Psychosis support thread

[NightTerrier]

If anyone needs support for themselves or loved ones in this area, post here!

[tehmina23]

I've been accepted on an NHS course called Understanding Unusual Experiences - the idea is that if I need to reduce my anti psychotics the skills I learn on the course may help me to manage my paranoia & psychosis.

I'm going to the enrolment screening appointment tomorrow will see how it goes..

[NightTerrier]

That's great news, tehmina. It sounds really interesting. Is it a group?

[TheGhostOfBarryFairbrother]

That sounds really interesting. I want to get some CBT in order to better control the voices but there's nothing around where I live.

I'm recovering from a bout of psychosis that ended up in hospital. I find it takes a long time to get back to "normal" afterwards. I feel almost traumatised by it, the fear that goes along with paranoia and hallucinations is scarring.

[tehmina23]

It is a group course for 1 day. Carers & healthcare professionals can attend the course as well.

Apparently the course is run by a mental health nurse & a person who has 'lived experience' of psychosis.

[TheGhostOfBarryFairbrother]

Have you heard of the Hearing Voices Network?

[iveburntthetoast]

I’m still in the midst of a bipolar depressive episode that’s had psychosis mixed in. The psychosis has gone, but I feel like shit still. I didn’t feel depressed whilst psychotic, but it seems once the psychosis passed, the depression came in full force.

I’m still getting my head around having psychosis. I was diagnosed with PND 7 years ago after DD2 (had no problems before that). That became bipolar after 9 months.

About 3 years ago, I started getting psychotic symptoms alongside the depression. A schizoaffective diagnosis has been briefly mentioned once, but otherwise the psychosis hasn’t been really discussed.

[SongBirdsKeepSinging]

I had post natal psychosis after having dd2 (she's 6 now).

My diagnosis has been changed to psychotic depression. I have had cbt and done a group mindfulness course which I found helpful.

I'm currently very depressed but I'm still able to recognise that my symptoms aren't real, that doesn't usually last long so I need to see my gp. I was discharged to gp care around 18 months ago. My gp won't change my medication at all so going back for help will mean I end up back in the mental health team and I hate to bother them.

My anxiety and paranoia are horrendous at the moment too.

[tehmina23]

I have depression with Psychosis too.

[NolongerAnxiousCarer]

songbird don't feel bad about asking for help, thats what the team are there for. DH is under an early intervention in psychosis team and has seen his CPN almost every week for the last 4 years. I'm amazed by the intensity of support, but I know that he wouldn't be getting this much support if he didn't need it.

[TheGhostOfBarryFairbrother]

Anyone else on clozapine?

[tehmina23]

Does anyone else struggle with paranoia?

I get on well with & like my work colleagues & they seem to like me & think I work hard.

But as soon as I sit in the little staff room for a break I think they're talking about me and being bitchy out in the ward. Rationally I think they're not doing that but I can't escape the thoughts that they are.
Sometimes I've even put my hands over my ears in case I hear them talking about me.
It's not a relaxing way to be!

[NightTerrier]

Hi tehmina. I'm sorry you feel that way, You are a strong person for being able to carry on working in spite of all of this.

Yes, I really struggle with paranoia. I have to see the vocational person at my CMHT about getting back to work and I know it would be good for me, but I'm worried about how I'll manage with the paranoia.

[tehmina23]

Hi, I only work 4 days a week as when I get too stressed I do get quite paranoid then.

I also get really tired on my meds which is bad as I have epilepsy too.

I could do with a 3 day week but can't afford it.

The key to less stress & less paranoia I find is: having colleagues who you can trust; and having a set routine at work. Having regular breaks too & not having much responsibility.
I've found a ward where I work as an HCA I have all these things luckily but they may close the ward in a year or so...
I'm already planning my next job move, I want to be a physio assistant.
I like helping people to improve their mobility.

[ZenDog91]

Hi is this thread still active? My son has had an acute psychotic episode resulting in hospitalisation. I'd love the chance to talk to anyone else who has been through this nightmare..............

[TheGhostOfBarryFairbrother]

I'm still here.

How are you doing? Remember to look after yourself too.

[sneezeandclench]

Hi ZenDog91, my 15 year old DD has just been discharged from an adolescent psychiatric unit after suffering from a psychotic breakdown. She is still very unwell but we have a lot of community support. It has been a massive strain on our family and I have found it hard to cope with the stress of it.

How old is your son? Has he had his symptoms for a while? My DD has been hearing voices for over a year and has recently taken to self harming to help her cope with it. It is a very scary thing to go through. I have schizoaffective disorder myself so I know how frightening it can be both for the sufferer and the parent.

I am here if you want to talk.

[latara23]

I've now been diagnosed with Schizo affective disorder as I've been getting low level psychotic symptoms & have depression.

I haven't even told my mum!

[latara23]

I now take Aripiprazole 25mg & Venlafaxine mr 300mg which works really well for me & I don't think people would guess I have a problem now, just hoping to stay well.

[latara23]

Just had a letter from the psychiatrist outlining my care plan & it detailed the intrusive thoughts I've been getting prior to increasing the Aripiprazole.

It's upsetting to see it written in black and white as I've kept the thoughts secret for so long.

Does anyone else feel vulnerable when opening up to mh professionals?? It's a horrible feeling. As I'm a very private person.

[TheGhostOfBarryFairbrother]

I find looking back on a bad period excruciatingly painful.

[latara23]

Yes 2012 was my worst time & I still get upset about it, & angry and bitter as I lost my professional career.

[TheGhostOfBarryFairbrother]

I know exactly what you mean. I also feel terrified when I think about being sectioned and how utterly powerless I was.

I see a psychologist every few weeks who helps me to see things in a more measured way.

I had a manic episode before Christmas and behaved badly. I know logically that it was because I was ill but I'm still ashamed.