When someone you love starts acting in ways that feel unfamiliar or begins expressing thoughts that don’t seem to align with reality, it can be confusing and even scary. They may be going through psychosis, a mental state where it becomes hard to tell what’s real from what isn’t.
Psychosis isn’t a specific disorder but rather a symptom that can occur with various mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. A person experiencing psychosis may lose contact with reality, which can manifest as hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking. These symptoms might come on gradually, or they could appear suddenly during stressful periods. It is vital to recognize them early because timely intervention can make treatment more effective and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Early Warning Signs of Psychosis
Psychosis can look different from person to person. Not every person will exhibit the same symptoms but some common early signs often indicate when someone is struggling.
Changes in Thought Patterns and Perception
- Suspiciousness or paranoia: Your loved one might start to believe that others are out to get them or that people have bad intentions, even when there’s no reason to think so.
- Difficulty focusing: They may seem lost in thought or struggle to follow a conversation.
- Disorganized thoughts: Their speech might become jumbled, or they may jump between unrelated ideas, making it hard to understand them.
- Unusual beliefs: Beliefs that are odd or far-fetched, such as thinking they have special powers or that they’re being influenced by external forces, may start to appear.
Emotional and Behavioral Changes
- Sudden mood swings: Your loved one may alternate between intense happiness and sadness or anger without clear reasons.
- Withdrawal from social interactions: They may avoid friends and family or seem less interested in activities they used to enjoy.
- Extreme agitation or irritability: Your loved one may have outbursts over minor things or seem more on edge than usual.
- Apathetic attitude: Showing little to no interest in personal goals, daily routines, or hygiene can indicate that something is wrong.
Changes in Sensory Experiences
- Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there: This can include voices or strange visions. Often, they may appear to be talking to themselves or looking at things that aren’t visible to anyone else.
- Physical sensations with no source: Some people describe feeling sensations like tingling, pressure, or even physical pain without a clear cause.
- Enhanced sensitivity to sounds or sights: Normal sounds might seem unusually loud, or they might feel overwhelmed by crowded places.
Unusual Behaviors and Personality Shifts
- Repetitive behaviors or rituals: They may start repeating actions, such as checking doors multiple times or washing hands excessively.
- Unexplained fearfulness or anxiety: Your loved one may experience sudden anxiety, especially about things that wouldn’t normally cause them stress.
- Erratic sleeping patterns: Sleep disturbances, such as staying up all night or sleeping too much, are common with psychosis.
- Disregard for personal safety: Acting recklessly or without considering consequences, like wandering into dangerous areas, could be a warning sign.
Supporting Your Loved One Through the Early Stages of Psychosis
If you think your loved one might be experiencing early signs of psychosis, you may be unsure what to do. In addition to seeking professional guidance, there are many ways to offer support such as:
- Listen without judgment: Give your loved one a safe space to express themselves without challenging or dismissing their experiences.
- Educate yourself: Understanding psychosis and its potential causes can make it easier to support your loved one. Learn about common symptoms, treatment options, and the recovery process.
- Help them stick to a routine: Psychosis can disrupt daily routines, so help your loved one create a schedule for sleeping, eating, and engaging in activities they enjoy.
- Promote healthy habits: Physical well-being impacts mental health, so encourage a balanced diet, regular exercise, and restful sleep. Activities like yoga, mindfulness meditation, or simply walking outdoors can offer therapeutic benefits and a grounding effect.
If your loved one expresses thoughts of self-harm, harm to others, or seems disconnected from reality to the point of danger, seek emergency assistance immediately. In these cases, contact a mental health crisis team or take them to the nearest emergency room.
Supporting someone through the early stages of psychosis requires patience, empathy, and knowledge. Your willingness to be there, listen, and encourage professional help can make a world of difference. Recovery from psychosis often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
By recognizing the signs and connecting your loved one with the right resources, you’re helping them build a foundation for healing and hope. If you or your loved one need additional guidance or a safe space to discuss these challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out to Peak Behavioral Health in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
