Psychosis is an aspect of mental health that is often feared and misunderstood. These misconceptions can make life harder for people who struggle with psychosis. At Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health in Leland, North Carolina, we treat people with mental health conditions that can produce psychosis, and we help their support systems to navigate the challenges that can come with their diagnoses.
What is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a term that means a person is struggling to distinguish between what is real and what is not. This can manifest in a variety of different ways, with patients experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
- Hallucinations – seeing, hearing, or feeling things that no one else experiences
- Delusions – believing strange ideas that are clearly not true
- Paranoia – thinking that people are watching or trying to hurt them
- Confusion and difficulty thinking and expressing ideas verbally or in writing
- Overly intense ideas or feelings
- Indifference to very important situations
- Unease or suspicion of others
Myths Around Psychosis
False information about psychosis can make it more difficult for people who experience it to get the help they need and deserve. Some of these myths include:
- People experiencing psychosis are dangerous – While it is true that sometimes people who are experiencing psychosis may become aggressive, this is often the result of fear or confusion. The best way to address this problem is to ensure that they receive treatment. It is also worth noting that people with mental illnesses are far more likely to become victims of crimes than they are to perpetrate violence against another person. They are also far more likely to hurt themselves than anyone else.
- Only people with schizophrenia experience psychosis – People with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder can experience psychosis, but so can people with bipolar disorder, dementia, and very severe depression. Psychosis can also be triggered by sleep deprivation, a reaction to medication, or misuse of alcohol or other drugs.
- If a person has experienced psychosis, there is no hope that they will ever live a normal life – It was once believed that everyone with schizophrenia was doomed to deteriorate over time, but it is now recognized that many people who have faced severe mental health concerns, including schizophrenia and psychosis, have recovered and gone on to have full, meaningful lives, with jobs and close relationships. Successful recovery is often most closely correlated with how quickly a person is able to get treatment after they first experience psychotic symptoms and how well their support system allows them to avoid homelessness, poverty, unemployment, and other adverse outcomes.
- A person who experiences psychosis is not able to say what they want – Though it may be difficult at times for a person who is struggling with a severe mental health condition to advocate and make decisions for themselves, with support and treatment, it is often possible for them to express preferences about their care, living situation, relationships, and other important parts of their lives.
- I can’t do anything to help someone who is struggling with mental illness – Friends and family can hugely impact the lives of people who experience mental health conditions by:
- Reaching out to reduce the person’s isolation
- Helping them obtain mental health services
- Assisting them with learning self-care and coping strategies
- Advocating for their needs
- Seeing them as a person rather than a disorder
Why It Matters if People Believe Myths About Mental Illness
When people believe things about mental health that are not true, it can fuel negative stereotypes and even lead to discrimination. The societal belief that people with mental health concerns cannot succeed leads people with diagnoses to believe they will not be successful. Some other harmful outcomes that can result from stigma and discrimination include:
- People feeling uncomfortable admitting when they need support and failing to seek help as a result
- Decreased compassion and empathy for people with mental health concerns
- Fewer opportunities for meaningful engagement in work, school, social activities, and even housing
- Bullying, harassment, and even violence toward people who are mentally ill
At Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, we deliver a full spectrum of services to support people who have experienced severe or acute psychiatric symptoms as they regain stability and enter recovery. These services include therapy, medication management, and a variety of therapy options. We work with our patients and their support systems to create customized care plans to facilitate their unique goals.
