Psychosis - YouTalkWA

🧠 What is Psychosis?

Psychosis isn’t a diagnosis by itself—it’s a symptom that shows up in many mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. When someone experiences psychosis, they may lose touch with reality. This might mean seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations), having strong beliefs that don’t match reality (delusions), or thinking and speaking in ways that are hard to follow.

If your parent has experienced psychosis, it can feel scary, confusing, or unpredictable—but it’s important to know that they are not choosing this, and they are not dangerous just because they’re having a psychotic episode.

📋 Common Symptoms

Hallucinations – seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there (most commonly voices)
Delusions – believing something that isn’t true (like thinking someone is watching them or they have special powers)
Disorganized thinking or speech – talking in ways that don’t make sense
Flat emotions or extreme emotions
Withdrawing from others or seeming disconnected
Difficulty recognizing what’s real and what isn’t

🔍 What Conditions Can Include Psychosis?

Psychosis can be part of:

Schizophrenia
Schizoaffective Disorder
Bipolar Disorder (especially during manic or depressive episodes)
Severe Depression with psychotic features
Substance use or withdrawal
Trauma or extreme stress

Early psychosis (called first episode psychosis) often starts in the late teens or early 20s—but some adults may not experience it until later in life.

🧬 What Causes Psychosis?

Psychosis can be caused by a mix of:

Genetics – family history of psychosis or related disorders
Chemical imbalances in the brain
Trauma, especially in childhood
Drug use, including marijuana, hallucinogens, and stimulants
Extreme stress or lack of sleep

Psychosis is a medical issue—not a personal failure or “bad behavior.”

🩺 How Is It Diagnosed?

A mental health professional will do an evaluation, looking at symptoms, medical history, and possible causes like trauma or substance use. Sometimes, doctors will rule out physical health conditions (like epilepsy or infections) that can cause similar symptoms.

💬 How Is It Treated?

Psychosis is treatable. The earlier it’s caught, the better the outcome. Treatment may include:

Medication, especially antipsychotics
Therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Family education, so loved ones know how to support recovery
Early intervention programs for first episode psychosis
Support groups for people with psychosis and their families

People can and do recover. Treatment helps rebuild trust, function, and stability.

Real Story: Brianna, Age 17

“My dad has episodes where he hears voices and believes people are out to get him. At first, I was terrified. I didn’t understand what was real and what wasn’t. One time he told me to turn off my phone because ‘they were listening.’

After he got diagnosed, the doctor said it was psychosis, and that it can happen in bipolar disorder. He’s on medication now and sees a therapist regularly.

I still get overwhelmed sometimes, but I know now that the voices he hears are real to him. I’ve learned how to stay calm and safe when things get intense—and how to ask for help without feeling ashamed.”

💡 Remember

When a parent is experiencing psychosis, it can feel like the world is flipped upside down. You may not know how to help or even how to talk to them during those moments. That’s okay.

It’s not your job to fix them—it’s your job to take care of you. You deserve safety, support, and understanding.

If you’re scared or confused, talk to a school counselor, a trusted adult, or a mental health professional. You are not alone.