Dr Tariq Jagnarine

Mental health affects how we think, feel, behave, cope with stress, and interact with others. Just as we protect our heart, blood pressure and blood sugar, our mental health deserves attention too.
One condition that is often misunderstood is psychosis. Unfortunately, fear and stigma sometimes prevent people and families from seeking help early.

What is psychosis?
Psychosis is not simply “going crazy”. It is a state in which a person may have difficulty distinguishing what is real from what is not.
A person experiencing psychosis may:
• Hear or see things others do not – these are called hallucinations.
• Develop strong beliefs that are not based in reality – called delusions.
• Become unusually suspicious or fearful.
• Have confused or disorganised speech or behaviour.
• Withdraw from family and friends.
• Neglect personal hygiene or normal responsibilities.
• Experience major changes in sleep, emotions, school or work performance.
Importantly, psychosis is a symptom, not a single disease. It can occur with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe depression but may also occur because of substance use, certain medications or medical and neurological illnesses.

What can trigger psychosis?
There is usually no single cause. Psychosis can result from a complex interaction between biological vulnerability and environmental or psychological stressors.
Common factors that may precipitate or worsen psychotic symptoms include:
1. Alcohol and recreational drugs
Cannabis – particularly frequent or high-potency use – and other psychoactive substances can contribute to psychotic symptoms in susceptible individuals. Substance misuse should therefore never be dismissed as harmless experimentation.
2. Severe sleep deprivation
Going for prolonged periods with little or no sleep can significantly affect thinking, emotions and perception. Sleep disruption can also be an early warning sign that someone’s mental health is deteriorating.
3. Severe or prolonged stress
Bereavement, relationship difficulties, violence, financial problems, unemployment, academic pressure and other major life events may contribute to mental distress, particularly when several problems occur simultaneously.
4. Trauma
Exposure to violence, abuse and other traumatic experiences can increase vulnerability to mental health problems.
5. Stopping prescribed psychiatric medication
For someone already being treated for a mental health condition, suddenly stopping medication or repeatedly missing treatment can increase the likelihood of symptoms returning. Medication changes should therefore be discussed with the treating healthcare professional.
6. Physical illness or medication
Some neurological and medical conditions, as well as certain prescription medicines, may produce psychotic symptoms. A first episode of psychosis therefore requires proper medical assessment rather than assumptions about its cause.

Look for the warning signs
Psychosis does not always appear suddenly. Family and friends may notice changes beforehand, including increasing isolation, unusual suspiciousness, deterioration in personal hygiene, difficulty thinking clearly, confused communication, abnormal sleep patterns or a sudden decline in school or work performance.

Early recognition matters
The longer significant psychotic symptoms remain untreated, the more difficult the disruption to education, employment, relationships and everyday functioning can become. Early assessment and appropriate treatment are associated with better recovery.

Can psychosis and mental illness be prevented?
Not every mental health condition can be prevented, and having a risk factor does not mean that someone will develop mental illness. However, we can reduce avoidable risks, strengthen protective factors and intervene before problems become severe.

Protect your mental health every day
Sleep consistently. Protecting regular, adequate sleep is one of the simplest ways to support emotional and cognitive functioning.

Avoid harmful substance use
Alcohol and drugs should not become coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, loneliness or depression.

Manage stress before reaching crisis point
Exercise, relaxation, recreation, spirituality that is personally meaningful, hobbies and healthy routines can all form part of coping.

Stay connected
Isolation can worsen mental distress. Strong relationships with family, friends and community provide important protection.

Talk about problems
Asking for help is not weakness. Sometimes speaking with a trusted person, counsellor, social worker, psychologist or doctor can prevent a manageable problem from becoming a crisis.

Take care of your physical health
Regular physical activity, adequate nutrition, management of chronic diseases and avoidance of harmful alcohol and drug use also support brain and mental health.

Build emotionally healthy homes
Children and adolescents particularly benefit from safe environments, supportive relationships, opportunities for education and development, and adults who listen without immediately judging them.
WHO emphasises that social connection, supportive environments, good physical health, emotional skills and access to education and services are important protective factors for mental well-being.

When should you seek help?
Seek professional assessment when changes in thoughts, emotions or behaviour are persistent, worsening or interfering with someone’s ability to function.
Urgent help is needed when a person is hearing voices telling them to harm themselves or others, is severely confused or agitated, cannot adequately care for themselves, expresses suicidal thoughts, or appears to pose an immediate danger to themselves or another person.
Do not ridicule, argue aggressively with, threaten, or stigmatise someone experiencing psychosis. Keep the environment as calm and safe as possible, and facilitate professional assessment.

Mental health is health
We should be able to discuss depression, anxiety, substance use, and psychosis with the same seriousness and compassion that we discuss diabetes or hypertension.
Psychosis can be frightening for the individual and their family, but effective treatment exists, and recovery is possible. Early recognition, appropriate treatment, family support, and continued care can make a major difference.
Protect your sleep.
Manage your stress.
Avoid harmful substances.
Stay connected.
Recognise changes early.
And seek help before a mental health problem becomes a mental health crisis.

The post PSYCHOSIS: KNOW THE SIGNS, UNDERSTAND THE TRIGGERS & PROTECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH appeared first on Guyana Times.