I JUST NEEDED A REST - WOMENS EXPERIENCES OF PSYCHIATRIC-HOSPITALIZATION

This research explored the experiences of 27 women who had been hospit alized in psychiatric units in southern New Brunswick, Canada. The wom en's accounts of their experiences of hospital admission, treatment an d discharge are described. Hospitalization provided the women with a r espite from burdensome family responsibilities and unsatisfactory rela tionships in a safe, protected environment. However, this asylum aspec t of hospitalization was contrasted with the powerlessness experienced by the women because of their lack of control over decisions made abo ut their admission, treatment and discharge. In conclusion, it is argu ed that strategies for the improvement of mental health care for women should be grounded in an understanding of women's experiences.