Mental health issues can develop slowly or suddenly, sometimes leading a person to experience psychosis, a state of losing touch with reality. For families, this can be confusing and worrisome, especially when trying to identify signs and understand how to provide support. Knowing what symptoms to look out for and how to respond compassionately can help ensure a loved one receives the mental health care they need.
This article covers the signs of mental instability, how to recognize a shift in a loved one’s reality, and strategies for handling the situation in a way that prioritizes both their wellbeing and the safety of everyone involved.
1. Recognizing Signs of Mental Instability and Psychosis
Mental instability may appear differently depending on a person’s personality, environment, and specific mental health condition. Psychosis often involves hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Here are key indicators to watch for:
A) Changes in Thought Patterns
- Delusions: Holding strong beliefs that don’t align with reality, such as having superhuman abilities or feeling persecuted.
- Paranoia: Intense, irrational fears or suspicions.
- Disorganized Thinking: Trouble following conversations or switching between unrelated topics abruptly.
B) Perceptual Disturbances
- Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there.
- Heightened Sensitivity: Overwhelmed by sensory input, leading to withdrawal or irritability.
C) Behavioral Changes
- Mood Swings: Rapid shifts between emotions like sadness, anger, or euphoria.
- Social Withdrawal: Isolating from friends, family, or enjoyable activities.
- Erratic or Risky Behavior: Acting out of character or impulsively.
D) Changes in Daily Functioning
- Neglecting Personal Hygiene: Stopping regular grooming routines.
- Difficulty with Routine Tasks: Struggling with daily responsibilities or focusing.
E) Verbal Cues
- Disorganized Speech: Speaking incoherently or using unusual words.
- Aggressive or Fearful Language: Expressing sudden hostility or irrational fears.
2. Identifying When Someone Has Lost Touch with Reality
When a person loses touch with reality, they may have difficulty distinguishing between real and imagined events. Signs of psychosis include:
- Persistent Unreal Beliefs: Holding implausible beliefs, despite evidence to the contrary.
- Impaired Reasoning: Struggling to engage in logical discussions.
- Emotional Disconnect: Appearing distant or unresponsive to others’ emotional cues.
3. How to Support a Loved One Experiencing Psychosis
Supporting someone in a state of psychosis requires a balance of empathy, calm communication, and safety measures. Here are practical steps:
A) Maintain a Calm Environment
- Stay Calm: Use a gentle, steady tone to avoid causing agitation.
- Limit Stimuli: Reduce loud noises and bright lights to prevent sensory overload.
B) Use Compassionate Communication
- Acknowledge Their Feelings: Show empathy without validating delusions (e.g., “I see you’re feeling scared”).
- Avoid Arguing: Debating can increase distress; focus on listening and empathizing.
- Set Boundaries Gently: For safety, set necessary limits (e.g., “I’m going to stay here with you to help you feel safe”).
C) Prioritize Safety
- Assess Immediate Danger: If there’s a risk of harm, consider emergency help, explaining the situation to responders.
- Remove Harmful Objects: Discreetly relocate sharp or dangerous items if needed.
- Enlist Support: Reach out to mental health professionals, crisis hotlines, or supportive family members.
D) Encourage Professional Help
- Suggest Help Kindly: Recommend professional support in a supportive way (e.g., “Talking to someone could help make sense of this”).
- Offer to Accompany Them: If they’re hesitant, offer to attend therapy sessions with them.
- Involve Mental Health Services: Crisis intervention teams can provide immediate, professional support.
4. Taking Care of Yourself as a Caregiver
Supporting a loved one with mental health challenges can be emotionally exhausting. Protect your own wellbeing with these steps:
- Set Personal Boundaries: Take time to recharge, and don’t feel guilty about it.
- Seek Support: Talking to friends or a therapist can provide emotional relief.
- Educate Yourself: Learning about mental health can equip you to better support your loved one.
5. Treatment Options for Long-Term Support
Long-term care is crucial for individuals experiencing psychosis or mental instability. Common treatment options include:
- Psychotherapy: Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help individuals manage unhelpful thought patterns.
- Medication: Antipsychotic or mood-stabilizing medications can reduce symptoms.
- Inpatient/Outpatient Care: In severe cases, inpatient care may be necessary. Outpatient programs allow individuals to receive structured support while living at home.
- Family Counseling: Working with a therapist as a family can improve communication and develop supportive routines.
Conclusion: Creating a Path to Stability and Wellbeing with Christel Maritz, Psychologist in Somerset West, Western Cape
For families navigating the complexities of supporting a loved one through mental instability, particularly when it involves neurodivergent conditions or trauma, compassionate and professional guidance is essential. Christel Maritz, an experienced clinical psychologist in Somerset West, Western Cape, specializes in trauma therapy, EMDR, and neurodivergent support. Her empathetic approach helps families recognize key symptoms and respond effectively to loved ones facing challenges such as psychosis. By prioritizing safety, understanding individual needs, and offering professional support, Christel assists families in fostering a nurturing environment that encourages stability and healing. To contact Christel click here.
