Psychosis treatment is a mystery to most people. For many, the only places they have seen psychosis is within the media. There, those struggling with psychosis are often depicted as violent people. Popular media is also where the term “psycho” comes from when referring to someone behaving irrationally. Because of this, those who are struggling with conditions that cause symptoms of psychosis may be afraid to seek help. Countless people struggle in silence, which may include yourself and the people you love.
Education about mental health and its symptoms is vital to our health as a nation. Mental health care and treatment facilities such as Driftwood Recovery have staff that work tirelessly to debunk harmful myths and combat stigma. The goal is not just to spread awareness about this misunderstood symptom but also to inspire hope in those who need psychosis treatment.
To further this goal, here are some debunked common myths surrounding psychosis, how psychosis is treated, and who may experience psychosis in their lifetime.
Myth: Psychosis Only Happens to ‘Bad’ People
Psychosis is a symptom that can occur in anyone at any time, regardless of sex, social status, and other factors. According to the psychosis fact sheet published by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), it’s estimated that between 15 to 100 people out of 100,000 develop psychosis each year. The causes of psychosis vary and can be caused by:
- Exposure to extreme stress and trauma
- Genetics and differences in brain development
- Mental health disorders and conditions, such as schizophrenia
- Drug and substance abuse
- Sleep deprivation
- Some prescription medications
- Diseases of older age, such as dementia
As you can see, psychosis is a symptom of an underlying cause. It is never the result of a person being ‘bad’ or a moral failing on their part.
Myth: Clients Are Always Locked up and Cannot Leave in Psychosis Treatment
Those who enroll in a treatment program for psychosis treatment are not prisoners. Clients in outpatient treatment go to treatment centers during the day and then return home once treatment is completed for the day. Those in residential treatment programs live on campus during the duration of treatment, but they can still leave should they wish to. Most choose to remain on campus so they can get the most out of their treatment and relax away from the bustle of society. Driftwood Recovery especially focuses on having a private and safe environment that encourages healing and comfort.
Clients are not simply locked up and never allowed to leave. This is a common treatment myth surrounding other conditions as well. The truth is that clients have rights that cannot be infringed upon, one of them being free to choose to leave if they truly want to.
Myth: Psychosis Treatment Is All About Medicating You Into Compliance
The process of psychosis treatment may involve medication and medication management, but that’s not all that it is. Clients struggling with psychosis symptoms might utilize other treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, recreational therapy, and many more.
In psychosis treatment, clients work to understand what triggers their symptoms of psychosis. They receive treatment for underlying conditions that increase the risk of psychotic episodes. The goal, in the end, is to give clients strategies that they can use to reduce or completely stop potential future psychotic episodes.
Myth: All People With Psychosis Symptoms Are Inherently Dangerous
Perhaps one of the most dangerous myths of all is that people experiencing psychotic episodes are violent and dangerous. This is mainly the result of horror movies such as Psycho and many others. The fact is that psychosis is a temporary disconnect from reality. This means that a person experiencing a psychotic episode may hear voices or see (hallucinate) things that are not real. They may be convinced that something is true that is not. This unusual behavior may be frightening to others, which may make them fear that the person undergoing the psychotic episode may turn violent.
Psychosis is more dangerous to the person undergoing the psychotic episode than it would be to another individual. Someone undergoing a psychotic episode may be unaware of the dangers and hazards that they would normally recognize. It’s easy for someone who is disconnected from reality to get seriously injured, especially those who are elderly or otherwise impaired. Psychosis treatment is essential to helping those who struggle with psychosis protect themselves from danger.
Myth: Psychosis Treatment Is Impossible
It’s possible for anyone, no matter who they are, to recover from the underlying causes of psychosis. Even those with a life-long condition can find the treatment they need to help them manage their condition. People can and do live full and happy lives while also living with a chronic condition. Psychosis is a scary condition, but with psychosis treatment, it can be managed or even eliminated.
However, this state of recovery cannot be achieved without first asking for and accepting help. It’s valid to feel afraid or nervous to seek help. Mental health care professionals, though, work hard to provide a safe and welcoming environment to those in need of help. They will never judge, belittle, or harm you. Their goal is to help you, either by pointing you toward needed resources or enrolling you in a treatment program.
Psychosis and psychotic episodes may be scary to an outsider, but it’s important to be understanding and empathetic to those who experience them. If you or a loved one is experiencing psychotic episodes, it’s okay to seek help. By debunking harmful myths and spreading awareness, we don’t just help ourselves. We also help those who are looking for help but need to know that recovery is possible, as shown by your example.
Psychosis is a frightening symptom that can result from many different conditions. Those who experience psychosis often face stigma and fear due to its portrayal in popular media. Understanding what psychosis truly is educates the public and encourages those most in need of help to seek it. These symptoms, though scary, can be managed and recovered from. There is always hope, especially for yourself and your loved ones. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients struggling with symptoms of psychosis find compassionate and comprehensive treatment. With a kind and understanding staff on board, no client has to fear judgment or belittlement. If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait. Call (512) 759-8330 today.