Healing from a psychotic break is absolutely possible.
It takes time, patience, and the right mix of treatment tools.
Losing your mind, having a psychotic break, relinquishing your control on reality. However you want to see it, whatever you want to call it, psychotic breaks are a serious, sometimes dangerous, side effect of psychosis. The break from the real world it can shove the people suffering from psychosis into is a hard thing to explain to people who haven’t “lost it” before themselves.
In an effort to lift our collective consciousness surrounding mental wellness, especially as it relates to Bipolar Disorders, Psychosis, and related disorders – I hope you can find a place in your heart to foster understanding. I have yet to meet a peer on this path who asked for their diagnoses. Additionally, I have yet to meet anyone who hasn’t been touched by mental illness in some capacity. You never know when yourself or a loved one might come into the crosshairs of psychosis, depression, anxiety, or any one of an array of what western medicine likes to call “disorders.” I take the position that we all benefit from a more compassionate world where our brothers and sisters are treated first with kindness, for who doesn’t deserve to heal?
For those of you involved with someone who has experienced a psychotic break, or is experiencing psychosis, I can tell you this: recovery is absolutely possible. I am not a medical professional, and cannot prescribe the necessary care and medication for someone in the throes of a break. What I can do, however, is come alongside those coming out the other end. I can lend a hand and hold a lantern to illuminate the path to sustainable recovery. I know the hopelessness, the guilt, shame, and dread of this route. It’s easier with a friend, some light, and a walking stick.
So you’ve had a couple brushes with the dark side of psychosis?
For those of you who have experienced the dark nights that seemed to never end… Regardless of how many times you have lost your mind, or how long you were “MIA” for, you can probably relate to the feeling of your brain being deep fried upon reentry. Or that your heart has betrayed you, and you feel hollow inside. Maybe you feel guilty because you did or said things you would NEVER do when you’re, well, the “normal you.” I get it. So there you are, left to put the pieces back together without a manual.
Coming back takes time. Do not be discouraged because you’re still working on a medication mix that works well for you. Do not be discouraged because you can’t handle a full-time or even a part-time job. It can be discouraging when you can’t seem to see your progress as the days trickle by. Rest assured, you are healing. As long as you are making slightly more healthy choices than unhealthy choices, you are making progress. Health is wealth, don’t shortchange yourself thinking you won’t make it. You’re still here, you’re making it! The brain and body have a miraculous ability to heal and recover. There are things you can do, and things you can stay away from, to accelerate your recovery and safeguard yourself from having another episode.
Having a Psychotic Break does not define you.
You are not alone. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are broken. You have nothing to prove. Would you do me a favor? Take it easy on yourself. Do something nice for yourself today. Maybe that thing is being nice to yourself today. Please, you deserve it.