Interacting with Someone in Psychosis | Advice Series
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- Опубліковано 26 сер 2024
- Our latest video in our advice series answers the question: "I was wondering if you have any advice on how one should interact with a loved one who is in the midst of a psychotic episode?"
I provide my own experience with this as well as advice I've learned from trying to navigate it myself.
I have a background as a social worker and of course have my own experience navigating living with schizoaffective disorder. In these segments I try to bridge together these two perspectives. However I am not a medical practitioner so all advice is purely based off my own experiences and should not be taken as medical advice.
If you would like to submit your own question or scenario for advice, please email a few lines to lwwsadvice@gmail.com
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rhetorical question ... "Primary ENTJ/Secondary Pychpath", how do you feel"?
That sounds good except he Gets angry at me and lashes out at me and accuses me of things that does exist,he’s been diagnosed is on medication he skill goes through these moods,ughh
When someone is in a psychotic episode and sees a scary purple sky, would it be helpful to make a photo of the sky and look at the photo to see it's blue? Done by the patient or by me?
My partner can see when I'm moving into paranoid thoughts and is very calm and understanding. He'll explain why I shouldn't worry, instead of questioning my perception. I'll think I'm unsafe, and he will just say..." this neighborhood has great people living here, great schools, lots of families. Look!! That's the new high school they just built." He is amazing. My trust with him helped me get diagnosed. He understood my perception wouldn't change, so he shifts my focus. It's amazing and builds so much trust!
Do you have to have someone with you all day? My son will just sit and stare he is not very verbal about what he is experiencing anymore.
That's beautiful.
aww bless you. you really deserve someone who understands and supports you like that.
@@patriciatoney240 I have had catatonic schizophrenia before where I wouldn’t move or talk. I’m not sure if your son is experiencing this but through medication and the support of my family I was able to move past this and remain well on antipsychotic medication. I continue to take antipsychotic medication as a preventative measure to prevent relapse with psychosis and am able to function very well nowadays. I wish you well with your son’s treatment. There is light at the end of the tunnel 💚
@@suzannealsop3394 I hope I am not interrupting your sleep or anything. The thing is I cannot tell if he is experiencing anything. Here in Al the treatment sucks and it is very hard to find a psychotherapist or psycho anything. I want to be able to get more details about what he is experiencing.We were pretty much told it is schizophrenia and we reluctantly put him on an antipsychotic. I would like to have more specifics like you have about your schizophrenia.
I thought I was in a war and my brother just asked if I had eaten, slept, did I want soup or something else, and I snapped out of my psychosis so fast because he was so chill it didn't match my war scenario at all
My son is currently dealing with psychosis, I'm literally fighting to get him back, into reality, the hospital has been terrible, not wanting to properly put him back on all his medicine and leaving him in his psychotic episode as his new baseline. I'm always the enemy when his episode hits, and it's absolutely heartbreaking, and super hard to even break through that stream of consciousness while in the episode. In the USA our healthcare system is horrible and lazy. I really just want to THANK YOU for uploading these videos.
I live in the UK, my daughter had a psychotic episode aged 19, was admitted to hospital and sectioned (kept in hospital against her will).That was 5 years ago. Since that time she has been taking Arapiprazole and has stayed reasonably well, though does get some paranoid ideas from time to time when under stress. During her initial recovery we kept reality checking the delusions and showing her that ‘the psychosis’ not her, tells lies. We worked with her in refuting the lies, it was so positive being able to work with her against the psychosis. Just as having cancer or any other medical problem is not seen as being that person.
I am so deeply sorry. I really hope he finds relief from his psychosis. I cant even begin to imagine how hard this must be.
@@KP-ov3mg it's, by far, the worse, most difficult, heartbreaking thing. And @San, it's a constant struggle. These false memories have no taken place of all his real memories, so all the little league games etc... Are replaced w things that aren't real and never happened. I need to find a support group, something nationwide, even just reading above, helps!! Thank you both. Truly! ♥️
Your son is not “dealing” with anything.
Actually it’s the spirit of anger that your son got from you and that has now made a home in him that’s dealing with him.
Your son is you in a male body.
When mothers recreate their children in their own image and also impose their will upon their children this breaks the child’s spirit.
Children HATE their mothers for doing this to them while growing up.
Where is the father?…and why did he not protect his son from you doing this to him?
@@freshliving4199 You're a fn fool. Take ur insanity elsewhere! Ur on the wrong chat for this type on HATE! Don't act like you know me or my son, our story or our love. You're pathetic.
This is becoming one of my favorite channels.
Don't have schizophrenia/schizoaffective nor do I know anyone who does, but the perspective you offer is so engaging!
Nothing at all wrong with being open to learn about these kinds of things. And Lauren is just awesome, definitely has a talent for speaking and explaining.
You never know when you going to come across issues like this in your life, so why not learn? People need to learn about mental disorders to end the stigma towards these human beings who are sometimes isolated y friends and family members.
I don't have it either but I do have a relative I've never met that does. I myself am autistic/adhd and I've always had super intense interests in learning/researching in general. One of my specific interests over the last 4-5 years has been Mental health, learning I was Adhd/autistic, more about my kids etc. Then I started learning more about other mental health disorders like Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective disorder, Dissociative Personality Disorder, CPTSD and more.
