There is absolutely no shame in seeking help when your mental health is suffering. And sometimes that means you have to end up in a psychiatric ward for help.

If you believe the media and movies, these places are strange, scary, dangerous places… but is that the reality? At least the reality THESE days? Only people who have been inside know for sure.

These 20 confessions are from patients who’ve been institutionalized, and their stories will surprise you…

20. That’s a long time to feel like you’re not part of the world.

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19. Hmmm, you probably didn’t have to lie about that…

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18. I bet that’s a common feeling.

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17. Damn.

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16. So that happened!

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15. That sounds exhausting…

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14. Everybody deserves a chance to get well.

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13. Haha… well, hope that didn’t f*ck with people too much.

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12. It gets better with treatment…

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11. The world could use less judgement and shame. For real.

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10. Good to know!

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9. Hope it works out!

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8. I can imagine that working in those places take their toll…

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7. Make friends however you can…

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6. Sorry it didn’t work out.

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5. Glad you got better!

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4. BFFs!

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3. Join us…

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2. Well, that’s probably true. But can you really live like that forever? Probably not.

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1. Bummer. Sorry to see this.

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Sounds like some serious shenanigans can happen in mental hospitals!

Who knew?