Topic Tuesday **closed** Psychosis

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@kenny66 wrote:
as I said trying to make you see reality is absolutely the wrong way to go. My flatmate is a paranoid schizophrenic and he manages me adeptly and successfully. I think it is inside knowledge!!!!

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Funny! Perhaps a new therapeutic approach is emerging right here. Flatmate matching based on mental health challenges 🙂

@kenny66! I'm really curious to know tips of the inside trade, what sort of things your flatmate does to looking out for you during an episode?

My son remembered everything, but had no idea how he was coming across. He called me on the telephone from the Psyche ward and repeated constantly "Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus is the Son of God etc etc." He sounded like a stuck record. His memory of that though was that he felt elated and was lifting everyone's spirits by spreading the gospel. Also he thought he was playing the guitar like a champion when actually it didn't sound too good. He has been on anti-psychotic medication for the last 6 months, and has gradually developed more and more insight into how he must have come across to others.

Here's a question for everyone:

What can you do if the person you can for is unwell - experiencing psychosis - but does not want to seek treatment or support?

When you have delusions, can you recall afterwards the things you said and did?

As I said, my son remembers everything but doesn't realise how he was coming across, and it has taken months for him to get a more realistic insight

In terms of communicating and supporting a loved one experiencing psychosis, there is lots of advice in the literature which probably falls into the category of 'desirable but not always possible'. I'd be happy to hear people's opinions on things such as:

- Try not to take the behaviours personally. You might be on the receiving end of hostility, being ignored, trying to be co-opted into the delusion or even feeling at risk. However, it's important to remind yourself that it's the illness and temporary.

- Try to remain calm yourself and keep the environment calm. With psychosis there is a lot going on internally and external stimulation (lots of people around, loud TV etc) can lead to more confusion and compound disordered thinking.

- Reassure them that they are loved and not a burden. That you are with them even if you don't share their views and beliefs right now.

But above all, you are human and have reactions and feelings too. It's not always possible to put them aside to be the carer you'd like to be.