What does psychosis feels like and how it can affect me?
If you're noticing signs of psychosis, like shifts in your thinking or some unusual beliefs, it's understandable to feel uneasy or anxious. Feeling disconnected from what's happening around you can be isolating and scary.
It can also be hard to figure out the different ways your psychosis is affecting you when life may already feel complicated. If you've been dealing with symptoms of psychosis, whether they're new or you've had them for a while, this page is here to offer some clarity.
The below signs may help you identify what’s happening:
Early warning signs
- You might find that your thoughts are jumbled or confused. You may start perceiving things differently, such as seeing or hearing things that others don't
- You might develop strong beliefs that seem odd to others or aren't based on reality. For example, you might believe you have special powers or that there are hidden messages just for you.
- You may notice shifts in your emotions, such as feeling flat or overly intense. Your behaviour might become unpredictable or unusual to others, which they may point out to you.
- You could struggle to keep up with everyday tasks, like going to work or school, maintaining personal hygiene, or keeping up with social commitments.
- Your perceptions of the world around you may become distorted.
- You may find it hard to put your thoughts into words, speak in a way that's hard for others to understand, or have trouble following conversations.
Each person's journey is different, so if some points don't quite fit your experience, that's okay. Below, you can find a range of other physical, social, emotional and psychological effects of psychosis that may help you in understanding your own unique situation:
Thoughts and feelings
- Hallucinations
This is when your senses might play tricks on you, making you hear, see, or feel things that aren't really there. For example, you could hear someone speaking when no one else does or see shapes that no one else sees.
- Delusions
- Trouble with thinking
“I was in a psychosis, and I thought that I was being possessed by the devil. I also believed that I was in my own version of The Truman Show.”
Listen to a group of people about their experience living with schizophrenia and the stigma they feel people with psychosis face.
Emotional turmoil
- Fear and paranoia
There might be times when you feel overly scared or anxious without a clear reason. You may think people are against you or trying to harm you, even when they aren't. For example, stepping outside might make you anxious because you're convinced someone is tracking you. Or, you might feel your coworkers are scheming against you when they're simply chatting.
- Confusion and disorentation
“I was on top of a building, ready to jump because I thought I was a bird. Nothing in that moment could have convinced me that I couldn't fly. I believed anything was possible. ”
Mood disturbances
- Depression
Living with psychosis can sometimes make you feel down. You may find it hard to find pleasure in things that once made you happy. It's understandable if you're feeling a bit trapped or hopeless, especially after a recent episode.
- Anxiety
- Irritability
Remember, you deserve support and understanding. There are coping strategies that can help you manage your symptoms and triggers. You're not alone, and with the right tools, you can navigate your experiences more easily.
Physical effects
Living with psychosis isn't just an emotional journey; it can be physically taxing, too. Below, we've highlighted some of the common physical effects you might experience:
- Sleep disruptions
Living with psychosis can sometimes affect your sleep patterns. It might be challenging to drift off or stay asleep, while on other days, you could feel an overwhelming need to rest.
- Appetite and weight changes
- Body movement issues
- Impact on energy levels
Social effects
If you’re living with psychosis, social situations may feel challenging and your relationships with other people might be impacted. Here are some common social effects you may experience:
- Social withdrawal
You might find yourself pulling away from social situations. Fear or embarrassment about your psychosis might lead you to step back from friends or gatherings. It's helpful to be aware of this so you can find ways to stay connected when you're ready.
- Strained relationships
- Stigma and misunderstanding
Other effects
Living with psychosis isn't just about managing physical and social challenges. There are other shifts that might impact your life. Below, we explore what these could mean for you.
- Impact on independence and daily functioning
If you're experiencing psychosis, everyday activities and tasks might seem harder than usual. You might find it challenging to think clearly or work productively. Even basic things like making food or brushing your teeth, might feel like a challenge.
- Financial implications
- Coping mechanisms
Download our psychosis factsheet.
