Here Is The Ultimate Packing List For Mental Health Hospital

Struggling to pack your hospital bag?

Learn from my experience as I share must-have items for hospitalization and what to leave at home.

Why Packing The Essentials Is Important

Being Admitted to a hospital might evoke feelings of uncertainty. This is understandable, as you might not know what lies ahead.

This is why planning is key, especially when you lack detailed information booklets provided to some patients. Without any guidance, I found myself packing blindly, uncertain of what items were allowed.

Looking back, I wish I had access to a detailed blog outlining what to pack for a hospital stay.

Packing essentials ensures personal hygiene, comfort, and a sense of normalcy, reducing anxiety and providing security.

Understanding Hospital Restrictions on What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

While considering essentials like toiletries, clothing, chargers, and entertainment, it’s crucial to note that many of these items may not be allowed or are restricted.

Wait what???

You are probably thinking about how you will brush your teeth, charge your phone, or whatever was your first worry and thought.

But don’t worry, I’ll be sharing the alternatives that you can bring instead without causing a fuss.

Mental health hospitals often implement ‘Blanket Restrictions,’ which apply to the entire facility before additional unit-specific restrictions are added.

Click Here if you want to know more about ‘Blanket Restrictions’

What Not To Pack In Your Hospital Bag

Let’s begin by identifying the items you should exclude from your hospital bag.

This will save you time, ensuring that you don’t pack items only to later discover they’re not allowed.

Avoid last-minute frustration by ensuring your essentials adhere to the hospital’s guidelines.

Here is a List of what you might think is essential:

• Toothbrush
• body hygiene products
• shoes
• clothes and accessories
• anything sharp
• anything with alcohol in it e.g. hand gel, perfume
• chargers
• workbooks

The List Of Restricted Items

1. The hospital does not permit electronic toothbrushes due to the batteries containing chemicals and posing a choking hazard.
2. Mental health wards restrict deodorant and perfume, especially aerosol spray deodorants, due to their alcohol content, which can be misused. They also pose a risk for patients with asthma. Non-glass bottles of perfume may be allowed if the individual isn’t at risk.
3. Hospitals usually restrict mouthwash due to its high alcohol content, which poses risks, especially for those with a history of substance abuse or self-harm. Additionally, certain ingredients in mouthwash might interact poorly with medications.
4. Sharp objects: staff members may permit the use of sharp objects like nail clippers, tweezers, and razors for specific grooming purposes under supervision to ensure patient safety.
5. Floss, laces, and belts pose a potential harm in mental health hospitals due to their risk for self-harm or ligature creation for suicide attempts.
6. Clothing; Yes, even what you can wear is restricted. I don’t know how it is on a general mental health ward, however being on an eating disorder ward meant that clothes that were too revealing were not allowed. This was to prevent triggers and promote a supportive environment. Due to the air conditioning, everyone would wear jumpers anyway, even in summer. It was so cold!
7. Journals, folders, books, and workbooks with mental binders or strings marking pages face restrictions.

These are the primary-restricted items, though hospital policies may vary based on individual risk assessments and unit-specific rules.

Reminder

When packing, it’s easy to overlook restricted items.

If you accidentally bring one, don’t worry! Most wards securely store them in the office and return them to you upon discharge, ensuring nothing gets misplaced or stolen during your stay.

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag

When it comes to packing for hospital, we often focus on packing clothes and essentials.

However, you need to take into consideration that there are restrictions and there will be times of boredom when in hospital.

This is why packing some activities for you to do is included as an essential!

Furthermore, packing comforting items is also essential for making your stay more comfortable, and these comforting items serve as a reminder of what you are fighting for.

Freedom

When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it

Henry Ford

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

I have split this list of items into categories. These are comfort items, alternatives to the essentials, entertainment, relaxation and self-care items.

COMFORT ITEMS:

• A Warmie: on the ward where I was, literally everyone had a warmie. They are microwaveable teddy bears if you don’t know what they are. They are the perfect comfort item. Giving you that warm and cosy feeling. They are also great if you struggle with an uncomfortable belly after eating or experience period cramps. I had the bear and the elephant version, but there are many different options to choose from. Plus, the ones I had were infused with a delightful lavender scent, helping me to sleep and relax.
• A Blanket: Providing warmth and comfort, blankets are essential companions during hospital stays. Upon my arrival in the ward, I had an assessment with the occupational therapist. She asked me a few questions on what items I thought might provide me comfort. She suggested trying a blanket. Within a week, she had ordered me one, which was pink with unicorns. Despite its childlike theme, it became a cherished gift for my inner child.
• A Pillow to hug (or to punish): I found having a pillow to hug quite comforting. I had a moon-shaped pillow, which I could easily position around my belly, offering reassurance, especially after meals.
• Photos or sentimental items: These can help with homesickness, though they can’t replace being at home. Having something special with you may motivate you and make you feel less alone, which you aren’t anyway. If it’s something small, you might be allowed to take it into the dining room, acting as a place mat or something to fiddle with during therapy.

