How To Get Out Of Psychosis: What To Do During A Psychotic Episode

When a person loses track of what’s real and what’s not, they may be having a psychotic episode. Psychosis, which can cause symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, can be distressing, but it is often manageable. 

Because people may not always be aware when they’re experiencing psychosis, getting out of a psychotic episode often requires professional help. However, understanding common warning signs and being proactive may be useful for reducing symptoms and avoiding future episodes. Working with a licensed therapist can enable you to develop prevention and coping skills.

Understanding psychosis

Before diving into management strategies, it may be helpful to go over the definition of psychosis.

“Psychosis” generally refers to a mental state where a person becomes disconnected from reality. When a person goes through a period of psychosis, this is usually known as having a “psychotic episode.” Psychotic episodes can often be confusing and distressing. 

Although psychotic episodes can look different for different people, they tend to share some common symptoms.

Hallucinations

In general, hallucinating means perceiving something that isn’t really there. Hallucinations can be auditory (such as hearing voices), visual (such as seeing figures, colors, or shapes), or tactile (such as feeling sensations on the skin). Some people may also smell or taste things that aren’t there. These are known as “olfactory” and “gustatory” hallucinations.

Delusions

Delusions can be described as false beliefs that can’t be changed, even if there’s proof that they’re wrong or impossible. A person might believe that a celebrity is in love with them, that people are after them, that their thoughts are being controlled, or that they are a religious deity. These tend to be some of the most common types of delusions, but delusions can also look different for different people. 

Disorganized thinking and speech

A person experiencing psychosis may also experience changes in their ways of thinking and speaking. These may not be noticeable to them, but they are often noticeable to other people. For example, a person may seem incoherent or drift off-topic. They may also make up new words, speak in a flat tone of voice, or repeat themselves often. 

Additional symptoms of psychosis

In addition to these, other symptoms of psychosis may include those listed below:

• Inappropriate or unpredictable behavior
• Low motivation
• Changes in emotions
• Anxiety
• Trouble functioning in daily life

What can trigger an episode of psychosis?

Psychosis is often linked to an underlying mental illness, making it essential to address the root condition for effective treatment. 

Psychosis is often caused by an underlying mental illness, such as the following:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Schizoaffective disorder

However, it’s also possible for people without these conditions to develop psychosis. Some other possible causes of psychosis include those listed below:

• Certain medications
• Alcohol
• Substances or substance withdrawal
• HIV
• Epilepsy
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease

Other times, people may experience psychosis due to issues like extreme stress, low blood sugar, or head trauma. 

How to get out of psychosis: What to do during an episode

Managing psychosis can be challenging because people may not always be aware when they’re experiencing it. This may make it harder for them to know when they need help and to seek appropriate care. That said, if you have a history of psychosis, you may want to keep an eye out for these warning signs:

• A sudden loss of motivation to do daily tasks
• Changes in eating, sleeping, or hygiene habits
• Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that other people don’t
• Paranoid feelings
• Feelings of anxiety without an obvious cause
• Concerns from family and friends
• Thoughts that seem jumbled, confused, or hazy
• Feeling strange or “off”
• Other people telling you you’re not acting like yourself

If you notice symptoms like these, or any other concerning symptoms, you may want to seek immediate professional help. It is often possible to get out of psychosis with appropriate treatment. 

Psychosis can be challenging, but it can often be managed

Get support from a licensed therapist

Other tips for managing psychosis

Taking proactive steps to maintain your mental health may also be helpful if you’ve been diagnosed with a disorder involving psychosis. The following tips may be useful for managing symptoms, avoiding future episodes, and improving your quality of life. 

Follow your treatment plan for managing symptoms of psychosis

If you’ve been prescribed antipsychotic medication, taking it as prescribed may be the first step toward managing your symptoms. Be sure to inform your doctor or psychiatrist if you experience any side effects. You can try setting a daily alarm or structuring a routine around taking your medications. If you’ve experienced symptoms and haven’t talked to your doctor yet, consider asking them about starting psychosis treatment.

Get enough sleep to support mental health and avoid psychosis triggers

Sleep deprivation may cause psychosis in some people, so being proactive about sleep hygiene may help you avoid this trigger. Aim to get up and go to sleep at the same times each day and avoid using screens before bed. It may also help to sleep in a cool, dark environment and avoid using your bed for activities other than sleep. Consistent, restful sleep is essential for mental health, helping reduce stress and supporting overall emotional stability.

Avoid mind-altering substances to support recovery for people with psychosis

If you’re living with a psychotic disorder, it may be tempting to self-medicate with alcohol or other substances. However, because these substances can affect your thinking, they may make your symptoms worse. Some, like cannabis, may also trigger psychotic episodes. Avoiding these may be helpful if you have a history of psychosis. For people with psychosis, steering clear of mind-altering substances can play a key role in maintaining mental clarity and stability.

Manage your stress levels to support recovery from mental illness

As we’ve discussed, stress can be another possible trigger for psychosis. That’s why keeping your stress levels in check may be a useful proactive step. Here are some common stress management techniques that may be helpful:

• Exercising (which early studies have found may also help reduce psychotic symptoms)
• Practicing mindfulness or meditation
• Making time for hobbies you enjoy
• Spending time with people you care about

Effective stress management can be a valuable tool in maintaining mental health stability and supporting recovery from mental illness.

Maintain nutrient-rich eating habits to support recovery and learn how to get out of psychosis

Studies suggest that eating habits may play a role in psychotic disorders and symptoms, although more research may be needed to understand this relationship. However, eating foods rich in healthy fats and limiting or avoiding processed foods may support your mental health and general well-being. A nutrient-rich diet can provide essential support for mental clarity and stability, aiding in the recovery journey from psychosis.

Understand your triggers and plan ahead to avoid psychotic episodes

If there’s a specific situation that has triggered psychosis for you in the past, taking steps to avoid it may be helpful. Consider keeping a log of your past episodes and getting support if you know you may be exposed to triggers. Notifying your loved ones of your triggers ahead of time and telling them what signs to watch for may also help. If you haven’t already, consider sitting down with them and your doctor to discuss the appropriate steps to take if you have an episode in the future. 

Take care of your mental health

Psychosis, treated with the help of a professional, can often be managed. However, managing psychotic episodes and preventing relapses may also depend on having ongoing mental health support. By working with a licensed therapist, it may be possible to reduce your stress levels, identify your triggers, and develop strategies for coping with your symptoms. 

Having a therapist you trust may make it easier to stick to therapy long-term, but finding the right fit can sometimes take a few tries. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp let you switch therapists at any time. This may make them a more convenient option as you find the right counselor for you. 

Research has shown that online therapy may benefit people with psychosis, although those experiencing acute symptoms may need to seek in-person care. In a 2023 study, researchers looked at the effects of an online therapy program on young people recovering from psychosis. They found that the internet-based program typically improved their social function after their first psychotic episode.