Based on my experience with having schizophrenia, things are somewhat straight forward. Kindness and empathy towards those in psychosis is crucial. Beyond that it's also simple. I.e: don't ridicule, mock, laugh at, be too reactionary or emotional, demean, gaslight etc.
What about when they start getting physical, trying to fight us? Its my son, and all of this is kind of new.. This is what I really dnt know how to handle..
Health professionals sometimes need to be involved before that point. This may need to happen involuntarily. If someone can't take care of themselves, or if they're in danger to themselves/others then you should be worried about getting professional assistance rather than how to act around them. In the meantime I do think remaining calm may help but every situation is unique.
@@stevelevi8327 OK, we've gotten them involved 2 times already, TDO into a psych facility. Kept last time for abt three weeks, then discharged. He's refusing to take any meds, and I can see an episode pending bc of his behavior. I know at some point if he keeps getting TDOd, they'll keep him even longer next time. I just dnt know what to do at this point..
@@TM11.. I think being there, but holding space is important. Try to improve diet and other things that might assist with their mental health. Say you understand their struggle instead of dismissing, and say things can get better and advice him to see a psychologist, but ultimately some of the drive to do these things wi have to com from him as well.
@@TM11.. took me 10 years of going in and out of hospital and in/out of major psychosis until I finally accepted I was unwell as well as knowing I needed meds. Took a lot of people I trust explaining things about my psychosis to get me to understand. There is hope though.
Fantastic advice! Not sure if you mentioned it explicitly, maybe it was implied, but a key thing is you MUST stay calm when interacting with anyone experiencing psychosis. Their behaviour may frustrate and anger you, but becoming angry towards them or employing any sort of "tough love" approach has never worked well for me when my husband was experiencing psychosis. It is especially important to de-escalate the situation to maintain safety, as sometimes there can be a risk of violence while someone is experiencing psychosis.
You've never been the target have you? I hope you never experience being afraid that you'll murdered in your sleep.
@@wizardofahhhs759 Yes, unfortunately my husband assaulted me during a psychotic episode. We are separated now. So it is important to be aware of this risk. However, not everyone experiencing psychosis is going to be violent so I think de escalation is the best strategy rather than jumping to physical restraining or police intervention. Although obviously police may need to be involved if there is a safety concern
Totally agree. Staying calm is crucial.
I am currently dating a girl who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, and my mother was also diagnosed, and this makes me feel good to know that hopefully I'm doing the most supportive thing possible for them at least according to this video.
From an article I read:
10 tips for handling a schizophrenia crisis:
Remember that you cannot reason with acute psychosis.
The person may be terrified by their own feelings of loss of control.
Don't express irritation or anger.
Speak quietly and calmly, do not shout or threaten the person.
Don't use sarcasm as a weapon.
Decrease distractions by turning off the TV, computer, any fluorescent lights that hum, etc.
Ask any casual visitors to leave-the fewer people the better.
Avoid direct, continuous eye contact.
Avoid touching the person.
Sit down and ask the person to sit down as well.
So what the fuck is the option? Locking them in a padded cell? That seems like the only solution. Keep them away from the public. Fuck that bullshit you said. Lock them the fuck up! I am not walking on eggshells for anyone. You deserve to be in a fucking padded cell if you can't handle life.
I learnt in university that you should actually talk out loud to the person, because you have to be louder than the voices that theyre hearing!
Thank you for this.
As someone who struggles with psychosis, I have a bit to add.
The thing that helped me the most during my most non-functional state, where I could barely speak or remember people's names, was the single piece of advice my best friend found (keep in mind, everyone's needs are different; I'm just one case:
Speak to the person the way you usually do - treat them as normally as possible, while being conscious of their needs.
If you have a pet, bring them over. I've been prescribed a service dog for psychosis for a very good reason.
Talk to them, engage them, read to them, find them audiobooks or play music for them (if they're okay with auditory stimulation), refer to them by name as long as that isn't distressing, let them know that it's okay and their symptoms will pass.
Don't reason with them, as this comment says, just give them gentle reassurance and spend time with them.
If they have medication, make absolutely sure they take it.
Love them and be there for them.
Also, keep them close to items that are important to them - stuffed animals, beloved action figures, family jewelry, etc.
I remember the video where Rob was like, “lauren is a marathon runner” when sharing one of your experiences about being in psychosis, and it was great to hear you both giggle about it later, even though In the moment it was quite serious. If I don’t laugh at the ways I’ve acted out sometimes during episodes , I might always be crying!! Love you guys!
I immediately laughed when he brought that up. It was so concerning in the moment but also so funny.
Hello, I know this reply is late but do you happen to remember what the name of the video was? I'm curious now haha. Hope you're doing okay!
Agree that a real demonstration of love is required when psychotic. There’s no chance of talking me out of what I’m believing is real when in psychosis. I too have been distrusting of my husband when in psychosis but what is important to remember for those loved ones as you rightly said Lauren is that it is just the illness talking and not a reflection of their feelings towards you when well. It can be difficult to cope with for those who care for you but they must see past the illness at those times 💚
This is very valuable information, I do get upset about my son , and need more to realise it's the illness, thanks
Dear Lauren, I usually do never comment on any video but I just wanted to tell you, that the videos that you and Rob are producing are so helpful on many levels. I am currently working as a therapist in a hospital in Germany (I'm a psychologist), and in my job I am often confronted with people in the midst of a psychosis. Your videos do help me more than loads of books that I read to properly interact with patients that are in a psychosis. You usaully learn all the basics, hard facts, therapeutic standards cts. but what is often lacking is the emotional side and the view of somemone that has expierenced it.I admire you for your openness and thoughtfulness as I know how hard it can be to talk about those vulnerable moments especially in a medium like youtube. So thank you so so much!
