Psychosis
What is psychosis?
Psychosis is an umbrella term for a range of experiences related to differences in the way in which someone might interpret the real world. Psychosis is often confused with schizophrenia, however, psychotic symptoms vary considerably and can present differently for different people. Psychotic experiences are also not confined to one condition. Psychosis is often frightening for the person going through it and misunderstood by those around them. However, it can be treated, and people who may experience psychosis at one point can experience ways to better manage their perceptual differences.
Psychotic symptoms can be diverse and transient, but often revolve around behaviour, emotions, and thinking. They may present as delusions, fixed false beliefs, or hallucinations, or sensory & perceptual experiences in the absence of external stimuli. This could be hearing voices, or seeing things that other people don’t see. It might also be having very fixed beliefs that you believe to be true that other people don’t share, or that are difficult to prove from evidence.
Psychosis can sometimes also occur in the content of substance use (such as cannabis, methamphetamine or hallucinogens), and may cease when the acute effect of the substance wears off. For some people, the psychosis does not disappear when the effect of the drug wears off, and this can lead to a more permanent symptom.Our psychologists are able to offer evidence-based treatment for psychosis, which may be a symptom of a psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, depression, PTSD or Borderline Personality Disorder.
Our psychologists in Melbourne are well equipped to work with psychosis and there are useful treatments that are available to help. We offer counselling in Footscray, so please get in touch to find out how we can support you.With your psychologist, you can learn ways to cope with stress and your triggers for psychosis, and manage symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of psychosis
The recovery journey is different for everyone, and it can be an ongoing process. Therapy is sometimes about better understanding your symptoms, why they occur and how to better manage them, so that you feel safe and not distressed. People can sometimes feel like they’re not getting better, so it’s important to be patient and work collaboratively with your treating team, which often might include a GP and a psychiatrist. Often, evidence-based treatment includes specialised versions of Cogntiive Behaviour Therapy, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Reach Out has some useful online resources and a directory of not-for-profit services for psychosis. Alternatively, the Hearing Voices Network has a local Melbourne branch of a global organisation that offers peer-run support groups, offers support and guidance with the aim of reducing stigma. The philosophy is centered around understanding your voices and offering a safe space to talk freely about voices and visions.
If experiencing psychosis, things you might notice are…
- Feeling strange or detached from the surrounding world
- Feeling less emotion than usual (emotional blunting), or showing less outward emotion
- Having everyday thoughts become muddled or disorganised
- Finding it hard to concentrate or stay focused.
- Perceiving that thoughts are speeding up or slowing down
- Feeling like you are being followed
- Believing that someone is intentionally trying to cause you harm
- Hearing voices or sounds that aren’t there
- Seeing things that other people cannot see
- Experiencing unusual sensations of touch (e.g., feeling something on your skin)
- Noticing strange smells or tastes that have no clear source
If experiencing psychosis, things other people might notice are…
- Acting in a way that is out of character or different from usual
- Laughing at inappropriate times or when things aren’t funny
- Becoming angry or upset without an obvious reason
- Having increased concerns about your safety or the safety of people you care about
- Speaking in sentences that are unclear or difficult for others to understand
- Holding strong beliefs that other people do not share or see as real
- Being unable to change your beliefs or worries, even in the context of evidence
- Responding to things that other people do not (such as sights, sounds, smells)
- Engaging less with others
So, what can I do?
Living with psychosis can feel scary, overwhelming, and you might not be sure where to get help. Our psychologists can help speak with you about your experiences, and we use a trauma-informed approach. Many people experience frustration, grief, or uncertainty as they adjust to changes in their mental state. A psychologist in Footscray can help by offering tools to manage these feelings, improve coping skills, and support lifestyle changes that promote long‑term wellbeing.
Our clinicians provide compassionate, evidence‑based support to help people feel more in control and better equipped to manage the challenge. Please contact us to find out more, so we can chat about matching you with a psychologist who’s a good fit.
Medicare rebates are available, and we offer telehealth appointments. We also have Workcover and TAC psychologists.
Psychology FAQs
Have a question? Take a look below… these are some of the common questions we get.
Ready to talk?
Please get in touch today to have a chat to our friendly team so we can match you with an appropriate psychologist. If you are an existing client, you can book online.