What Does Psychosis Feel Like? Insight Into A Complex Mental State

Psychosis is a mental state involving a disconnection from reality that can be associated with various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, and others. Answering the question, “What does psychosis feel like?” may vary from person to person, as people may experience psychosis in different ways. Psychosis treatment usually involves a team of medical and mental health professionals who work together to manage an individual’s psychotic symptoms over time.

A person experiencing psychosis may experience a wide variety of symptoms during a psychotic episode, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking and behavior. Early diagnosis and treatment can be key to managing symptoms and improving patient outcomes.

Therapy can help you recover from a psychotic episode

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What is psychosis? 

Psychosis is not a mental health disorder on its own, but a mental state typically characterized by a loss of contact with reality. 

Symptoms of psychosis

Psychosis as a mental health emergency

Although psychosis can be a mental health emergency, it is relatively rare and affects approximately 15 to 100 people per 100,000. Psychosis can have many causes, including genetic factors, differences in brain development, and exposure to trauma or stress. In some cases, psychosis may occur as a symptom of another mental health disorder, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. 

Psychosis and bipolar disorder: What’s the difference?

Although psychosis can be a symptom of bipolar disorder, it’s important to recognize that these are separate conditions. Psychosis is a mental health issue where someone loses touch with reality, while bipolar disorder affects mood causing manic episodes and mood swings. Some individuals with bipolar disorder may experience psychosis while others don't. 

Treatment for a psychotic episode

Psychotic episodes may require in-person medical and mental health treatment. Living with psychotic episodes can be challenging because it can be hard to maintain and grow a career, and psychosis may also impact interpersonal relationships. Still, it’s possible to treat psychosis, and individuals who seek treatment typically experience reduced symptom severity and frequency.

What does psychosis feel like?

Understanding what psychosis feels like can be challenging for a person who has never experienced it. This may be because psychosis causes, symptoms, and how they are perceived may vary from person to person. For example, a person who experiences psychosis as a result of schizophrenia may have a completely different experience from someone who develops psychosis due to substance use.

Still, there may be some common experiences among those who have had psychotic episodes. Seeing or hearing things that are not there can be a common occurrence during psychosis, and it can be important to note that these experiences usually seem very real. In some cases, hallucinations may be non-threatening or even beautiful. For instance, someone might see shifting geometric patterns on an article of clothing. However, they can also be scary and unnerving, such as shadowy figures or harsh, judgmental voices that offer commentary on a person’s actions.

In some cases, people may experience delusions during psychosis. Different types of delusions may cause a person to feel or act in ways they ordinarily would not. Persecutory delusions, for example, typically involve the belief that a person or organization is out to hurt you in some way. These delusions may be scary and isolating, and they can lead to social withdrawal and paranoid thoughts. 

Grandiose delusions usually involve an overinflated sense of self. Someone might believe they are the head of a large company or that they have the power to heal injuries with their mind. One of the reasons therapy is frequently recommended for individuals with psychosis can be to manage cognitive distortions or beliefs, as well as introduce reality-checking techniques to help individuals understand when they might be hallucinating or experiencing a delusion. 

Misconceptions of psychosis

Individuals who experience psychotic episodes may experience misconceptions and stigmas associated with psychotic symptoms. One misconception may be that individuals experiencing psychosis are violent or dangerous. In general, however, people with symptoms of psychosis are not any more violent than the general population, although updated research may be needed. Individuals with psychosis may be more likely to be targets of violence than perpetrators.

Some also believe the misconception that individuals with psychosis are “hopeless” and that the condition is untreatable. In reality, by leaning on a support system and working with a team of mental health professionals, individuals with psychotic symptoms can live fulfilling lives. 

Other common misconceptions may include those discussed below: 

Intellectual or moral weakness

Psychosis is a mental state, not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It can affect anyone, regardless of intelligence or moral character.

Permanence

Another misconception may be that psychosis is a permanent state. With appropriate treatment and support, many individuals with psychosis can recover and manage their symptoms effectively.

Lack of insight

Some believe that people with psychosis are unable to understand or recognize their condition. While this may be true in some cases, many individuals with psychosis have insight into their symptoms and seek help voluntarily.

Homogeneity

Psychosis may often be misunderstood as a single, uniform experience. However, the experience of psychosis can vary widely from person to person.

Therapy can help you recover from a psychotic episode

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Coping skills and treatment options for psychosis

For individuals who experience psychotic episodes, early treatment and detection can play an important role in managing symptoms. Treatment options may include a combination of prescription antipsychotic medication, lifestyle changes, and psychotherapy. Antipsychotic medications may reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, but they must be closely monitored by a doctor or psychiatrist. 

Helpful lifestyle changes may include prioritizing nutrient-rich foods, getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, practicing stress management techniques, and spending time with friends and family.

Working with a licensed therapist can play an important role in treating and preventing psychosis. Although in-person support may be required during a psychotic episode, online therapy can be an effective form of treatment prior to and after psychotic episodes. 

For individuals who have experienced psychosis, it can be challenging to find a local therapist who is a good fit, and making it to a brick-and-mortar office during traditional office hours can be difficult. With online therapy, individuals may have greater flexibility in finding a therapist who fits their needs and schedule.