Emotional side? It depends if an episode is deep it is loaded with existencial fear mixed with other dark emotions. Let's say you are at the life's crossroad (something of intense meaning for you and your life, call it a final direction).There are two roads ahead. Both are wrong and there is no other choice and you need to chose one (remember: both are wrong) or freeze between those (also wrong - it's staying in that condition). How would you feel in that state, maybe in despair, maybe kind of in anger, I thought that emotions aren't the most important, since those are just implication of some kind of black holes and they are less visible, first thought associated to the topic is general overwhelming fear, other aren't so intense. But common, daily psychosis doesn't need to be so intense. You're operating as usual well I do not live with hallucinations, so my world isn't so colorful. But there are other and is like living in bubbles. Some will break and there are feelings compatible with loss. Some won't and there are feelings like in any other reality. It depends on delusion, theme your virtual reality and many other things. It could be dark or opposite or sth in between.
Journaling was the best short term solution for getting myself out of psychosis
can you please explain more?
@@masoudalghoniemy3694 i go into detail here ua-cam.com/video/lJVlQ_xP0hw/v-deo.html
Can you explain more?
Thank you for helping us! My notes:
Acknowledge their experience... validate it and ask if they want to talk more about what they are experiencing.
Let's talk about the emotions, feelings, and response to this experience.
How can we move forward with our day without those responses still being the case.
Build trust/rapport and drive home that you are a safe person and that they can trust you.
Build trust within that moment. Someone's reality is shifted int eh midst of psychotic episode.
Validate. Talk about feelings. then talk about how to move forward for the day and if more support is needed then seeking that greater help.
Lauren, this video is SO HELPFUL. I’m a nursing student and I’m about to start my psychiatric clinical and I’m learning so much from you! Hearing this information from the client perspective is really helpful so I can provide more compassionate care. Thank you ❤️
Patient*
It can be very hard to feel any empathy from anyone during an episode, but really do need empathy at the lowest ends. This is a terrible way to live life if it happens to anyone.
Good for you, Alyssa! You’re going to be a great nurse! (And thank you❤️❤️❤️)
My mother experienced intense schizophrenic episodes pretty late in life, or at least she went undiagnosed until she was in her 50s and never let on any symptoms. By the time she was in full "everyone's is trying to kill us there are cameras and microphones everywhere and the cats are robot spies" zone, it was a complete shock and surprise to us all. We tried to get her help, she claims the meds she got made her a zombie (which I don't doubt)... I talked with her about how we could support her as tween/teenage daughters living at home and we did everything she asked for years, struggling through her worst episodes and building a rapport though she was tearing our lives down around us (and burning bridges with the community, our friends and family members)... and tried to get support from the psychiatrists and therapists she was seeing to no real answers or help. Her final episode, everyone was against her, my eyes were demon eyes, all of our clothing had to be washed non stop 24/7, my grandmother was putting cameras places, there were snipers in the trees ready to kill us all; and when we called to bring her to the hospital they promised they wouldn't release her without letting us know. 2am the following morning there was a knock on the locked door, and my mother was standing there soaking wet like a nightmare and stared at us, and said "can't keep me in the nut house for long." and smiled. It was the last time I saw her, it's been ten years. I've since had my first car, first job, married, own a home and a business, and I think about her often. She left for Tennessee (she always loved the south,), and I got a letter in the mail last year from her, ten pages of aggressive ramblings and nonsensical life advice. I was both heartbroken (I was always waiting for the day she'd get it figured out and she could come back into my life) and relieved that my distance had been justified. I pray for her every single day to find peace and healing, and wish she'd been able to witness her daughters grow into adulthood.
I can really relate with your experience with your Mom. Mine is similar. She was diagnosed Schizophrenic when I was still a child, but never got help. My Dad finally had to divorce her to keep me safe when I was around 12. She'd say and do horrible things (physically abusive and always ripping me out of the home for no reason) and behave in ways that scared me to death. I grew up without her. All the same 1sts that you mentioned she was not a part of.
Fast forward several years. We reunited when my Dad passed away. Her and her husband took advantage of me. Lived in my Dads home nearly for free while I went broke paying two mortgages and eventually lost my home after suffering a brain injury in an accident and couldn't work. I was single and had no help. They didn't care at all what i was going through. Had to evict them while unemployed and trying to recover. She called me the spawn of satan and said they are the Illuminati, they're watching me and I will pay. I stopped talking to her again.
