Video Transcription

What is Psychosis

Psychosis is an experience when someone has difficulty making sense of what’s real. They might see or hear things that others can’t, or have unusual ideas and beliefs. This can affect how they think, feel, and act.

The symptoms of psychosis usually happen for the first time in adolescence or early adulthood, which can be frightening and turn a young person’s world upside down.

The causes are complicated but likely come from a range of things like traumatic experiences, challenges at school, home, or work, or substance use. Genetics can also play a role.

It’s important to know that psychosis can be treated. In fact, most people who experience psychosis get better and go on to lead a fulfilling, productive life.

The symptoms of psychosis are different for everyone, but there are some common things to be aware of:

• Confusing thoughts that make everyday communication unclear or hard to understand.
• Strong beliefs in things that aren’t real to other people, for example, believing you’re being followed or that someone is trying to harm you.
• Hearing or seeing something that’s not actually there. Sometimes this can affect other senses like touch, smell, or taste.
• Feeling cut off from the world and feeling less emotion toward those around you.
• A change in behaviour—for example, having bursts of extreme energy or suddenly having very little energy to do anything at all. This might include feeling excited, depressed, or irritable for reasons that aren’t obvious to others.

Psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are often mistaken for each other, although the symptoms are similar, there are a few differences in how they are diagnosed.

Psychosis is episodic. This means that, in some cases, a person may only ever have one experience of psychosis. Others may experience it occasionally, like in times of stress or increased use of substances. In over 34% of experiences of psychosis, the person has a good recovery.

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are terms used to describe long-term conditions with ongoing symptoms. These are usually managed by medication and counselling.

A diagnosis of schizophrenia is generally made when someone has been experiencing symptoms of psychosis—like hallucinations and paranoia—consistently for 6 months.

People experiencing bipolar regularly go through extreme ups and downs in their mood. Because symptoms can change over time, the type of disorder can also change. Sometimes, people are diagnosed with one thing, and the diagnosis is later changed or removed.

In the same way that the symptoms of psychosis can be different for each person, the recovery process can be too.

It’s not just about removing the symptoms—it’s about seeking tailored support and learning to enjoy life while managing the tough times when they happen.

Recovery is an ongoing journey that requires patience, time, support, and effort.

Treatments for psychosis include:

• Education.
• Medicine.
• Counselling.
• Emotional support from family, friends, or the community.
• Practical support with things like getting back into study or work.

Other parts of recovery might involve:

• Staying active.
• Sleeping and eating well.
• Cutting back on alcohol or other drugs.
• Managing stress.
• Developing healthy relationships.
• Building more independence.

If you feel like you may be experiencing psychosis, tell someone you trust about what’s going on.

Reality check with them—do they hear or see these things too?

Visit your GP if you have symptoms for a week or more, even if they come and go.

Ask someone you trust to accompany you. This will help you feel safe and avoid self-diagnosing based on what you research online.

It’s better to talk to a doctor and get the right help to manage what you’re experiencing.

Psychosis can be frightening, confusing, and disruptive. But remember, help is available, and most people get better with the right support.

If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of psychosis, it’s important to reach out quickly.

For more information and support, speak to your GP.

Or, if you’re a young person aged 12 to 25 in Australia, check out the Headspace Early Psychosis Program.

https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/psychosis