A Look At Brit’s Hospitalization
Please don’t take this as the absolute fact because each case is different, but here’s a possible look into Brit’s hospitalization. Like Brit, I’ve been hospitalized for my bipolar disorder, so I can relate to her situation and give you some insight into her hospital stay. The first 72 hour evaluation period consists of the hospital getting all of Brit’s info, detoxing her (if necessary), getting her medical record from other hospitals, and assigning her a doctor. Her doctor will find out which medications she’s tried before and will prescribe her with what’s worked before or new combinations (bipolars usually take more than one medication - a “cocktail” of pills, if you will). Since some of these meds are very strong, she will probably experience some side effects, which her doctors can take note of. Believe me, it helps being under a doctor’s watch when you take new meds. At least they can explain to you why you feel like throwing up and can prescribe other meds right away. UCLA Medical Center has a well respected psychiatry department, so she’s definitely in good hands.
Since her stay has been extended an extra 14 days, her doctor/s will get a chance to give her a lot of attention and figure out if the meds they prescribed are working. She will also get intense talk therapy and possibly join in group sessions. As with most psych wards, she can wear her own clothing and she can take smoke breaks with the other patients, unless they’ve kept her at a separate ward. She can also accept visitors every day. More than anything, she will get a lot of rest while in the hospital. If she’s open to the treatment, this could be a great way for her to clear her head and find the right combination of meds and therapy, as well as the right doctor for her.
I hope this gives you all a bit more insight on what Brit’s going through. If you want more info on bipolar disorder, you can check out www.bipolar.com. Learning leads to understanding!
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10 Replies to “A Look At Brit’s Hospitalization”
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February 4th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
You speak all truths here … my Mother was diagnosed as Bi-Polar 13 years ago and has only ever had 3 episodes requiring Phsyciatric Medical treatment - mostly to “tweak” her meds & always initiated by her because she felt a change in mood “coming on”.
Since I have been by my Mom’s side throughout her ordeals, I can honestly say I have found it is MUCH less complicated to consistanty control Bi-Polar and maintain daily balance for long periods of time than most of the medical conditions my friends are dealing with. Diabetes, Epilepsy, MS, etc. ALL have complications that are harder to regulate and “episodes” requiring hospital care are extremely high comparably.
Hope your battle is a winning one!
February 4th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Appreciate your link to Bipolar.com. Also appreciate your down-to-earth reportage of events in Britney Spears’ life. My ex-husband has Bipolar and I was his carer for many years, even after our divorce (10 years). I have two family members who have Schizophrenia and three others with borderline disorders and Paranoid Personality Disorders. The genetic component is high but I think our particular family was handed the full scroll. What ‘folk tales’ and ‘old wives’ would say is: “It runs in the family” .. ‘Modern’ medicine is only now accepting that but referring to it as “genetic”. A different name, same, same! ~smiles~ I do a lot of support things for them; paper-work, act as their attorneys (as is Jamie Spears and Lawyer). It’s a huge responsibility dealing with business, legal, banks and medical for them and I do not get paid for this either. I do it because I love them and they love me and trust me. At times my ex-husband and one brother has hated me and thought I was “evil” (hence the joke on my name). That was very hard to take but I persevered. All are now stable. The shortest time for stability to ensue was two years, for most it has been 5 to 10 years. I have such empathy for sufferers of these mental disorders that sometimes I’m barely able to cope with their pain and unhappiness but at least I can do something to help, and that keeps me going. It is a truly courageous and wonderful thing that you can discuss you own Bipolar. I salute you and commend you. I have taken an interest in Ms Spears because of that personal experience and know many, many other people are the same. All of us who understand, who care, who suffer for others, and who persevere are sending energy, vibes, prayers, and positive thoughts. Much love and strength to all.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
PS: My ex-husband is now able to manage with no medication or (only at times), minimal medication.
He has occasional minor relapses but over the last 15 years has worked to recover his life, renewed relationships with estranged family, and has a new a vibrant career where his knowledge and intelligence is truly valued.
……………………
My ex-husband’s Bipolar was severe. He has done even more so-called ‘outrageous’ things than Britney Spears. He has been arrested several times, and for seriously embarrassing behavior including public nakedness. 15 years ago he was in a similar position to where Britney Spears is right now. He lost two successful businesses, one that employed 25 people, the other 8. I had not the experience then to understand what was happening so was unable to prevent him from losing absolutely everything. I must add that I have no regrets. I have learned more about courage, intelligence, creativity, loving and true-grit from those who have mental illness than any other people I have ever met … They are diamonds, absolutely amazing people who deal with the ultimate betrayal every day - that of their own brains … Imagine the courage and determination that must take, to know that one’s own perceptions are not to be trusted. There are no people as courageous. None!
February 5th, 2008 at 8:37 am
What great posts from you all. thank you.
February 5th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Thank you for sharing your personal experience. That is very courages of you. It is so important to take the stigma out of mental health issues.
Keep on keeping on!
p.s.
Don’t forget to vote today!!
February 5th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
thanks to all of you for your kind words and for sharing your own experience/s with bipolar disorder! hey, even checking out celebrity news can sometimes get folks to learn about important health issues! thanks again and keep reading!
February 5th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
The update on TMZ is heartbreaking.
February 5th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Thank you for sharing your challenge with Bipolar Disorder – it is so often misunderstood.
I thought you might appreciate a writer’s essay on her own ordeal and regaining her stability.
Readers will see many similarities between Britney and the writer’s inner turmoil and outward behavior.
“Britney’s tragic descent into mania is a journey I know all too well”
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,2251622,00.html
February 6th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
NOBODY was able to intervene before Heath’s prexcription med-related death occured, that is so sad as he was a huge talent that we will all miss out on.
However, let’s consider it lucky for Britney that she is where she is due to the fights her parents and loved ones are putting up to get her off the Meds and Sam Lutfi’s Control.
Beats planning a pre-mature Funeral & I am sure Britney will appreciate this intervention in time.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
re: StyleMaven’s latest link -
Thanks again for a link to yet another fantastic article based on facts. I truly appreciated reading it and I am sure many others will as well - I will be quoting your link in the future, hope you don’t mind : )
PS - G is waving back re: your last shout out : )