Psychosis can be a frightening and confusing experience both for the individual going through it and for the people who care about them. Unfortunately, many early symptoms are subtle or easily mistaken for stress, anxiety, or typical adolescent or young adult behavior. Recognizing the early signs of psychosis is crucial because early intervention leads to better outcomes, more effective treatment, and a greater chance for long-term stability.
What Is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a condition that affects the way a person perceives reality. During a psychotic episode, an individual may experience:
- Delusions (strong beliefs that are not based in reality)
- Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that others do not)
- Disorganized thinking or speech
- Changes in behavior or emotions
Psychosis is not a diagnosis on its own. Instead, it is a symptom that can occur in various mental health conditions, including:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Major depressive disorder with psychotic features
- Substance-induced psychosis
- Severe trauma or medical conditions
Early Warning Signs of Psychosis
Psychosis rarely appears suddenly. Most people experience subtle, gradual changes in thinking, mood, or behavior before more obvious symptoms emerge. This stage is often called the prodromal phase, and it can last months or sometimes even years.
Recognizing these early signs allows individuals to seek help sooner, reducing the severity and impact of the condition.
1. Changes in Thinking or Perception
These signs may be difficult to detect at first:
- Feeling like thoughts are “foggy” or hard to organize
- Trouble concentrating or following conversations
- Difficulty making decisions
- Feeling suspicious without clear reason
- Believing coincidences have special meaning
Some people may describe these early symptoms as feeling “off,” disconnected, or unlike themselves.
2. Unusual Sensory Experiences
These are not full hallucinations but may include:
- Hearing faint sounds or whispers that aren’t there
- Seeing shadows or movement out of the corner of the eye
- Feeling like someone is calling your name
- Heightened sensitivity to light or sound
This can be confusing and distressing, often making the person more anxious or withdrawn.
3. Emotional and Behavioral Changes
Loved ones may notice:
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Sudden mood swings
- Increased irritability or anxiety
- Declining performance at school or work
- Loss of interest in hobbies or relationships
- Trouble sleeping or major changes in sleep patterns
These shifts are often mistaken for depression, burnout, or typical teenage behavior—which is why education is so important.
4. Decline in Daily Functioning
Practical changes may include:
- Poor hygiene or neglecting personal appearance
- Difficulty keeping up with daily responsibilities
- Forgetfulness or disorganization
- Unexplained drop in motivation
These signs can indicate that the person is struggling to stay connected to reality.
5. Early Delusional Thinking
Delusions may begin subtly, such as:
- Feeling like others are talking about or watching them
- Believing they have special abilities or secrets
- Feeling controlled by an outside force
- Thinking that random events carry hidden messages meant specifically for them
These beliefs may seem harmless at first but can quickly intensify without treatment.
What to Be Aware Of
It’s important to watch for patterns rather than isolated behaviors. A single restless night or a stressful week is not necessarily a sign of psychosis. However, when multiple symptoms occur together—and persist over time—they may indicate that something more serious is happening.
Look for:
- Changes that are unusual for the person
- Symptoms that interfere with daily life
- Increasing paranoia or fearfulness
- Detachment from reality or unusual ideas
- Symptoms worsening despite support or rest
If you feel uncertain, trust your instincts. Early signs of psychosis often look like a blend of anxiety, depression, and cognitive difficulties. When something feels “off,” it’s worth exploring further.
When to Seek Professional Help
Seeking help early can prevent a full psychotic episode and significantly improve long-term outcomes. You should reach out to a mental health professional if:
- The person is hearing or seeing things others cannot
- They express bizarre or paranoid beliefs
- Their behavior has changed drastically or rapidly
- They cannot manage day-to-day responsibilities
- They withdraw from friends, family, or activities
- They seem disconnected from reality
- Their safety or the safety of others could be at risk
If someone is in immediate danger or experiencing a severe psychotic episode, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
Peak Behavioral Health Can Help
If you recognize any early signs of psychosis, reach out to Peak Behavioral Health today. Our experienced professionals in Santa Teresa, NM are here to guide you toward stability, clarity, and hope. You deserve support, and we’re ready to help every step of the way.