Not sure how it happened, but we're talking again. She's in her 70s now. It's very very difficult for me at times. She hasn't changed, well yes she has. She's let herself go, has no friends whatsoever, never ever leaves the hotel they live in. Ever. Her husband does everything for her like she's a child. Cuts her food in tiny pieces because her teeth have rotted out. Does all cooking, shopping, laundry, assists in bathroom, etc, etc. She's (they're) In denial/delusion about her health. I'm afraid she has cancer or something serious going on based off the symptoms she describes. But "God is going to heal her body back to what it was in her youth and he's also going to give them a grand home, money, luxury food, winning lotto ticket, brand new fancy car," etc. The only thing stopping this from being a reality is "not enough people are praying" for her. So she makes her rounds calling prayer lines asking prayer for these miracles. Because God can do anything you know. She even scolds these people sometimes for not praying enough or correctly.
I don't know how I can keep this up with her. I'm the only child. What if her husband passes away before her? I've tried helping her with a home and care at least 3 times before and it's cost me so much mentally, emotionally, financially.
I'm really struggling with this a lot lately. Her delusions really got too me last time. We talk almost weekly and I don't even want to talk to her right now. On one hand I realize it's her life and her choices, on the other I'm like where does a person draw the line on what's acceptable or not for their own sanity? I'm not capable of caring for her to the degree she demands if something happens to her husband. I have a family and kids of my own now. I just don't know what to do for someone that will not help themselves.
Been there.... There are times that i dont know how can I help.. When me myself is broke.... And we know that this people need lifetime medication...
@@spicyphilly You replied 8 months ago and somehow I never saw it, I'm sorry for that. And I really feel for your situation and really really wish I had anything constructive to tell you. I hope you have friends or family to lean on for this situation. Just remember, you're not your mom, and by now, you'd know if you had the same issues; so relieve yourself of that worry and go forward into life bravely.
Hey i know this is a year late, but i can relate too and i’m honestly quite confused. My mums story is similar, in her 40s now and never showed any obvious symptoms up until a few months ago when she started accusing the neighbours of being spies, saying we’re on a hit list, her phone is a bomb… all in one night. She’s called police multiple times and been to parliament, multiple embassies, and mi6 apparently. It’s calmed down a bit since then but now it’s gotten much more personal: not spies anymore but drug dealers and pimps that she’s accusing me of being involved with. She’s now told the police that i use and possibly sell drugs, i’m being groomed, and i sell myself. I do have a history of drug use, which i am trying to sort out, but with everything going on it’s quite hard right now. All the other accusations are completely false, but the cops have threatened to put me in juvie most of the times they’ve spoken to me, and my mum has asked them to. I’m still a teenager still living with her, and it’s just the two of us in the house, so it’s kind of all landed on me to deal with, all while i’m in the middle of my exams and trying to get clean myself, and now i’ve got cops and social services talking to me almost every day. Any time she does have a moment of clarity she blames me for “driving her mad”.
We didn’t exactly have a good relationship to begin with: she’s insulted me to police, social services and my headteacher, and told her to expel me from school, multiple times including before the psychosis ever started. I’ve ended up in trouble with the police over this. She pretends this never happened and acts like we have a perfect relationship, even asking me if i want to go to the cinema with her on the way home from the police interview minutes after the lawyer told her i could end up in court because of the reports she’s made. When i ask her to apologise she refuses and gets very angry. I really don’t know what to do
i’m sorry for dumping all my personal problems in the comments, just hoping someone has some advice
@@spicyphilly Life is so tough. And sometimes it just seems disproportionately unfair. But if you are the only one she has, and you try to help her or at least get her on the right track to getting help, you will know that you took on the ultimate challenge of your own life and crushed it. Somehow you found Lauren's channel. You must be on the right path. And maybe it won't come to pass, that she loses her husband. No need to fret about a future we don't know. Take advantage of the present. Best of luck to you.
I'm a mental health professional and I love your videos, I think they're thought through, honest and helpful. You're doing an amazing job!
Hello. I think schizophrenia etc can result in incredible loneliness because it's impossible for people to work out how to carry on through these episodes. This video is really helpful.
Thank you. As a paramedic I found this very helpful.
I have Schizoaffective disorder and With one of my more recent Psychotic episodes I had a few months ago at a hotel room with my wife, the police officer built up trust with me by talking about my hobbies with me. This helped calm me down. I was so agitated that I was scared of even my own reflection in a mirror.
its not a disorder its a entity attachment and the world of doctors stick a label on it on something they dont really understand
Thank you so much for this. My son experienced his very first psychotic episode 2 years ago and we had no clue what was going on with him. We honestly thought he was going through a spiritual awaking. It wasn't until he was in full blown psychotic breakdown we realized what was happening. We took him to the ER and he was treated for it and hasn't had another one since. However, my husband and I are always trying to learn more about it just in case it happens again. This helped very much.
@Charlesjohn-oc8qudude your either taking the p... Or need to see your mental health team
This is a pretty severe situation; but when I had a psychotic episode I could barely talk, function or understand what was going on. I was so consumed with delusions I didn't even know who I was.. so communicating with me at all was nearly impossible.
it's a really interesting point you are making, it may be severe or rare, but i hope she replies ;)
Same. When I go through psychosis off my meds, I get to a point of no functioning whatsoever. I wouldn't be able to hold a conversation with anyone.
