Those with psychosis or other mental health disorders are at a 50% higher risk for suicide and repeated attempts. Fortunately, many expert healthcare providers can identify the onset of potential suicidal behavior in those with diagnoses like schizophrenia and implement suicide prevention strategies through targeted interventions and continued care. Those with diagnoses like schizophrenia must be handled gently and with knowledge of their situation to avoid the worst happening. Loved ones of people in this situation should know the signs, symptoms, and signals of psychosis to help avoid it and to make the right decisions if it happens.
When individuals are in active psychosis, they perceive and interpret life differently than others who do not have a mental disorder. Their perception changes involve delusions and/or hallucinations that alter their behavior, cognitive reasoning, and physical feelings. Psychosis is not necessarily a condition on its own but rather a condition triggered by situations and co-occurring mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. Psychotic episodes can be triggered if an individual has a brain tumor, abuses alcohol, has Parkinson's disease, or experiences a traumatic event.
Those who struggle with psychosis have trouble determining reality from imagined situations. Some of the symptoms include hearing voices, seeing things that aren't there, smelling and tasting things differently, feeling catatonic, paranoia, feeling like someone is chasing them, or feeling that they are constantly in trouble.
Psychosis is confusing and overwhelming, and because the delusions feel completely real, sometimes a situation can cause the individual to hurt themselves or others around them. It may come on slowly or very rapidly, making it hard for them or people around them to predict when it will come or how quickly they need to take action. Over time, active psychosis can intensify and get worse.
To get diagnosed properly, a clinical professional will inquire about the person's experiences, activities, psychiatric illness history, drug use, head injuries, hormones, brain changes, genetics, and may do a few blood tests, urinalysis, or tests to record brain activity through an EEG. This will give clients who suspect they have a psychotic disorder clarity and steps to take moving forward.
One statistic reports that an unfortunate 10 to 15% of individuals who have mental health disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorders will commit suicide. When an individual has delusions or hallucinations, the levels of self-harm and suicide are at an all-time high. Healthcare professionals can address long-term psychosis risks of suicide when early signs of psychosis occur, such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, difficulty thinking clearly, or hearing voices.
If someone with a psychotic diagnosis or a loved one suspects oncoming psychosis or suicidal thoughts, they should seek help immediately. Healthcare professionals can ask questions such as if an individual is considering suicide or what they believe to be happening around them in their world. For example, an individual who struggles with psychosis may firmly believe that they are in a different career, or that someone is plotting against them. Depending on the client's answers, the healthcare professional may order immediate long- or short-term care for mitigating psychotic symptoms or suicide watch.
Addressing and preventing active psychosis and suicide cannot be done through biological testing, but underlying core medical concerns can explain the symptoms, and through thorough clinical examination, a professional can determine if psychosis is a cause for concern. The risk for suicide heightens to 81% if an individual fails to receive treatment. Therefore, professionals must treat psychosis and mental health disorders to implement preventative strategies for suicide.
Treating active psychosis and suicide involves a combination of therapeutic approaches. This can include antipsychotic medication, psychological therapies, social support, clinical examination, relapse prevention, and increasing community awareness of mental health disorders.
Those who have mental health disorders are at higher risk of using or abusing substances as a means to cope with the symptoms. When more people understand the substance use recovery process and how one can receive help for a mental health disorder, more individuals can get the treatment they deserve. Awareness and understanding are the first and, in many ways, most important steps to get someone adequate help.
Substance abuse recovery centers, like NorthStar Transitions, can help those who struggle with addiction due to symptoms of active psychosis with proper treatment plans and suicide prevention approaches to help treat individuals with psychosis and other mental health disorders.
Boulder is an excellent location for recovery because the area provides world-class treatment options and integrated approaches. In addition, the area is filled with compassionate professionals who have the resources, knowledge, and experience so people with difficult diagnoses don't have to suffer in silence.
Active psychosis can be scary, especially knowing that it increases the risks of suicide or self-harm. People who experience psychosis as a result of mental health disorders like schizophrenia are similarly likely to develop substance use disorder, which makes suicide risk even greater. This is a severe concern. NorthStar Transitions understands the risks and believes that everyone, regardless of diagnosis, is worthy of treatment. We believe that each individual who comes to us deserves professional help recovering from and preventing substance abuse, active psychosis, and mental health issues. If you or your loved one experience any of these difficult diagnoses, our team is here to help you heal through our various and customizable treatment plans facilitated by world-class professionals. For more information on how NorthStar Transitions can help you or your loved one, reach out to our compassionate team in Boulder, Colorado at (303) 558-6400. Start getting the help you deserve today.
