage in the recovery journey. During this phase, the above guidelines can help parents stabilize their health condition and foster a supportive environment.
However, every patient is unique, and so is their recovery journey. One must always acknowledge the fact that the journey is filled with its own set of challenges and problems. Every
If you are a parent in need of additional help during the recovery phase for your child, our psychiatrists and behavioral counselors at Psych Boston are always ready to assist you. You can contact us here: https://psychboston.com/
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