Psychosis is a term that often carries a heavy weight yet remains shrouded in mystery for many. Understanding what psychosis feels like and recognizing its symptoms is crucial for early intervention and appropriate support. Whether you are concerned about your mental health or want to help a loved one in need, knowing the sensations and emotions associated with a psychotic episode will give you clarity and confidence.
In our guide, we will delve into the question of what psychosis feels like, explore the definitions and causes of this condition, and offer you actionable tips to deal with the symptoms of psychosis. If you or someone you care about is struggling with psychosis, reach out to mental health professionals for guidance and treatment.
What Is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a symptom rather than a disease, and it is usually defined as a disconnection from reality. People experiencing psychosis may struggle to distinguish between what is real and what is not, have hallucinations (hear, see, or feel things that are not there), and develop delusional beliefs.
Psychosis is associated with numerous mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, PTSD, and more. Substance abuse, certain medications, and physical injuries (for example, traumatic brain injury) can lead to psychosis as well.
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Common Symptoms of Psychosis
Here are the typical signs of psychosis you or your loved one may experience:
Hallucinations. A person may hear voices, see figures, or feel sensations (such as invisible fingers touching them) when there is no external stimulus present.
Delusions. When someone believes something that is not true and there is no reasonable basis for their belief, their thought is defined as delusional. For instance, a person may be convinced the government is spying on them or they are a historical figure from the past.
Disorganized Thinking. Psychosis often affects the way a person strings their thoughts and presents them to others. If the speech is incoherent and the person jumps from one unrelated topic to another, they may be going through a psychotic episode.
Emotional Effects of Psychosis
A psychotic episode will have a serious impact on the feelings and behavior of the individual:
Anxiety. The person may feel agitated and alarmed, especially when their hallucinations and delusions make them question what is real.
Social Withdrawal. It is not uncommon for a person with psychosis to isolate themselves from their friends and family and avoid leaving their house—they may be scared to be around other people.
Depression. Psychosis is often followed by a feeling of hopelessness—the individual may struggle to find joy in the activities they used to love and even have suicidal thoughts.
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How to Help Someone With Psychosis
If you suspect someone you care about is experiencing psychosis, here is what you can do to assist them:
Recognize the Symptoms. Pay attention to the way your friend or family member behaves—if you notice they seem to be paranoid, hear or see things that are not there, and talk in a confused manner, reach out to them to express your concern.
Be There for Them. Talk to the person, support their feelings, and avoid judging them for their behavior—instead of telling them their delusions are false, remind them you are there to help them.
Reach Out to a Professional. Your loved one may require a visit to a mental health specialist who will be able to diagnose the issue and prescribe therapy and medications that will treat psychosis. In case you believe the person poses a danger to themselves or people around them, call the emergency services.
FAQs About Psychosis
What are the early warning signs of psychosis?
The initial symptoms of psychosis may include mild hallucinations (such as hearing quiet knocks or seeing flashes of light), delusional thinking (for instance, suddenly believing your movements are being tracked), and difficulty concentrating.
Can psychosis be a symptom of a physical illness?
Yes, sometimes psychosis is triggered by a physical health issue—brain disease, infection, seizure, poor sleep, and even fever may lead to a psychotic episode.
Is it possible to prevent psychosis?
While there is no sure way to stop psychosis from happening, you may be able to reduce its risk. Stick to a healthy lifestyle, avoid drugs and alcohol, and talk to a therapist, especially if you have struggled with your mental health in the past.
How long does it take to recover from psychosis?
There is no fixed timeline for psychosis recovery. Some people feel better after a few days of therapy, while others require years of treatment to manage their symptoms. It is important to get a personalized treatment plan that suits the patient.
Do you need therapy to recover from psychosis?
Therapy can be extremely beneficial for a person diagnosed with psychosis—a certified specialist will be able to determine the triggers of the patient and equip them with coping strategies to manage their mental health.
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Reach Out to Get Help With Psychosis
We hope that our guide was able to explain what psychosis is and what it feels like—this frightening experience can be resolved as long as you recognize its symptoms and get help on time. Whether you are supporting a friend in trouble or you have started noticing the unusual behavior in yourself, remember that psychosis is treatable.
Our team is ready to assist you—do not hesitate to contact Nashville Mental Health to talk to our specialists and get the help you need. We will be able to come up with a personalized treatment plan for your unique circumstances and provide you with therapy tailored to your needs.
