The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Disruptive, puzzling, and terrifying are just a few ways to describe the symptoms of psychosis. A typical symptom of psychosis is hearing or seeing things that aren’t really there. As a person with psychosis, it might be difficult to tell the difference between what is actually happening and what is just a mental trick. Mental illness can make it difficult for people to carry out their usual routines, such as going to work or school and spending time with their loved ones.
Fortunately, psychosis is a condition that can be successfully treated.
In order to treat psychosis, doctors use a variety of treatments, including medication. You should always get the advice of your doctor or healthcare provider before using this toolbox. As a result, the toolkit is meant to be used in conjunction with professional treatment.
Symptoms Of Psychosis
Psychiatric disorders alter the way your brain processes information, resulting in psychosis. It robs you of your sense of self-awareness. Seeing, hearing, and believing things that aren’t real is possible. No, psychosis is not a medical condition. There are many causes, including mental disease, physical sickness, substance misuse, and trauma.
Symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, typically begin to manifest in the young adolescent or early adult years. Because it’s so common among young people, doctors don’t know why. It’s possible that you’re already showing signs of psychosis before you even reach what doctors refer to as the “first episode.” For some people, this is known as the prodromal period and it might extend for a few days, weeks, or even months.
However, it is possible to experience hallucinations without having a primary psychotic disease like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The term “secondary psychosis” is used to describe this phenomenon. Another factor could explain these events, such as drug usage or an existing medical condition. Even if you don’t cure the ailment that created them, they tend to go away in a short period of time.
Causes Of Psychosis
Doctors aren’t sure what causes psychosis, however there are a few things they can rule out:
Having the genes for psychosis does not guarantee that you will experience it, but it is a contributing factor.
Drugs such as marijuana, LSD, and amphetamines are among the most common causes of PTSD.
The death of a loved one, sexual assault, or war can all contribute to psychosis in some people. Trauma type and your age when it occurred are also factors.
Mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can cause psychosis, which can be a symptom in and of itself.
How To Manage Your Symptoms
Start Therapy And Self-Help Programs
The sooner you recognize psychosis and seek treatment from a qualified mental health expert, the higher your chances of recovering and remaining well.
Many aspects are involved in successful psychosis therapy. Medications alone aren’t sufficient. You must educate yourself on the illness, talk with your doctors and therapists, create a strong support network, take personal initiatives, and adhere to your treatment plan. Read more about the benefits of therapy for individuals living with psychosis at https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/psychosis/.
Change your diet, reduce stress, and seek social support may not seem like useful techniques to manage such a difficult illness as psychosis, but they can have a significant impact on the frequency and intensity of symptoms and your feelings, as well as your self-esteem. It’s also possible that your doctor will be able to lessen the amount of medication you’re taking if you manage yourself more.
Get Your Blood Pumping
Regular exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia, in addition to its many other benefits. Being physically active is an excellent way to improve your mental health if you aren’t undergoing a psychotic episode. Unless you are experiencing a psychotic episode getting physically active is an excellent way to improve your mental health.
Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity on most days, rather than becoming a fitness freak or signing up for a gym. Walking, jogging, swimming, or dancing, all of which require you to use your arms and legs in a rhythmic fashion, can be particularly beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety. Forget about what you’re thinking and concentrate on how your body feels when you’re moving. For example, pay attention to how your feet land, or to the cadence of your breathing, or to the breeze on your skin.
Self-Care Is Essential
Changing your diet and exercising can have a profound effect on your health and well-being.
Keep a regular bedtime and get plenty of shut-eye
It’s likely that you’ll require more sleep than the recommended eight hours if you’re taking medicine. Getting regular exercise, cutting back on sweets, and avoiding coffee can all assist persons with psychosis who have difficulties sleeping.
Keep away from alcohol and drugs
Psychosis sufferers may be tempted to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol in an effort to alleviate their symptoms. However, substance usage exacerbates the psychotic symptoms and makes treatment more difficult. Seek help if you are suffering from a substance abuse problem.
Maintain a nutritious and well-balanced diet
It is possible to avoid psychosis and other symptoms of schizophrenia by eating regular, healthy meals on a regular basis. Cut back on high-sugar and high-carbohydrate items that can quickly deplete your energy and mood. For better concentration, less weariness, and better control of your emotions, increase your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, which may be found in foods like fatty fish and fish oil as well as nuts and flaxseeds.
Stress Management
It can be exhausting to deal with the day-to-day stress of having to deal with difficult symptoms like psychosis. Cortisol, a stress hormone, has been linked to psychotic episodes in those who are under a lot of stress. In addition to working out and keeping in touch with friends and family, there are a number of ways you can lower your stress levels:
Be aware of your personal and professional boundaries. Don’t take on more than you can do, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break.
Get into the habit of meditating to reduce your stress levels. Some of the most effective ways to reduce stress are mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR).
