Even the suicide attempt, which was not, under examination, serious speaks of common teenage depression and a cry for attention and help.
Susanna was trapped in the hospital for a year and a half, but life inside the walls of McLean reflected human society, if just on a smaller scale. Personal rivalries existed within her world as they do outside it. When Lisa Cody arrives there the resident Lisa immediately takes a shine to her and they become friends, but once Lisa Cody is diagnosed as a sociopath, the same condition that Lisa was the sole proprietor of until that time, the friendship is quickly dissolved. Lisa not only stops being friendly with Lisa Cody she also begins to outright challenge her. Lisa contends that no real sociopath came from Lisa Codys" native Connecticut, and infers that Lisa Cody is misdiagnosed. Lisa Cody and she try to one-up each other with crazy antics, including self-mutilation by burning themselves on the arm, and stockpiling and binging on meds. When the battle shifts to stories of their respective pasts; Lisa puts down Lisa Cody's stories and history, labeling her as a "suburban junkie"(60). The final straw is when Lisa pulls a unbeatable stunt where she steals all the light bulbs in the ward and hides them in Lisa Codys" hiding spot. When Lisa Cody discovers them she inadvertently breaks them all, placing some form of blame on herself.
Just as outside the hospital walls sex is an issue to the residents of McLean as well. The girls of the ward discuss their sex lives within the cloistered sanctuary. They discuss what is and isn't possible within certain time constraints set by the nurse checks. They recognize the need for male companionship if only in the carnal sense. They also understand the limitations defined by their position. They don't have unrealistic expectations.
Susanna explains and times her initial visit with the psychiatrist that ended with her internment at McLean.