I liked you talking about your psychotic experience with that police officer. Police relations are scarier than ever and it's sad sometimes how some police interactions end. I really wish there were more people normalizing psychosis and severe mental illness for emergency personnel. Their job isn't easy and when medical responders aren't sure we're trained to call in police to clear danger unfortunately. I'm proud that you were able to talk with your local department and that an officer recognized you when you were struggling. It's amazing what choosing to be vulnerable can do sometimes. You never know when someone you choose to open up to will end up being there when you most need it even if it can be scary at the time. I'm so glad you're so open about your experiences. Responders like that have indirectly touched my life and I'm so happy they were there when they were. I'm happy you had someone there for you and hope you're doing well and keep doing well. Schizophrenic, scizoaffective and bipolar can be terrifying. Misunderstanding makes it so much worse which is why stigma is so devastating.
Thanks, Lauren. I'm a clinical social worker in training so this was nice to hear about psychosis from the point of view of someone experiencing it and how to help.
How do you maintain trust as a relative when you feel they shold go to a mental health hospital but they refuse to go?
Yes and they believe those closest to them are the ones to be paranoid of
I'm a mental health professional and Patreon subscriber. Lauren, you are truly an indispensable gem. Thank you for all you do.
May I add one thing... Help is not found most of the time in hospitals but with people who have psychotic experiences and know how to manage them, control them and even use them for positivity in life ❤
Some might get help in hospitals, but most of us falling trough the cracks of society just need a guide 🙏
My late partner had it 10 years ago and unfortunately nothing I could Say or calmly try to reassure helped and he ended up taking his life. It still haunts me 😢
I’m so sorry😞🙏🏻
Loving that you post more regularly lately!💗
This helps because as someone going through this, its so hard to describe anything especially what im feeling, thank you for making this video to share ♥️
Those are good communication tips for all people, because people without a mental illness have different perspectives on any given situation. Empathy is key for everyone but it’s rare. Sadly, if someone doesn’t share our perspective then apathy or just ignoring you is the common response.
I’ve struggled with how to respond to my boyfriend’s mom’s psychotic episodes. We usually aren’t alone together, but this one time we were alone and she was telling me about how Harley Davidson is her uncle (she often had delusions that people were related to her) and I just didn’t know how to react. I knew I shouldn’t just go along with her delusions, but I didn’t want to like “debunk” it to her face.
Do not ever try to tell them they are wrong or try to tell them how they are wrong.
Just say things like that is interesting, is that so?, I am happy for you, that worked out well, or you are fortunate..... You let them know you are listening, but you don't really say anything that is open ended to allow them to continue.
In their mind, what they are saying is reality. If you try to tell them they are wrong, you might set them off
Wait till she finds out HD are the surnames of two separate people
@@puck6380 Yes, this is from experience. You are not telling the person they are right or wrong. You are acknowledging them, but without giving them anything further to go on
Yeas, so when my now ex and i went out for dinner he was already paranoid a bit and i try to make conversation . He drinks to try to make it stop... then we had a older couple sit across from us.. he looked at them all weird.. we ate then when done he told me those people were my parents.. i said oh really how so .. he was like idk. Im like thats strange lol and they didnt say anything to you.. he said yea in another deminson they r my parents how many times i have to tell you i time travel. I said oh maybe it was someone elses parents in there they were trying to reaxh out to u spiritually and it can get confusing he said ig ur right ... maybe . Then i changed subject but its so bad we couldnt go out together around ppl .. he would drink b4 leaving said it makes him aware theres a difference.. im like ok...
Watching it as I am typing. I’ve had mental breakdowns and it’s pretty relatable. It’s terrible what happens when situational factors and mental triggers destroy the real true self. I had one today and a helping hand always helps. My friend hung out with me and he was able to relate .
I can’t thank you enough for this -this video, this channel, everything. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Your Channel is substantial - it's more than peer support, it helps acknowledge what one person's experience can be so that others can learn from it, help others, and validate for those who are peers. What you have expressed in this presentation is exactly what I do when I work with folks individually: validating that folks are humans, regardless of what they are going through. There has historically been so much shame around this, but people are people are people. Each of us dealing with our own stuff. After a "reality check" with those going through a crisis, I often move on to grounding or minimizing stimulation and then we bring in the Safety Plan (usually involving the Psychiatrist). Thank you for what you do on this Channel.
When I was psychotic, I had doctors tell me I must like the hospital because I kept ending up there, deny things they said to me and claimed I must be hearing things (I don't have auditory hallucinations)- meanwhile, my ex threatens me with homelessness and other financial abuse.
People don't frigging validate or help. They just dump on me, and then act like I'm the one with the problem.
It's really hard to survive like this.
It's hard to be around psychotics. Find some people who support you and can tolerate it.
@@boethius1812 I stopped taking psych meds and had my ovaries removed and my psychosis went away. Menopause was causing mood swings and the psych meds were causing my psychosis. I also had brain damage from chronic migraine that caused my visual disturbances (and later crippling vertigo)- which were chalked up to hallucinations. Sometimes Occam's Razor is wrong.
I am divorcing the old husband. I saw my medical charts and it proves 🍇 while I was catatonic- so I am likely going to file charges against him. He also lied to the doctors and made me out to be sicker than I was so they would pump me full of more drugs (he was aware I was only sick on them).
I returned to school to become a therapist to help
others deal with medical malpractice. Doing very well.
This will be really great because I have two friends diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Thanks so much for this, as a person who has some friends with bi-polar (plus), it is really useful to have someone explain what they go through. For many of us, disabilities mean physical or medical it is good to have a clearer perspective of what those with perceptional challenges go through. Thanks for lending us your eyes to see through.
