Like many mental health conditions, there is a huge stigma when it comes to understanding psychosis, including what it is and what it means for people struggling with the disorder.
There are various myths and untruths about psychosis, many of which are either misconstrued or entirely inaccurate, portraying the condition as a form of manipulation or psychopathy. Both are untrue.
Here, we will delve into what psychosis truly is and dispel some of the common myths that have clouded our understanding of this condition.
In the meantime, if you (or a loved one) are struggling with the symptoms of psychosis and would like support, contact us at our professional treatment centre in Ontario, Canada, today and speak to a member of our specialist team in confidence.
It’s important to remember that if you’re struggling with psychosis, you’re not alone. Help and support are available. With the right treatments, you can manage your symptoms and lead a joyous, meaningful life.
Let’s dive in.
Psychosis isn’t always what you think
It’s important right off the bat to mention that psychosis is a symptom of a mental health disorder, not a diagnosis in itself.
For instance, individuals with depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, or substance use may experience psychosis symptoms as part of their mental health condition.
Psychosis may be triggered by a variety of factors, including mental illness, physical injury, extreme stress, sleep deprivation, and drug or alcohol abuse.
It may be worth repeating that it is not a standalone condition, but rather a symptom of a mental health disorder in which a person may lose touch with reality.
This can involve experiencing hallucinations, seeing or hearing things that others do not, or holding strong beliefs that aren’t based in reality, known as delusions.
It may also include disorganized thinking, confusion, and difficulty communicating clearly.
So, as you can see, psychosis isn’t always what most people think it is, and the stigma surrounding the condition can make things much harder for people to seek the help and support they need due to fear, shame, and not wanting to be judged.
However, it’s essential to know that psychosis can be effectively managed and treated with a combination of medication, therapy, and compassionate support from healthcare professionals and loved ones.
Debunking myths
As mentioned, some common myths about psychosis aren’t true and may cause those struggling with the condition to avoid seeking treatment as they are afraid they’ll be judged or labelled as a psychopath.
Whether you struggle with the condition yourself or you’re supporting a loved one, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction.
Below, we will explore some of the common myths about psychosis to help reduce stigma, encourage early intervention, and increase awareness to help individuals get the treatment and support they need more quickly.
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Contact us today for a no-obligation conversation with one of our professionals.
Myth one: People with psychosis are always violent or dangerous
Popular culture, through films like Psycho and everyday slang that label someone as a “psycho”, has significantly contributed to the misconceptions about psychosis.
These portrayals often equate psychosis with unpredictability, violence, or a lack of control, which are deeply misleading and contribute to the harmful stigma surrounding this condition.
It’s important to understand that psychosis is not a violent disorder. It is a condition characterized by a temporary disconnection from reality.
This may include hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things others do not, and delusions, which are firmly held beliefs that are not grounded in truth or fact.
While these symptoms can lead to unusual or confusing behaviour, they do not inherently make a person aggressive or dangerous.
Remember, psychosis affects perception, not personality.
Research consistently shows that most individuals experiencing psychosis are not a threat to others. In fact, they are far more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators.
That said, there is a slight increase in risk to the individual experiencing psychosis, particularly if they are unable to recognize real-world dangers.
For example, someone in a psychotic state might step into traffic, believing they are safe, or act on a delusional belief that puts them in harm’s way.
These instances are typically due to impaired perception, not malicious intent or violent tendencies.
In summary, it’s important to remember that psychosis rarely leads to harm directed at others.
When risk is present, it typically involves accidental harm to the individual due to their altered perception of reality, rather than because they are inherently violent or dangerous.
Myth two: Psychosis means you’ve lost touch with reality forever
Psychosis is a symptom, not a permanent state or life sentence.
While the condition includes frightening symptoms like hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there) or delusions (having firmly held beliefs), many individuals with psychosis tend to experience symptoms episodically or temporarily.
Some people may never experience another episode again, while others may manage the symptoms of psychosis long-term through professional guidance and treatment.
With compassionate treatment and support, which may involve therapy, a strong support system, and sometimes medication, individuals can recover and thrive, making early intervention key to lasting recovery and reduced relapse rates.
Myth three: Only people with schizophrenia experience psychosis
While psychosis and schizophrenia are often mentioned together in discussions about mental health, they are not the same.
Understanding the distinction between them is crucial, as it can significantly reduce stigma and provide better support for those affected.
Remember, psychosis is a symptom and not a diagnosis and the condition can affect anyone.
As mentioned, psychosis is characterized by a temporary loss of contact with reality and can involve hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and agitation.
Various factors, including sleep deprivation, substance use, medical conditions, or mental health disorders like depression, can trigger psychosis.
Schizophrenia, on the other hand, is a chronic psychiatric disorder that often includes psychosis as one of its symptoms.
It’s crucial to understand that not everyone who experiences psychosis has schizophrenia, dispelling a common misconception.
Psychosis can occur on its own or as part of other mental or physical health conditions. Understanding these distinctions is a key step in reducing unhelpful myths and supporting those affected.
Myth four: Psychosis is caused solely by drug use
While it’s true that certain substances such as hallucinogens, stimulants and cannabis can trigger symptoms of psychosis in some individuals, drug use is only one potential cause or factor.
There are many other factors to consider, including:
- Genetics
- Unresolved trauma
- Chronic stress or burnout
- Sleep deprivation
It’s worth noting that some recreational drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines and weed are known to increase the risk of psychosis.
While many recreational drugs can trigger symptoms of psychosisβparticularly synthetic cathinones, commonly known as bath saltsβdrug use is only one of several possible factors.
