Understanding Psychosis: My Personal Journey and How We Can Support Others

Mental health challenges come in many forms, and one of the most misunderstood and often stigmatized conditions is psychosis. For those who experience it, psychosis can be terrifying, isolating, and overwhelming. Having experienced psychosis myself, I know firsthand how deeply it can affect your thoughts, emotions, and reality. At Evolve Supply Co., we’re committed to fostering a community that supports mental health. That’s why 20% of our profits go toward covering therapy costs for those who can’t afford it through our donations to Rise Above The Disorder. In this post, I want to share my journey with psychosis, what it can look like, and how we can help those navigating this challenging condition.

What is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health condition that affects how an individual interprets reality. People experiencing psychosis may have difficulty distinguishing between what’s real and what’s not. It’s often associated with symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and paranoia. Psychosis can occur as part of various mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression, or as a result of trauma, substance use, or physical health issues.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 3% of people will experience psychosis at some point in their lives. Despite its prevalence, there’s still significant stigma and misunderstanding around psychosis, making it even harder for those experiencing it to seek help.

What Psychosis Can Look Like

Psychosis manifests differently for everyone, but some common signs include:

• Delusions: Strongly held beliefs that are not based in reality (e.g., thinking you have supernatural powers or are being targeted by others).
• Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there.
• Disorganized Thinking: Difficulty organizing thoughts or communicating clearly.
• Paranoia: An overwhelming sense of distrust or fear that others are out to harm you.
• Changes in Behavior: Acting out of character or displaying unusual or risky behaviors.

Note: These symptoms can vary in intensity and may come on suddenly or develop gradually.

My Personal Experience with Psychosis

When I experience psychosis, it feels like my world is crumbling around me, piece by piece, leaving me in complete darkness. I am trapped in my own mind, overwhelmed by relentless thoughts that I can’t escape. I am convinced people are talking about me, watching me, or plotting against me. The paranoia suffocates me, choking my ability to trust even the people I love the most. Nights become endless battles with my mind—I can’t sleep, can’t find peace, caught in an unrelenting cycle of racing thoughts and delusions.

The hardest part is how it changes me. I say and do things that don’t feel like me, acting in ways I don’t understand. It feels like I am losing myself, like the person I know I am is slipping further away. That loss of control makes everything worse, amplifying the stress and the symptoms until it feels unbearable. My delusions are so vivid, so real—they tell me I’m being possessed by demons, or that I am a terrible person who doesn’t deserve love or forgiveness. These thoughts consume me, and I collapse to the floor, crushed under the weight of it all.

The isolation is the most painful part. I have never felt so alone. I look into the eyes of my loved ones, my best friends, and see their fear, confusion, and helplessness. That look—a mixture of worry and uncertainty—cuts me deeper than anything. It makes me feel like a burden, like someone who can’t be helped. The more I push people away, the more I sink into the belief that I am beyond saving.

But even in the midst of it, I am learning that healing is possible. It’s not easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right support, therapy, and care, I can find my way through. Even when my reality feels distorted and overwhelming, I know I am fighting for myself. Psychosis brings me to my knees, but it also shows me my strength. It reminds me that no matter how dark it gets, I am still here, still fighting, still holding on to the hope of something better.

How to Help Someone Experiencing Psychosis

Supporting someone going through psychosis requires patience, compassion, and understanding. Here are some ways you can help:

1. Stay Calm and Patient: Psychosis can be overwhelming for both the individual and their loved ones. Staying calm and avoiding confrontation can help de-escalate a stressful situation.
2. Validate Their Feelings: Even if their perceptions aren’t based in reality, their emotions are real. Avoid dismissing their feelings and instead focus on offering reassurance.
3. Encourage Professional Help: Encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional. If they’re resistant, gently offer resources or suggest a trusted therapist.
4. Create a Safe Environment: Reduce stress and remove any potential triggers. This might mean creating a quiet space or minimizing overwhelming stimuli.
5. Educate Yourself: Understanding psychosis can help you provide better support. Learning about the condition shows your commitment to helping them navigate this challenging time.
6. Be There for Them: Let them know they’re not alone. Sometimes, just being present and listening can make all the difference.

Building a Supportive Mental Health Community

At Evolve Supply Co., we believe in breaking down the stigma around mental health and creating a space where people can feel seen and heard. Our “Let’s Talk About It” blog is a place for open conversations about mental health, and we’re committed to supporting those who need it most. That’s why 20% of our profits are donated to cover therapy costs for people who might not have access otherwise.

Whether you’ve experienced psychosis yourself or are supporting someone who has, it’s important to remember that recovery is possible. Therapy, medication, and a strong support system can make a world of difference.

Final Thoughts

Psychosis is a deeply challenging experience, but it’s one that can be managed with the right support. Sharing my story has been a way to take back control and help others understand what psychosis feels like. At Evolve Supply Co., we’re here to be a part of that support system, fostering a community that prioritizes mental health and uplifts one another.

If you or someone you know is struggling with psychosis, know that help is available. Together, we can break the stigma and create a world where mental health is openly supported and understood. Let’s keep the conversation going—because mental health matters.

XO

Tyler