295_ A Tale of Two Hospitalizations

In this compelling episode, Katie shares her deeply personal journey through two distinct emergencies: one marked by psychiatric crisis and the other by physical trauma. With raw honesty, she contrasts her experiences navigating the emergency healthcare system during a period of intense vulnerability.

First, Katie shares how, after detailed planning to end her life, she "broke down" and shared her plans with her sister. That disclosure led to her psychiatric hospitalization for much-needed care.  She shares the good and bad about how the hospital staff talked to her, the stigma that was evident throughout the experience, and the way her family responded. 

Then, she shifts focus to her unexpected hospital visit just months later,  following a freak accident that resulted in back surgery. Through her narrative, Katie explores the marked differences in treatment, support, and societal attitudes between her mental health and physical health emergencies.

Throughout the episode, Katie reflects on her journey, and sheds light on the distinct differences of navigating dual emergencies, even though both were essentially life-saving medical treatments.