Itβs important to debunk this myth so that those affected can receive the appropriate help and support.
Myth five: People with psychosis can’t lead normal lives
It’s a common and understandable question, especially for those who have experienced psychosis or are supporting someone who has: Can life return to normal after psychosis?
The answer is not just a yes, but an encouraging one. While the idea of living with psychosis may feel frightening or overwhelming, many people go on to lead purposeful, stable lives.
For some, psychosis is a brief, one-time event. Others may experience it more than once.
However, early intervention and ongoing care, which involve a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, can help individuals get the support they need quicker, which can significantly improve recovery and relapse rates.
While it may be challenging to continue with day-to-day responsibilities during an active psychotic episode, recovery is very possible.
The key lies in identifying symptoms early and addressing any underlying causes, such as a mental health disorder or substance use issue.
With the right medical care, support network, and coping strategies, recovery from psychosis is not just a possibility but a reality for many.
In fact, with the proper treatment and support, many people not only recover from psychosis but also thrive, returning to work, maintaining relationships, and enjoying a meaningful life.
Symptoms of psychosis
Although the symptoms of psychosis can vary from person to person, the condition is often characterized by three main symptoms.
Each of these symptoms can significantly impact how an individual perceives and interacts with the world around them.
Hallucinations
The first symptom of psychosis is hallucinations, where an individual may see, hear, feel, smell, or even taste things that aren’t present.
These experiences, which feel very real to the individual, can significantly distort their perception of the world, even though they have no external source of validation.
One of the most common types of hallucinations is hearing voices that others cannot hear.
This can be extremely frightening and scary for the individual; therefore, understanding and compassion are essential for those grappling with this type of symptom.
Delusions
Next are delusions, which involve strong beliefs that are not based in reality and are not shared by others. These beliefs can create a deep sense of loneliness and isolation, as the individual may feel alone in their experiences.
A common delusion may include believing that one is being followed by a secret agent, or watched and targeted by a conspiracy, even when there is no evidence to support this idea.
Again, patience and compassion are vital and can help individuals manage their experiences more effectively without judgment.
Disordered thinking and speech
The third symptom is disordered thinking and speech. This can cause an individual’s thoughts to race, leading to rapid, fragmented, or illogical speech that may be difficult for others to comprehend or follow.
Understanding and patience are crucial when communicating with someone experiencing this symptom.
When these symptoms occur together, especially hallucinations and delusional thinking, they can lead to extreme emotional distress and changes in behaviour.
These symptoms are commonly referred to as a psychotic episode, a period of time when a person experiences a severe break from reality.
Cognitive impairment
Other symptoms of psychosis may involve cognitive impairment, where an individual experiences the following:
- Memory issues
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty in processing or understanding new information
- Problems making decisions
If you (or someone you love) struggles with any of the symptoms mentioned above, you must seek the help of a mental health professional or healthcare provider for further information and support to avoid further complications.
The sooner you seek help, the quicker you can get a handle on your symptoms and begin to feel better.
Treatment
Treatment for psychosis may depend on the severity of symptoms an individual experiences, as well as their background, pre-existing health conditions, lifestyle choices, and other factors.
However, psychosis is typically treated holistically, where various therapies and approaches are combined to help individuals better understand their condition, triggers, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Treatment may include the following:
Medication
Medication, such as antipsychotic drugs, can help with the symptoms of psychosis and can be prescribed by your doctor or healthcare professional.
There are various types of antipsychotic drugs, and different people respond better to different medications, so it’s vital to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or worries about the medication you have been prescribed.
Talk therapy
Talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment for psychosis as it can help you better understand your experiences and worrying thoughts or beliefs.
CBT can help you understand the link between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It can also help you explore and understand your symptoms and how they might be impacting your daily life, including your job, relationships, and well-being.
Once you become aware of how your thoughts and behaviours are affecting you, CBT teaches you healthy ways of coping with your symptoms, helping to reduce distress and improve your day-to-day functioning.
Art therapy
Art therapy is a practical approach in helping individuals manage the symptoms of psychosis, particularly if you have depressive symptoms, such as withdrawing from others or losing interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed.
This therapy often takes place in a group setting under the guidance of a trained art therapist, who can teach you healthier ways to express yourself and communicate.
Art therapy can help you manage your emotions and learn new ways of relating to others, allowing you to feel more emotionally regulated and balanced.
Other treatment approaches for psychosis may include:
- Trauma treatment to help you address and resolve the underlying causes of your symptoms, including childhood trauma or other types of stress and adversity.
- Family therapy can help you tap into the support and resources of family members and loved ones, enabling you to stay accountable in your recovery journey and feel supported by those closest to you.
- Group support. This involves connecting with others in a group setting and sharing your experiences with people who may have walked a similar path, allowing you to feel more seen and validated as you navigate recovery.
- Aftercare and support. These programs offer individuals continued support and counselling after their treatment program ends. This service may include ongoing counselling, peer support, and access to resources to help you manage your symptoms and triggers.
Mental health treatment in Ontario, Canada
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as psychosis, you’re not alone, and help is available.
Reach out to our experienced and compassionate team today to learn more about our holistic and client-centred mental health treatment programs.
We understand that living with mental health challenges like psychosis can feel overwhelming, frightening, and isolating. But with the proper support, healing is possible, and so is restoring a life of balance, purpose, and well-being.
At Centres for Health and Healing, we’re here to walk alongside you on your journey to lasting recovery.
Please speak to a member of our team today in confidence.