I think that was interesting. I'd love to see a side by side rendition of what to do vs what not to do. Thanks for the video. 💗
This was very helpful. The loved one suffering from this doesn’t trust me or my parents at all when he’s in this state and we’re having a hard time getting through those moments. I don’t think he realizes they are episodes yet.
Love your video and advice! After many years working as a psychologist in an inpatient setting, I’ve starting running groups for people wondering this exact question! There’s simply not enough accessible information !!
This was fantastic! I wish your videos were around when I was trying to communicate with my mom having a psychotic episode! So helpful!
I used to work as a nurses aid in a dementia care facility. The acronym they gave us was ADD which stands for Agree, Distract and Divert. It is important to understand that Agree does not mean encourage the delusions, just don't argue. A good Agree would be your example of, " I understand that you perceive the sky as purple". Distract would be gently guiding the conversation away from obsessive thinking by talking about other things, the good example here being the police woman's efforts to establish trust. Divert would be guiding the individual toward more healthy activities, the hospital or other safe spaces. Everything you talked about here can fit into the ADD acronym. I just wanted to share it, because it helped me remember and continues to guide me when I interact with various individuals within the mental health community.
ooo This is a good acronym to remember to get me into the proper mindset. Thanks for sharing!
You posted a year ago but this really helped. I was wondering how to agree when my son's delusions make him agitated and he believes I am an evil person on the astral so how can I agree. But I see I can basically say that I understand he believes this, then try to distract him or talk about how I can make him feel better and deal with his feelings rather than refute his logic/delusion and get him to talk about other things, then distract him by getting him to do something entirely different. Something else that has helped me a bit with him getting violent is setting boundaries and learning more what his triggers are and with boundaries he knows that if he escalates to verbal abuse then he loses use of the credit card until he apologizes but if he persists then he would have to see a doctor and if he escalates then unfortunately police would have to be called and if he continues and police do nothing he would have to leave the house (to his car) until he wants to agree to see a doctor. The reason for calling police is to help mediate, to build a legal paper trail in case I need to use it in court to get him help. Right now, the US mental health facilities are under staffed, under trained, beds are full and the policies are such they kick you out after 5 days if you are not suicidal or homicidal. Unfortunately, some people are smart and can get out. So I would prefer not to force treatment but rather he get help willingly thought that is not always possible.
"There are always rewards for those who state the obvious frequently and with conviction."
My girlfriend had a psychotic break this week and I carried her the whole way through it. It was terrifying, but I just kept distracting her while driving her to the ER. She was on about hurting herself vs surviving, and she kept asking me to take her to the ER, and I just kept asking about her favorite Pokemon, her birthday, our anniversary, our plans, and it kept her mostly steady. It got worse at the hospital, but I think that's because it wasn't just me, then, it was also half a dozen doctors and me.
Thank you for these videos. You are amazing. You are a blessing! My 18 yo son was diagnosed with a form of schizophrenia last year. Your videos are 100% helpful!
I found your videos a few days ago. Listening to you has make me feel more hopeful on my 27 years old son. It’s been a long process for both of us since his first episode 6 years ago. He’s so smart and brilliant but his live has been so different since that. I told him to watch your videos and that maybe he can also do videos as you do, but in Spanish as that’s our primary language. Thanks again! You are doing a great job.
My safe word is "sick". Those who know me know that if I use that word, an episode is near at hand. It worked with my beloved late wife of 35 years, because she trusted that I would say, "I'm getting sick again". That safe word is essential for me. Thanks for the viddie.
NEVER lie to someone whos actively psychotic.
Yes you totally understand
Thank you for sharing your experiences with the world. I work on an Integrated Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Team Treatment Team in an out-patient setting, with a mix of Licensed and un-licensed/non-clinical team members. I shared this video and your channel with my team members.
This is just what I was looking for. My 15-year-old daughter has been in psychosis for several years with very few times of remission. She also has autism. She’s is very strong and sometimes becomes violent. I always try to use empathy so she feels understood but that’s not enough anymore. She wants me to fix it and make everything better. More and more I just don’t know how. It used to be easier.
thanks so much for providing this experience and education for free. i am so grateful that there are no longer only publications and medical websites to turn to for help, but we can also have testimony from real people who experience psychosis. i have a family member living with psychosis after an immune-triggered tbi and i know her experiences are terrifying and extremely jarring to her sense of security. all i want is for her to feel like she has a safe, comfortable support system to turn to. thank you a thousand times for providing this resource for us and our family/friends.
My daughter is 18 and she has been in the hospital for the last 2 months!! I’m trying to learn all I can about her diagnosis!!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I trully appreciated with respect. My son also has psychosis and its very difficult for me to handle as a single mom because i thought i could fix him but that was my biggest mistake. Now I'm willing to understand and respect his feelings with his twist emotion although its a challenging for me but i want to understand his own world and feelings. I love my son and im willing to support and respect his feelings. i am glad to find your videos. -respect and love from Sweden.
I’m grateful for you sharing your insight. It’s truly invaluable! I can only imagine this is such a difficult experience to go through. It’s hard for loved ones on the outside of it to know what they need to feel cared for and supported. I love my sister dearly, watching her go through this struggle is heartbreaking. I want to do whatever I can to help her feel safe and protected and understood.
