What is Psychosis Like?
What is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental disorder that can disconnect a person from reality. Every single living being that suffers from psychosis has unique experiences with this disorder. Nobody has the exact same thoughts or emotions, so nobody will have the exact same symptoms and feelings.
What are Psychosis Symptoms?
When people think of psychosis, most immediately assume that hallucinations and delusions are common symptoms. Those people would absolutely be correct! However, there are A LOT more symptoms that do not always come to mind. I am here to let you know that every symptom of psychosis is a serious factor and must be recognized. Here is a list of symptoms that many people suffering from psychosis face:
Hallucinations
Delusion
Not Reacting “Normally” in Situations
Going off Topic/Going on Tangents
Difficulty Expressing or Showing Emotion
Difficulty Thinking
Lacking Motivation
Odd Sleeping Patterns
Depression
Anxiety
Inability to Focus
It’s important to remember that those suffering from psychosis often lead difficult lives. Battling these symptoms can be incredibly torturous, but keeping faith and hope is essential in living a life full of aspiration.
What Does Psychosis Feel Like?
Psychosis can feel like an attack on your brain. It can create unwanted fear and anxiety. It can also make you feel like you are unworthy, unwanted, unloved, and unappreciated. Many people begin to feel disconnected with reality and with themselves. Often times the question is, “Why don’t I recognize myself anymore?” This question comes from confusion. It is overwhelming and exhausting living with psychosis. Battling the “voices in your head”, the people around you who don’t understand, and now, yourself. It is hard to catch a break, but it is not impossible.
What Causes Psychosis?
Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia are common mental health disorders that can be associated with psychosis. Sometimes, you might hear a diagnosis called depression with psychotic symptoms or bipolar disorder with psychotic symptoms. This means the root disorder is depression, bipolar disorder, etc. Experiences of psychosis can occur along with the the root disorder.
Genetically, it is not uncommon to experience psychosis if someone in your family has or has had it.
Psychosis Treatments
I have found that treating psychosis is a slow process. There are some ways you can go about getting treatment, though.
Use Coping Skills - If psychosis is a part of your life, then do not live in denial. Find acceptance and then start managing your life to take back control. To manage, you must utilize your coping skills and take advantage of the Teen Toolbox!
Talk to a Therapist - Sometimes we need to release our emotions and thoughts in a safe space. This can clear our minds enough to be able to think without incredible difficulty.
Practice Mindfulness - Staying calm and living in the moment is very important when it comes to managing your mind. Mindfulness brings that much needed peace into a hectic mind.
Talk to a Psychiatrist - See if a professional psychiatrist warrants you taking medication that can potentially help calm your symptoms.
Psychosis Stigma
Let’s face it. Stigma exists, and it exists everywhere. In order to stop the stigma, we must not fall into silence. We should not feel ashamed. We must talk about issues dealing with psychosis, so that the fear can die down. This way, more people will seek help and ultimately, get help. I encourage you to participate in breaking down the stigma by managing your own life and coping as best as you can. Show everyone else that “crazy” is not the way we want to be described!
My Psychosis Experience | Teenage Perspective
Psychosis took me by storm. When I was in 7th grade (12 years old), I began seeing demons and hearing voices. I fought hard to battle the demons quickly, but the reality is that this disorder takes time. I learned to accept that the demons would not instantly disappear. I talked to a therapist to get my sadness and fear off my mind, and I started seeing a psychiatrist as well. I was prescribed medication, but again, the process is very slow. I was 12 years old when I was put on my first antipsychotic medicine. I religiously followed doctor’s orders because I truly wanted to improve my situation. 5 years later, I am writing this blog. I haven’t seen or heard a demon in over 2 years, and I am managing my life by using my coping skills. My personal mindfulness routine involves light therapy and prayer. I am telling you to please not lose hope. The process is slow, but I put work in to help myself, and you can too!
FREE Downloadable Give Away!
Mood is important to track! Mood directly affects your overall feeling on a daily basis, which means it also affects how your mind is feeling. Find the patterns that you are experiencing by tracking your mood. It’s easy and helpful! Download a free mood tracker right now that you can immediately begin using. See how your psychosis relates to your mood and make changes to improve!
Join the Brain XP Community!
I created the Brain XP Community to help everyone struggling with mental health issues understand that we are not alone. We have each other, and you always have me. I am so happy to invite you into the Brain XP Community if you would like to be a part of it. We are changing the language of mental health to be far more positive! This community is all inclusive, and it is FREE! Check out Brain XP even more, and email me if you have any questions.