Published on April 13th, 2023

Sharon Dunas, MA, LMFT

President Emeritus

NAMI Westside LA

www.namila.org

Psychosis can be a challenging and confusing experience, whether you're going through it yourself or supporting a loved one who is. It's a severe mental condition that can cause people to experience things that aren't real, like hearing voices, seeing things that aren't there, and having delusions. It can be scary and overwhelming, but there are ways to cope and get through it. In this post, we'll discuss five ways to deal with psychosis and provide advice for supporting a loved one with psychosis.

5 Ways to Cope with Psychosis

Coping with psychosis can be challenging, but it's essential to remember that recovery is possible. Here are some tips to cope with psychosis:

1. Seek Professional Help

The first and most crucial step in dealing with psychosis is seeking professional help. Psychosis is a severe mental condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment from a mental health professional. If you're experiencing symptoms of psychosis, it's essential to speak to a doctor or a therapist as soon as possible.

A mental health professional can help you understand your symptoms, develop a treatment plan, and provide support throughout your recovery journey. They may recommend medication, therapy, or a combination of both to manage your symptoms effectively.

2. Create a Support System

Dealing with psychosis can be isolating and overwhelming, but it's essential to remember that you're not alone. Creating a support system of family, friends, and mental health professionals can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.

Support can come in many forms, such as talking to a trusted friend or family member, joining a support group, or seeking therapy. Having a support system can provide a safe and comforting space to express your feelings, receive encouragement, and learn coping mechanisms.

3. Practice Self-Care

Self-care is crucial when dealing with psychosis. Taking care of your physical and emotional needs can help you manage your symptoms effectively and promote overall wellness. Some ways to practice self-care include:

• Getting enough sleep: Proper rest is essential for mental health and can help manage symptoms of psychosis.
  
• Eating a balanced diet: A balanced diet can improve your mood, boost energy, and support overall health.
  
• Exercise: Exercise can help reduce symptoms of psychosis, such as depression and anxiety.
  
• Relaxation techniques: Activities like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
  

4. Educate Yourself

Educating yourself about psychosis can help you understand your symptoms and feel more in control of your experience. Learning about the condition can also help you communicate effectively with mental health professionals and loved ones.

There are many resources available to learn about psychosis, including books, online resources, and support groups. However, it's essential to make sure the sources of information are reliable and reputable.

5. Manage Stress

Stress can exacerbate symptoms of psychosis, making it essential to manage it effectively. Some ways to manage stress include:

• Identify triggers: Understanding what triggers your symptoms can help you manage them effectively.
  
• Practice relaxation techniques: Activities like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
  
• Time management: Planning and prioritizing tasks can help reduce stress and promote a sense of control.
  
• Seek support: Talking to a mental health professional or a trusted friend or family member can help manage stress effectively.
  

Advices to Help A Loved One with Psychosis

If you're supporting a loved one with psychosis, here are some tips to help them:

• Educate yourself: Learn about psychosis and how to support your loved one effectively.
• Be patient: Recovery from psychosis takes time, and it's essential to be patient and supportive.
• Encourage professional help: Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and offer to help them find a mental health professional.
• Be a good listener: Listen to your loved one without judgment and offer support and encouragement.

How Can a Therapist Help You Deal with Psychosis?

It's essential to understand how a therapist can help you through this experience. A therapist can provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings, understand your symptoms, and learn coping mechanisms. They can work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and offer guidance and support throughout your journey.

Therapists can also help you address any underlying issues that may be contributing to your psychosis, such as trauma or stress. They can assist you in identifying triggers that may exacerbate your symptoms and develop a plan to manage them effectively. Additionally, a therapist can provide support to loved ones who may be struggling to understand and cope with your experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with psychosis can be challenging, but there are ways to cope and get through it. Seeking professional help, creating a support system, practicing self-care, educating yourself, and managing stress are all effective ways to deal with psychosis. If you're supporting a loved one with psychosis, it's essential to educate yourself, be patient, encourage professional help, and be a good listener.

If you're looking for a therapist to help you or a loved one cope with psychosis, please reach out to Sharon Dunas, LMFT, at (310) 207-3505 or [email protected]. We offer therapy for families and individuals with mental illness in their midst and are here to support you on your recovery journey.