It must be really hard, acknowledging the psychosis without indulging it, your examples really helped to imagine how to navigate this.
I do totally in episodes, especially due to heightened paranoia forget that I can trust my loved ones. Thanks for sharing. All good advice.
I am not to familiar with schizophrenia. So I am watching this to educate myself more to try to understand. I am a caretaker and one of the people I am caring for is schizophrenic. She tells me all these things that I know weren't really happening. But I know not to tell her that because in her mind they did happen so this helps me to understand how I can support her. Thank you so much
This advice is so relevant for people without chronic conditions as well.
I 'knew' all of this advice but I was still woefully unprepared for how my partner of two years' loss of trust would affect me when she was going through a period of intense paranoia a few weeks ago. It was extremely hard to recognize/accept that she was experiencing delusions. And as I'm not exactly a beacon of self confidence either, I got scared and defensive and responded in all of the unhelpful ways (dismissing, arguing, contradicting, disengaging, asserting how the lack of trust was affecting me, etc).
She's still recovering and still slips back into that panic sometimes, and holy hell it's so hard to get this lesson through my head that I don't need to be defensive, that I can acknowledge what she is experiencing, validate how she's feeling in response to her perceptions, discuss what actions to take even given her perceptions, etc etc.
In your situation you mention how it is difficult for loved ones to be supportive if the person in psychosis is not trusting them. In the situations where I have had to help a loved one during a psychotic episode, they were very mean and cruel to everyone in the family as part of their psychosis, which really makes it hard to be caring and supportive. If the psychosis turns the person into an asshole which seems to be the case for my loved one, it is just so hard to continually be kind and supportive in return.
Hi Lauren! I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your experience. Your voice and demeanor are always very comforting, even when discussing difficult topics, and your videos are a pleasure to watch. Wishing you and your loved ones well ❤
I literally thought that my ex and family were out to get me, and eventually the Drs and nurses becuase they wouldnt let me out of the BH unit. I felt like I was making predictions and they were coming true but it was just premeditated ideas that I made happen... luckily I didnt hurt anybody or my self but I did scare the heck out of everyone at work, blacked out. Felt like I was dying, as if 10,00 hands were pulling me down, seeing stuff like triangles and having to choose between 3 conflicting decisions or action. Felt like I was reading peoples mind and could control what they said trying to speak only truth and tell secrets on themselves. Whoa it was bad and didnt realize it was that bad.
How do I talk to family members who thinks im out to get them?
This sounds exactly like my son's delusions! How did you come to accept help?
@@robinhughes7576 I was basically taken to 2 differnent hopsitals, one by my dad, once in a squad card which was called for a wellness check. it took me about a month of being on medicine. Once you get in that mode you cant snap out of it on your own. Im 34 years old, I wasnt diaognosed with Schizophrenia. Just manic depression/ bipolar with temporary psychosis. After a year and half on meds I dont have racing thoughts or anything like that.
@@treyvonc7165 if you rhibk they are a harm to their self or others you can seek authority or take them to a hospital, but dont let them know thats where you are going. They will thank you in the end when they are well.
@@RoBFE-fe5dh thank you for being open an sharing your experience! It seems my son (24) doesn’t get to the point where he admits the pills help after the psychotic episode. I try to talk to him about the experience and he just says the pills don’t help and he wants to get off of them and then I remind him about the other 3 times that he went off of the pills and ended in ER and the last time he agreed to go to a mental hospital for 5 days to stabilize as he did want to die…. Last time was 2 months ago and now he is starting through the beginning stages of where we ended up 3 previous times… taking himself off anti psychotic meds… he has now weened himself off of a sleeping pill, anxiety med and decreased anti psychotic med to 6mg down from 9. He has an appt with his med dr next week but he continue s to say the pills don’t help. He continually hears many voices and talks back as well as a horrible taste in his mouth and smells horrible smells. Any advice on where he is at and how to encourage him? I see a difference in him when he is on the meds
Thank you so much Lauren, your videos have really helped me understand how to communicate effectively with my mom who lives with schizoaffective disorder, and have helped me to understand what she is going through. A little kindness and empathy go a long way. My mom acknowledges that she has mental illness, but still believes firmly in her delusions which she has had for about ten years now. Unfortunately she does not always take her medications properly and has tried to commit suicide twice. I pray that she can find some stability and sense of peace in life.
Thank you for these videos I am a mother trying to understand how best to help my son. Your channel has been such a blessing as I search for answers and understanding on what is happening and what to expect going forward.
Excellent! Great point about TRUST.
Thank you for all your videos I am a fellow schizophrenic and your videos are a blessing to me God bless
I appreciate your videos miss. I am in my psychiatry rotation and your videos have helped to give more context to me
- divert their attention from the hallucinations, and focus on how they’re feeling at the moment
- that is not how we’re seeing it but i get that
- try to communicate if ano gusto niya gawin para mapadali lahat
- build a sense of rapport or trust
Thanks for this Lauren... ive had a lot of bad experiences with RCMP handling a mental health crisis as if it was a violent crime..
This video really helps me helping others with psychosis as well as how i want to be treated when im in the episode. so i can explain to my friends who trying to support me but dont quite know how. coz i didnt know how i wanted to be treated when im in the episode. great video. thank you!
