The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness

Elyn is placed in an Intensive Care Program at YPI and remains psychotic for the first three weeks. Although she is closely and consistently monitored, she is not placed in restraints again. She is given a high dose of antipsychotic medication and attends therapy regularly.

A few weeks in, the psychosis slowly begins to lift, and Elyn gains some insight and control over her delusions and hallucinations. However, the effects of the medication also make her feel depressed, and Elyn begs her parents to take her out of YPI. Against the hospital’s advice, Elyn is transferred to the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital (IPH).

At IPH, Elyn begins to see two doctors: Dr. Miller at the hospital and Karen, the psychiatrist her parents had taken her to many years ago. Dr. Miller urges Elyn to write to Mrs. Jones. Elyn eventually goes on to talk to Mrs. Jones on the phone, who welcomes the idea of Elyn visiting her in the summer.

Three months later Elyn eventually gets off the medication and leaves the hospital, albeit Against Medical Advice (AMA). She goes back home to Miami where she is somewhat functional, though still occasionally despondent about her situation.