You're not alone. 6 million kids and teens are hospitalized in the us every year. Everyone who has been to the picu has a different story, and also a lot in common.
IF YOU ARE STRESSED OUT ABOUT THe WAY YOU ARE FEELING, TALK TO AN ADULT YOU TRUST. just because you may feel better in a few weeks doesn't mean you can't talk to someone now.
Being in the hospital can make your life seem very different. You may find that you don’t act quite the same as you did before, and that is OK.
Here are some examples of what could have changed: • You might want to spend more time with your family • You might argue with your parents and siblings more • You might feel distant from your friends • You might have trouble sleeping • You might feel frustrated or angry
These are just a few of the ways you might change after being in the hospital. Since everybody is different, each person has a different experience after leaving the hospital. These changes will probably go back to the way they were before once you get back into your normal routine.
After coming home from the hospital, some teens notice that they feel things they didn’t feel before. This is very common, here are some ways that many teens feel after being very sick: • Easily aggravated • Unable to sleep • Mean to or jealous of their brothers and sisters • Sad • Scared • Shy • Anxious, worried, or stressed out
You may not want to talk about being sick or being in the hospital. Some teens even have nightmares or flashbacks about being in the hospital. If you are stressed about the way you are feeling, talk to someone you trust. This can be a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend, or whoever you think can help make you feel better. Just because you may feel better in a couple weeks doesn't mean you can't talk to someone now. Talking about your experience might make you feel better and help things seem normal again.
Staying in the hospital for a long time can also have an effect on your body. Some people notice changes in their muscles and nerves.
Your muscles and body might feel: • Tired • Weak • Numb
These changes depend on what type of sickness caused you to go to the hospital and the types of procedures that were done while you were there. For many people who have been very sick and in the hospital, these issues usually go away within a few months.
Your experience is unique, but you're not alone, your feelings are normal and OK.
It is going to take time for you and your entire family to adjust to being home again. This is totally normal, and it is OK for it to take a few weeks or months for things to feel normal in your family again.
It is OK to feel scared, angry, or anxious after you have been sick in the hospital, these feelings should lessen and go away over time.
It is OK to have lots of questions about your health- ask your parents, teachers, or your doctor or nurse when you have a question.
It is OK to tell your parents if you feel like you are not getting enough or too much attention from them.
It is OK to still want to have fun with your friends and follow your normal routine. In fact, doing these things might help you feel better.
It is normal to have nightmares or to try and avoid doctors, or other things that remind you of being in the hospital. These feelings and dreams should lessen and go away over time, if they don’t go away of start to get better after a few weeks talk to your parents, doctor, or another adult you trust.
So what can you do about it?
Get Out, Speak Up,Take Charge.
Try and keep a normal routine- As your body is able, keep going to sports or music lessons, anything that you would normally do before you got sick.
Have fun- Listen to your body, and if you feel well enough, see your friends, hang-out, have fun like you did before you were in the hospital.
Advocate for yourself- Let your family, friends, teachers, and doctor know how you feel and what you need. Do you feel stressed out or worried about your health or catching up with school? Do you feel angry or scared? Do you want some alone time? Do you need to see your friends or family more?
It’s your body, so take charge of your medical care- Get involved, ask questions of your doctors and nurses, ask how you can be more involved in your care.
The information provided on this website is not meant to diagnose or treat any mental or physical health condition. You should always consult your child’s pediatrician to develop the best care plan for your child. If you feel that your child or anyone in your family is having trouble coping after a critical illness contact your doctor right away.