Psychosis ~ what you should know

According to Skyland Trail - "Psychosis is not a diagnosis, but rather a symptom of several psychiatric illnesses. Individuals experiencing psychosis may have trouble distinguishing which of their perceptions and thoughts are real and which are not. They often see, hear, smell or believe things that other people do not, or have persistent thoughts, behaviors, or emotions that are inconsistent with what other people experience in the same environment or situation.

Psychosis can be associated with many different diagnoses and illnesses including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar illness, and even depression."

Psychosis can be associated with many diagnoses and illnesses, including:

• schizophrenia
• schizoaffective disorder
• bipolar illness
• depression
• dual diagnosis

Better Help,an online counseling service states "One of the hallmark symptoms of psychosis is thought to be a loss of touch with reality. Those who are experiencing psychosis can have difficulty differentiating between what is happening and what they see. When this shift in perception occurs, it can leave a person disoriented and confused. They may hallucinate about things or people who are not there. These hallucinations can be euphoric or terrifying. Depending on the experience the person is having at the time, they can be considered dangerous to themselves or others."

If you have been reading my Blog, in the previous posts I mentioned "Teenage Monsters", even though the majority of the story is factual, there were people involved who I have not identified for professional and personal reasons. This is a story about a traumatic psychotic episode I endured as an teenager.

Currently my episodes are much more minor, but I do have a fear for worst case scenarios when presented with a problem; now I can also see alternatives, even though thoughts do go racing through my mind.

If you fear or feel any of the symptoms above I highly recommend you seek professional help as soon as possible. 

Signs and symptoms of psychosis Here is a list provided by Better Help

• Losing touch with reality

• Unclear and disorganized speech

• Disorganized behavior

• Problems sleeping

• Lack of motivation - this one is slightly vague, because I feel many people lack motivation from time to time.

• Difficulty functioning

• Withdrawal from social situations

• Preoccupation with strange fears

• Increase or decrease in appetite

• Changes in their personality

• Beliefs of grandiosity

I am not attempting to diagnose anyone's predicament, just to provide insight on what may be wrong. For a clear diagnostic, I highly recommend an mental health professional to assist you or someone you know.

Prayers,

Mandie