Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Original poster

Are you scared of someone who has pychosis?

34 replies

Crawling · 19/12/2012 19:29

It's in the media all the time and I suffer greatly and not even all my family know as I'm scared they will be afraid of me. I certainly never tell friends because I think they will be scared to leave their children near me. So do people think I'm weird and would you be scared of me?

I've suffered since I was 13 and only ever hurt myself, but I've learnt to hide it so people don't think I'm going to suddenly axe murder them. Sometimes its hard to ignore the voices and I end up talking to them and people move away like I'm contagious so I don't go out much and never if I'm having a day when my psychosis is bad.I don't have any real friends because I'm so scared they will be afraid of me.

OP posts:
tiredemma · 19/12/2012 19:30

Are you on medication?

Original poster
Crawling · 19/12/2012 19:33

Yes I am but it still happens sometimes.

OP posts:
tiredemma · 19/12/2012 19:35

I'm a mental health nurse so no, psychosis doesn't scare me.

It saddens me that people struggle with psychosis. I see day to day how horrendous it is.

tiredemma · 19/12/2012 19:36

Are you on the right medication if you are still responding to voices? When did you last have a review?.

FromEsme · 19/12/2012 19:37

Not scared, no. Sad for you though - I also have mental health problems and I know what a struggle it can be. On top of that, the stigma is awful and the fact that it isolates you is just so cruel.

Original poster
Crawling · 19/12/2012 19:38

A few weeks ago my psychiatrist won't up my doses any more.

OP posts:
NotWankinginaWinterWonderland · 19/12/2012 19:38

My brother has psychosis as does a friend of a friend, I was wary of her (pre my brother being diagnosed) but once I knew her it was fine and the same applies to my bother now, I do avoid him sometimes but just when he is very moody and in a look all doors/shut all blinds mood!

Original poster
Crawling · 19/12/2012 19:40

Thanks both it helps to know that some people are not scared of me Smile

OP posts:
mummybrained · 19/12/2012 19:40

I think some friends would understand and some would avoid you, tbh, depending on what their expecriences are. But hiding symptoms when you are having a rough time must be almost as exhausting as coping with them? Maybe there are some people (family or friends) who should be given the chance to be supportive. I do think you are right tho...the media and general paranoia of people, esp. around your kids, i think it's inevitable some people with overreact honestly. Maybe weigh up the risk against being isolated by your illness and trying to keep it under wraps....and hang on in there

NotWankinginaWinterWonderland · 19/12/2012 19:42

If it helps at all, I do not have psychosis but do have a mental illness, PTSD and also talk to myself! I cannot help it, my mind works so quickly and I over think that sometimes my lips move. Embarrassing but hey-ho I cannot stop it right now,well I can if I make a mental note to 'keep lips together', it isn't too bad in the car as I pretend I am singing.

I also do not have many friends but this is due to bad life choices and my ex friend was overly friendly, for me, I like a friend who is not with me 24/7.

GregorSamsa · 19/12/2012 19:43

Not remotely scared, unless someone is being overtly threatening.

My down-the-road neighbour has fluctuating levels of paranoia and occasionally knocks on our door complaining about special branch watching her and wanting to hide in our house. I sit her down in the kitchen for a bit and make her a cup of tea, which seems to help.

Smile
SledsImOn · 19/12/2012 19:43

I'm not sure. I am very sorry that you go through this though.

I've never met anyone (well apart from our neighbours - we're by a rehab house) who has psychosis. one or two of the residents have scared my children, or me, by shouting at us suddenly - but normally this doesn't happen. I don't know what is wrong with them and it may be something different.

People talking to themselves don't scare me.
I had a friend who developed a sort of bipolar once, she had a pretty bad pot habit and I think it triggered something. and she kept knocking on our door when my baby was little, and brought her puppy in, and it pooed on the floor and I had to clear it up, and then she went manic with ds1 who was 4, and they wrapped his rocking horse entirely in toilet paper.

I have to admit I didn't want to let her in again after that. Blush

She got sorted though and sent an apology...I hope she is ok now. That's not psychosis though anyway - I'm sure it is totally different.

take care Op. I can imagine you must be pretty lonely - and I know how that feels xx

puds11isNAUGHTYnotNAICE · 19/12/2012 19:45

If someone was being threatening i would be scared psychosis or no psychosis.

Psychosis alone wouldn't bother me.Smile

Feckthehalls · 19/12/2012 19:46

No. I spent some quality time today with a man who suffers from schizophrenia

PlentyOfPubeGardens · 19/12/2012 19:48

Some of my favourite people have psychosis. Smile

I'm sorry you're finding it hard. I think the illness itself plus the side effects of medication plus the stigma must be a triple whammy to deal with.

Original poster
Crawling · 19/12/2012 19:48

This makes me feel much better to see there are people who wouldn't be scared of me thank you very much. It's not just fear that stops me having friends to be honest I find it difficult to maintain friendships and I get paranoid and prefer my own company a lot except dp he never annoys me he knows when to leave me alone and when to support. me he's great.

OP posts:
AgentProvocateur · 19/12/2012 19:50

I wouldn't be scared, but I would be wary about what I did or said in case you took it the wrong way, and it somehow made you worse.

scottishmummy · 19/12/2012 19:50

not scared, I hope you're well supported and feel listened to
unfortunately we live in a society that stigmatizes and demonizes mental health
take care,and happy Christmas

MrsDeVere · 19/12/2012 19:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Crawling · 19/12/2012 19:55

It makes perfect sence mrsDeVere

OP posts:
Opheliac · 19/12/2012 19:56

No, my lovely SIL suffers from it, it doesn't scare me. (((big hugs))) to you xxx

frillynat81 · 19/12/2012 20:14

Nope, not scared at all. My dad is paranoid schizophrenic and I'm BPD so can understand where you are coming from though. Big hugs. X

3b1g · 19/12/2012 20:16

No, not scared. A family member has paranoid schizophrenia and is currently unwell. More worried and concerned for him (he's not always rational and doesn't look after himself or make the best decisions for himself).

confuddledDOTcom · 19/12/2012 20:28

my HA uses a training center for people with mental health problems for our grounds work and I think some maintenance. I've had to yell people down in meetings (I'm in various committees for them) for the attitude they take towards MH. scared to have them in their home in case they kill them! these guys come from all backgrounds from depression up, the attitude people take is disgusting!

KeemaNaanAndCurryOn · 19/12/2012 21:58

I'm not scared of folk who are psychotic. If I was then I'd give myself a shit-fit ever time I looked in the mirror. Xmas Grin

Like MrsDV said - I am scared of people who are threatening, loud and aggressive, but that has nothing to do with whether someone has psychosis.

Some of my best friends have psychotic episodes and the damage is mostly done to themselves, not to other people.