ALTERNATIVES OF THE ESSENTIALS:

• For your toothbrush, simplicity is key. Opt for a standard toothbrush—nothing fancy is required. Whether it’s a plastic one or an eco-friendly bamboo alternative, both get the job done effectively.
• Deodorant: opting for a roll-on deodorant is the easiest way to go about not being able to use the spray bottles. But remember that glass isn’t allowed, so a deodorant that is either in plastic or cupboard will be your go-to. I stopped using deodorant when I was in the hospital because you don’t typically sweat there and no one is going to care if you don’t smell so perfect.
• Perfumes: You are probably wondering why spray-bottled deodorant isn’t allowed, but perfume is. Well, it’s because perfume doesn’t spray so much of the surrounding environment, it has a more direct spray direction. Perfumes in glass aren’t allowed, however, body spray is, and only if you aren’t at risk.
• Mouthwash: there are alcohol-free options
• While a razor isn’t allowed, unless under supervision, a hair removal cream is permitted, and it works just as well. If I am honest with you, I had never heard of a hair removal cream until this moment. It’s a lot easier and less time-consuming.
• If you enjoy being creative and frequently use scissors, then opt for child scissors. They have rounded edges. However, depending on the hospital’s policies, these scissors may also not be allowed.
• For books and binders: opt for paperback books with no attached strings, or you could simply cut them off. For binders, standard paper folders will suffice. Remember, this arrangement is not permanent; it’s only for your hospital stay. Afterward, when you’re feeling better, you can return to using your old supplies.

ENTERTAINMENT:

• Bring books with you. Reading is a great way to transport you to another place, letting your imagination drift off. However, even if you’re not particularly fond of reading, now might be the perfect opportunity to give it a try. Discover must-read fantasy books here!
• A journal: Writing down your thoughts and emotions can be a great form of self-led therapy. It helps declutter your brain and allows you to reflect on your day. To learn more about this self-led therapy method, click here.
• Colouring books/paper and pens: Perhaps writing isn’t your thing, which is why drawing your feelings and emotions can also be helpful. Or if you have a passion for drawing and art, sticking to this passion is a great way to feel at one with yourself.
• Colouring pens
• Bring something you’ve always wanted to try: pottery making, crocheting, knitting, hairstyling, makeup, or anything else that interests you. Just be sure to keep any restrictions in mind while planning.
• Learn a new language: I’ve been using Duolingo to learn Dutch for a while now. I chose to learn it because of my love for the Netherlands.
• Netflix: if you love Netflix be prepared to watch soooo many more movies haha. It will be your Netflix and chill moment come true!
• Games; for example Dobble, Monopoly Deal (a game that can be finished), Skip Bo, a deck of cards. Depending on the other patients, you might find some who are up for card games and other fun activities. It’s a great way to bond and pass the time together!
• Paint by numbers is also really relaxing. I found that so many patients were doing this so I found this moon paint by numbers on Amazon.

RELAXATION and SELF-CARE ITEMS

• Headphones to be able to listen to your favourite music without interruption. It will make a more peaceful environment, just you and your music.
• Make sure to pack an eye mask—it’s a game-changer! Depending on your ward or hospital, you might end up in a room with a window in the door. Sometimes these windows have to stay open, which means you could be dealing with a lot of light shining in during the night. Having an eye mask will help you get the rest you need despite the brightness.
• Comfortable clothing is an absolute must! Those cozy jumpers and jogging bottoms have finally found their perfect spot to shine—hospital stays. Embrace the comfort!
• Slippers for ultimate comfort
• Essential oils are a great way to create a calming atmosphere, but they’re typically kept in the office for safety reasons. If you’re interested in using them during your stay, be sure to check with the staff.
• Pampering yourself with creams and face masks can turn your day into a mini spa retreat, helping you unwind and relax. Taking care of yourself is key, and practicing self-love and acceptance is just as important during your stay.

Essential Items Checklist: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag for a Smooth Stay

So, as you gear up for your hospital stay, remember that you’re not just packing bags; you’re packing resilience, determination, and a whole lot of courage.

Each item you choose to bring represents a commitment to your well-being and a refusal to let challenges hold you back.

Navigating through this journey is hard but know that you’re not alone—every step of the way, there’s a community rooting for you, ready to offer support and encouragement.

So, as you gather your essentials and prepare to embark on this journey, pack your bags with confidence, knowing that you’ve covered all the bases of what to pack in a hospital bag.

Embrace the adventure ahead with a spirit of resilience and determination, for you have everything it takes to thrive, no matter what lies ahead.

Here’s to a journey filled with growth, healing, and endless possibilities. You’ve got this!

Here you will find the welcome pack for Priory Hospital.