I love you 💕❤️ and your family! Thank you for being a loving light. 💕❤️
I love your videos!!
My gf is having an episode now and this video calmed me down so im better able to do the right thing. thanks so much
Thank you for sharing your perspective with us, I really love learning from your videos in case I ever meet someone who has schizophrenia or other illnesses causing delusions so I can support them with love and compassion
Thank you so very much for this video. I am dealing with my brother in another state so fairly helpless and not knowledgeable. He’s been pretty stable for a long time. This will keep me from making the mistakes I certainly would have made. Your video is great. Thank you.
Getting down on their level and building repoire and quelling their fears....so helpful
she's got it. I'm still workimg on it. There are people I trust now. Rapport is so important and support to get through it. She has talked me off the ledge more than once. Reality shifts and confusion ensues. Jusr have to cope somehow and manage the psychosis.
I LOVE that you have helped discuss issues with the local police!!! That is such a blessing to our community. I'm overly emotional at the moment but it made me tear up that the officer was able to use your advice to help in the situation later on. Hopefully it brings a sense of assurance of the things hoped for when you create content. I have supported once today but I gotta do it again. So worth it. Thank you!
Those are really good advices. Thanks for sharing!
Manic depressive here. This was really good. I'm going to share it on my social media. :)
Good on you for great advice. You are a very smart
and caring person. This information helps so many people, and shows you are very normal , and just coping with
a part of your life.
Appreciate you so much.
These videos are helping me to be more understanding. Thank you for doing them.
It's very commendable that the police officer took their time with you, to build trust and calm you down. Not everyone who has a psychotic episode is afforded that same care. If you're a tall, angry-looking man going through the same thing, you're more likely to be tazed, wrestled to the ground and get shot for resisting arrest :(
This is very helpful to hear. I appreciate you (& your partner) sharing this. Much love 🤗
My little sister Is experiencing psychosis for the first time at 17.
Thank you for advises.
I can’t imagine what it is like to believe you hear someone threatening you and then from your perception they straight up gaslight you by telling you they didn’t just say what you heard them say. It’s hard on both people
Thank you so much my partner has been going through some bad psychosis recently and I appreciate the tips
This is such good information. Thank you for helping us to understand how we can support someone in the midst of an episode they are experiencing.
your own personal experience is much more useful rather that a doctor, don't get me wrong doctors can diagnose you, but coming from experience, is valuable and I can relate to it, keep doing these videos, they really are worth it
My wife while watching this with me: "Well of course she didn't trust her husband... she was being Rob-bed!" 🙂 Thank you for your channel. It has been a big help.
I am not schizophrenic but I have recently been diagnosed with psychosis after living and suffering with it since the age of 16. I am 34 now and have only recently began seeking help for it because I can't take it anymore. I am drained and exhausted with it. I am thankful to have a small network of support around me but having psychosis is very lonely and frightening.
You are so lucky to have a loving and supportive partner.
I appriciate your channel. I try to live well with schizoaffective disorder, its a fight every day.
My brother has schizophrenia. I really want to support him but I have respect myself and my boundaries as well. He is very disrespectful to me and my mom even before and after his diagnosis. I’m a recovering people pleaser and I want to support my mom and brother but if I let them they will use up all my energy and I can’t anymore. I’m seeing a shift in my own mental health. It’s exhausting and I don’t know what to do anymore. It’s gotten to the point where I don’t even speak to him anymore and that hurts me but I literally can’t anymore.
So excited to watch this since I work with pts who sometimes experience psychosis!! Your channel is truly education for health professionals
Thank you for sharing! Ever since I was little, I've had a big fear of getting mentally ill. I do understand that it must be extremely frightening at times, but you're still making me less afraid by talking about it in a constructive way. Lots of love
Very grateful for that video and your videos in general. It helps me to help, to forgive and to understand somebody in my surroundings who exhibits symptoms of schizoaffective disorder and is taking medication for it.
Just yesterday there was an episode where I tried to be nice and cool, but did not have all the right tools and information, yet. Now with this video I can takle such a situation better the next time.
Your smile is healthy. I need this class
Thankyou for this video 💗 I've been a caregiver in memory care and mental health for a while now and this video helps alot. Especially hearing what helps the most from someone who has schizophrenia. This is very helpful and I hope there will be more videos like this for us healthcare workers! 😁❤
I'm so glad that police officer remembered your visit to her class. :-)
My support structure was "busy" during my psychosis. I wish mine were around to be suspicious of but I suppose, when times are tough friends are few (or nowhere in my case). Now I grow flowers and don't care much for people. It's a win-win I guess.
Hey im struggling with my sister right now who had a psychotic episode and the hospital has been horrible with diagnosing this its been 3 days since she had her episode can psychotic episodes be manifested without any mental illnesses?
@@Bhigtranknee absolutely. Some people have episodes and have never taken drugs or been diagnosed with any disorders. It's a combination of complex factors like genetics, stressors, environment etc etc.
The UK NHI has a good resource on psychosis online.
I'm sorry to hear about your sisters episode, god bless ya both.
@@baldwintheanchorite thank you so much shes doing alot better!❤️❤️
@@Bhigtranknee ah what wonderful news, thanks for letting me know. Made my weekend. Be safe