Life after a psychotic episode

[GreenApplesBlueSky]

Have had a scary time of things and would like to hear from anyone with similar experiences.

Two weeks ago, I had a sudden bad feeling that my bf was involved in a protection racket/drugs ring/sex work. It ended in me believing and saying some awful things. I even ended up in a GUM clinic. I terminated my relationship with him, citing some reasons repeatedly over text. I thought he was going to get killed for being involved with me at the time. It was an extremely scary episode, as I also believed I was being recruited for military intelligence. None of this is true. For the record, I am a 44 yr old professional with 2 DCs, a friendly ex-h, with no history of MH issues.

I ended up on a psychiatric ward. The episode lasted a few days, I could not eat or sleep. Things are ok now I am out. I am doing all the right things - pushed up support network, taking medication, getting sleep. I am having this investigated as I have had other health problems: autoimmune system, some antibodies came back positive during an earlier blood test and I have symptoms of Srogren's (sp?) disease. Also a family history of various cancers. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist.

Fortunately, my kids seem to understand the illness & I could screen them from a lot of it. But my relationship has taken a huge bashing and I am very upset. There is a chance it will be ok. He is understanding and patient and kind, but it is hard for him to have heard the things he did from me, during illness. We are talking and working through it, but I am smarting. Feeling many emotions.

Did anyone else go through this? How did you cope with the aftermath?

Have you had a brain scan ?

Hello, I'm checking back in. Betaboo yes, I have had my scan now. I don't know what it will show, but I am convinced there is an organic origin. When it happens, I get hugely fatigued, then there are the palpitations and dry mouth. I try to attribute these to something, and end up reading information into things not there.
This is how I understand it.

Gingerkittykat I'm sorry there are a few of us. Yes, the hangover feeling was not pleasant. Somehow it has been ok. My partner is still supportive, but has gone off to do the thing he said he would when I told him it was "over". I know he knows I spoke out of illness now. I've also told all my friends the truth, so I can step up my self care.

Great point about MH carers' support groups. I didn't know these existed. Will point him in the direction.

My new consultant is an expert on fibro/ autoimmune link. I hope I can get some answers. My tingling persists and I get aches on my left side of body. It seems too weird to be coincidental...

Acabria thank you for sharing this. My DCs.... it is helpful for them. I am worried about how to protect them.

User what is the actual link with delirium? What does delirium mean? It's not in the DSM, is it? I'm so sorry you went through the same. I will try to get that book, too. It's so scary, isn't it? I'm trying hard not to get stressed but that, in itself, is stressful...

Chickenyhead I thank you sooo much for your support. You speak sense! Partner continuing to be helpful and has been even more understanding over time.

You must have been under intense pressure to have literally cracked like this . I speak from experience on this one . What's so amazing is that during an episode it's all so very real - the mind is totally unleashed and you make a lot of sense to others even though you are obviously very ill at the time .
The only consolation is that you had a rapid crack up and an equally swift recovery as you are without doubt a very strong person . In my experience of others with MH issues I'd take a psychotic episode anytime over the neuroses I've seen others suffer . Unfortunately as you say it leaves you smarting . You'll get over that . And the people who love you will understand believe me . Because even though you were taken over by delusions for a time the real you was still in there fighting to become well . And you have . It'll get easier .