How to Navigate Psychosis
Psychosis can be a terrifying experience in which someone loses touch with the reality that most of us experience. It can be challenging for the person experiencing psychosis and those who love them. Know that this distress doesn’t have to last forever because psychosis is treatable.
WHAT IS PSYCHOSIS?
Psychosis isn’t a diagnosis itself, but rather describes a state in which someone experiences reality in a way that most people don’t. The person may be experiencing:
- Hallucinations — sensory experiences that aren’t triggered by external stimuli, like hearing voices or music that others can’t hear.
- Delusions — fixed, false beliefs, like believing that the government is spying on you (without clear evidence or reasons that this would be likely)
- Disorganized thinking or behaviour — trouble thinking, speaking, or acting in their typical, coherent manner
Psychosis can arise for a number of reasons, some of which include:
- Experiencing psychosis as part of a Psychotic Disorder, like Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder
- It can be a part of severe Mood Disorders like Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder
- It can be substance-induced and triggered by the use or withdrawal from substances like cannabis, alcohol, or cocaine
- It can also be triggered by a number of organic changes in the brain connected with neurodegenerative disorders and other conditions.
If you think that you or a loved one may be experiencing psychosis, please consult with your family doctor to undertake any relevant medical tests to rule out an organic cause.
YOU CAN GET BETTER!
One common misconception about psychotic disorders is that they are always chronic conditions from which someone can’t get better. This is absolutely not true, and the majority of people who experience psychosis can have limited or no symptoms after proper treatment. Antipsychotic medications are the first-line treatment for people experiencing psychosis, which for some people can be life-saving.
In addition to medications, we’ve learned that non-pharmacological therapies can also be helpful for someone with psychosis. These therapies include occupational therapy support, social skills training, and a psychotherapy called Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp). Skills from some of these therapies are introduced below.
STRATEGIES TO NAVIGATE PSYCHOSIS
If you or a loved one is struggling with psychosis and you’ve ruled out organic causes, here are some strategies to help you or them get back to being who they usually are:
- Explore psychiatric medications. Speak with your family doctor, and likely a psychiatrist, about the possibility of beginning medication. I know that many people can be reluctant to take medications, yet these can be truly life-altering, and potentially life-saving, if someone is experiencing an acute episode of psychosis.
- Connect with supportive people around you. One of the warning signs and symptoms of psychosis can be social withdrawal, so you may not feel like connecting with others for many reasons. Please challenge yourself to connect with at least one supportive person in your life and let them know what you’re experiencing.
- Practice mindfulness. Learning to become aware of and accept whatever’s happening can help us ease our distress. Know that acceptance doesn’t mean that we’re saying that we want whatever’s happening to happen. For example, if you’re experiencing intrusive voices or thoughts, experiment with noticing and acknowledging that they’re happening without getting caught up in arguing with them.
- Check out your thinking. This can be a tough task at the best of times. We all have imbalanced and unhelpful thoughts sometimes and challenging our unhelpful thoughts can be difficult yet very rewarding. For example, if you’re worried that the van parked across the street is monitoring you, ask yourself if there’s any other explanation for why that van might be parked there.
- Participate in meaningful activities. Identify what matters to you (e.g., education, relationships, family, health, novelty, fun, relaxation, etc.) and try to participate in activities that help you live in line with those values. If you value health, make sure you’re engaging in your wellness routine like going to the gym and taking medications. If you value education, read interesting books or enrol in a course.
- Minimize stress but don’t avoid it entirely. Most of us could benefit from managing our general stress better, so using relaxation skills like deep breathing or grounding should be skills that most of us use. But don’t try to avoid stress altogether. Continue to challenge yourself to do things that matter to you. If you want a romantic relationship and are nervous about dating, challenge yourself to date even though it’s stressful.
- Try a self-help book. There are some good self-help books out there to help folks navigate psychosis. These books include Think You’re Crazy? Think Again and the Overcoming series that includes Overcoming Paranoia and Overcoming Distressing Voices.
- Consult a mental health professional. Psychotic disorders are considered a serious/severe mental illness and, as such, can be difficult for folks to navigate on their own. I would strongly suggest consulting with a mental health professional or a multidisciplinary care team to help support you throughout your recovery.
Psychosis can be very scary and confusing to experience. I know that you or your loved one may not be sure what’s happening. I would strongly suggest consulting someone you trust about what’s happening, as well as discussing this with your family doctor and a mental health professional. This is a difficult time, and yet know that there are ways to reduce your distress and live a meaningful life!
