Let’s talk about psychosis without turning it into a scary story

Psychosis is a condition, not a specific illness, that many people still don’t understand, often associating it with violence and multiple personalities. In reality, it can be a temporary symptom triggered by anything from sleep deprivation to trauma to substance abuse. When patients have the support and care they need, from group therapy with others who’ve recovered to crisis stabilization or antipsychotic medication that regulates the brain’s neurotransmitters, they can heal and move on.

About 3% of people experience a psychotic episode in their lifetime, according to Yale School of Medicine. Occurrence can be high in teenagers and young adults undergoing major transitions to adulthood or be a symptom of severe schizophrenia. As discussions about mental illness become common, faster interventions are possible as people learn to recognize early warning signs from subtle behavior changes and sleep problems.

What Is Psychosis?

When someone is dealing with psychosis, they are losing touch with reality. It’s usually a symptom of something else, but not a specific illness.

The brain’s chemistry changes during an episode, as it can be triggered by trauma or stress.

It may show up in the form of hallucinations, where somebody may see or hear things that aren’t there. The person may become delusional and express strong beliefs without facts; for example, they may think someone is out to get them without any valid proof.

A normally articulate person may begin to talk in a “word salad” or be hard to follow when communicating. The condition can cause difficulty when making choices during normally simple tasks.

Psychosis Facts and Myths

Breaking stigma around psychosis can pave the way to providing the support and healing patients need. As you learn more about psychosis, you’ll realize the condition is treatable and doesn’t mean that someone is “crazy.”

A common myth is that a psychotic episode means someone is automatically dangerous and violent. In reality, people are often experiencing confusion or fright and have a higher chance of harming themselves.

As a study by Ghossoub, Cherro, and Akil for the Journal of Psychiatric Research concluded, respondents with mental illness had a 1.7 to 3 times higher rate of self-harm than of directing it at others.​

A famous case is the late artist Vincent van Gogh, who had recurrent psychotic episodes in the last few years of his life, which eventually ended in suicide. This period coincided with the creation of his most famous works.

Another psychosis myth links it only to schizophrenia or having multiple personalities.

Common causes include:

  • Severe depression
  • Stress
  • Substance use
  • Traumatic experiences
  • Physical trauma, like head injuries

Someone usually doesn’t just snap. It’s usually a gradual change over hours or days as a person experiences subtle shifts in thinking and behavior.

Why Sleep Matters

This condition can result from poor sleep. Sleep goes beyond resting your body; it also allows your brain the necessary recharge after being awake all day.

Sleep deprivation psychosis happens because your brain is forced into a state of neurological overload, which affects the organ’s ability to filter information. Consequently, distinguishing what’s real and imaginary blurs.

Dopamine begins to rise after prolonged wakefulness, and when it does so in specific brain pathways, it has a direct connection to delusions and hallucinations. Additionally, your prefrontal cortex shuts down, and it’s the part of your brain that manages logic and emotional regulation.

Why Understanding Mental Health Matters Now

As people share their mental health stories, it can normalize the struggles that come with psychosis, working to break down stigma. Revealing the human side behind a diagnosis shows how people still work, go to school, and have functioning romantic relationships.

Treatment doesn’t mean being locked in a padded room, but they may need to go to a hospital or special facility when exhibiting warning signs that they may harm themselves or others.

Diverse care enables people to have a normal life alongside others while managing their episodes.

It may involve:

Is Psychosis Preventable?

Certain lifestyle and professional practices can prevent some of the physical and health-related issues that may bring on psychosis.

Prevent brain damage linked to psychosis by always wearing safety equipment during dangerous jobs like construction or manufacturing. Don’t ignore eye or ear infections, as they can spread to your brain.

​Recreational drug use early in life can alter the brain’s patterns.

A stroke can also cause psychosis, so prioritize cardiovascular health and a healthy weight with a balanced diet and exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Psychosis Go Away on its Own?

Psychosis usually requires some professional medical care. An isolated episode from drugs or extreme stress may fade on its own, but that’s not always the case.

That’s because you must get to the underlying cause, as psychosis isn’t an isolated disease in itself, but a symptom of something else.

If you don’t get immediate intervention, you risk it worsening. As delusions and hallucinations increase, it can affect your personal safety. With early intervention, there is a high chance of a full recovery.

Can Your Brain Heal After Psychosis?

The brain can return to normal after dealing with psychosis. A process known as neuroplasticity allows the brain to reorganize its networks and improve neural connections. That’s why people can reclaim their lives and daily routines at school, work, and socializing.

However, recovery timelines can change based on how early one seeks intervention and existing health. Those who have frequent untreated episodes can have a harder recovery.

You can improve your chances of recovery by ensuring you get proper sleep. Most adults should get 7 to 9 restful hours every night. Make sure you stay consistent with your treatment, whether it’s psychotherapy or medication.

Psychosis Isn’t a Final Sentence

Living with mental illness like psychosis is treatable as people understand what it is and what it isn’t. That’s why deconstructing myths about psychosis automatically being dangerous or only associated with schizophrenia is important.

This condition is a symptom of something else that may be a bigger problem, such as unregulated sleep, substance abuse, extreme stress, and undiagnosed trauma. Get the care you need from therapists, medication, and peers who have recovered to live a normal life.

Check out our website for other relevant life and health content.