Recovering from Psychosis: Treatment Options and Strategies

[_-yeah_nah-_]

I have cPTSD-SP with severe panic attacks + anxiety + depression.

I am currently recovering from two separate extended periods of psychosis

1st period I lost 6 months of my life.
2nd time about the same amount of time.

How does one recover from psychosis?

What treatment options are there available?

 

[_-yeah_nah-_]

I have cPTSD-SP with severe panic attacks + anxiety + depression.

I am currently recovering from two separate extended periods of psychosis

1st period I lost 6 months of my life.
2nd time about the same amount of time.

How does one recover from psychosis?

What treatment options are there available?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

I have cPTSD with severe panic attacks + anxiety + depression.

I am currently recovering from two separate extended periods of psychosis

1st period I lost 6 months of my life.
2nd time about the same amount of time.

How does one recover from psychosis?

What treatment options are there available?

I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through such a difficult time. It takes a lot of strength to seek help and ask these questions. Recovering from psychosis can be a complex process, but there are treatment options available. It's important to remember that I can't provide a diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations, but I can give you some general information.

Psychosis can occur for various reasons, and it's crucial to understand the underlying causes to develop an effective treatment plan. In your case, it seems that your psychosis episodes might be related to your cPTSD, panic attacks, anxiety, and depression.

Therapy is often a fundamental part of the recovery process for psychosis. Have you considered working with a trauma-informed therapist who specializes in trauma and psychosis? They can help you explore and address any traumatic experiences that might be contributing to your symptoms. Therapeutic approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have been found helpful for trauma-related conditions.

In addition to therapy, other treatment options for psychosis may include medication management. Psychiatric medications such as antipsychotics or mood stabilizers can be prescribed by a psychiatrist to manage symptoms. It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of any medication with your prescribing doctor.

It's vital to build a strong support system as well. Are there any trusted friends or family members who you can talk to about what you're going through? Peer support groups or online communities can also provide valuable support and insight.

Remember to prioritize self-care and healthy coping strategies. Engaging in relaxation exercises, exercise, maintaining a healthy sleep routine, and practicing stress management techniques may also be beneficial.

It's important to keep in mind that recovery is a process, and it can take time. Each individual's journey is unique. How are you currently coping with your symptoms, and what self-care strategies have you found helpful?

 

[_-yeah_nah-_]

What if I have amnesia of my initial trauma and my psychologist advised in my situation not to attempt to uncover it again as this was the source of why I had a mental break down to start with.

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

What if I have amnesia of my initial trauma and my psychologist advised in my situation not to attempt to uncover it again as this was the source of why I had a mental break down.

It sounds like your psychologist has made a recommendation based on their professional judgment and knowledge of your specific situation. It's not uncommon for individuals with trauma-related conditions like cPTSD to have amnesia or difficulty remembering the initial traumatic experiences. Sometimes, accessing those memories can be overwhelming and potentially retraumatizing, leading to a worsening of symptoms or a mental breakdown.

In cases like this, the primary focus of treatment is often on managing and reducing symptoms, improving overall functioning, and enhancing your quality of life rather than specifically trying to uncover the exact details of the initial trauma. Therapy can still be beneficial by addressing the current impact of trauma and working towards healing and recovery, even without explicit retrieval of the traumatic memories.

There are various trauma-informed therapies that can be helpful in these situations, such as stabilization-focused approaches like trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or other skill-based interventions. These therapies can help you develop coping skills, processing emotions related to trauma, and improving overall functioning.

It's essential that you communicate openly with your psychologist about any concerns or questions you have regarding your treatment plan. They can provide you with more specific information tailored to your needs and guide you in finding the most appropriate strategies for your recovery.

In the meantime, are there any specific symptoms or challenges you're currently facing that you would like to address or discuss further? Remember to be gentle with yourself and practice self-care during this process.

 

[_-yeah_nah-_]

There are various trauma-informed therapies that can be helpful in these situations, such as stabilization-focused approaches like trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or other skill-based interventions. These therapies can help you develop coping skills, processing emotions related to trauma, and improving overall functioning.

Can you expand on these therapies, listing their pros and cons.

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Can you expand on these therapies, listing their pros and cons.

Certainly! Here's an overview of two commonly used trauma-informed therapies, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), along with their pros and cons:

1. Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT):
- Pros:
- Structured and evidence-based approach targeting trauma-related symptoms.
- Focuses on providing education about trauma, skills for managing distressing emotions, and processing traumatic memories.
- Typically a short-term therapy with specific goals and techniques.
- Can be adapted for different age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults.
- Cons:
- May involve discussing traumatic memories, which can be challenging and emotionally distressing.
- Requires a skilled and trained therapist who is experienced in working with trauma survivors.
- May not be suitable for individuals who are currently experiencing severe symptoms or are in crisis.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):
- Pros:
- A comprehensive therapy that offers skills training in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
- Provides practical strategies and tools to cope with intense emotions and manage self-destructive behaviors.
- Focuses on building a strong therapeutic alliance and cultivating a sense of validation and acceptance.
- Can be effective for individuals with trauma history who also experience difficulties with emotional regulation and self-harm behaviors.
- Cons:
- May require a longer treatment duration.
- Requires active engagement and commitment from the individual, as it involves practicing skills outside of therapy sessions.
- May not be well-suited for individuals who struggle with the structured nature of the therapy or have difficulty with learning and applying new skills.

It's important to note that the appropriateness and effectiveness of these therapies can vary depending on individual needs and preferences. Working with a qualified and experienced therapist who specializes in trauma treatment is crucial. They can assess your specific situation and suggest the most suitable therapy approach tailored to your needs.

Please keep in mind that I am providing general information, and it's always best to consult with a mental health professional who can evaluate your unique circumstances to determine the most appropriate therapy for you.

 

[_-yeah_nah-_]

So with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) it's all about the symptoms, we do not need to go into the trauma? As per previous msg have been advised against it.

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

So with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) it's all about the symptoms, we do not need to go into the trauma? As per previous msg have been advised against it.

In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the primary focus is on building skills to manage symptoms and improve emotional regulation, even if the trauma itself is not directly addressed. This therapy can be effective for individuals with trauma histories who struggle with emotional dysregulation and engaging in self-destructive behaviors.

While DBT does not typically involve in-depth processing of traumatic memories, it does acknowledge and validate the impact of trauma on the individual's functioning. The therapist helps the individual develop skills to manage emotions related to trauma triggers and cope with distressing symptoms.

The decision about whether or not to delve into the trauma memories ultimately rests with you and your therapist. If you have been advised against exploring the traumatic memories due to the risk of retraumatization or worsening symptoms, it's important to respect and trust your therapist's guidance. Instead, focus can be placed on learning skills to manage the symptoms and build resilience.

It's worth noting that while DBT may not directly target trauma memories, it can still improve overall functioning and quality of life by equipping you with strategies to navigate daily challenges and emotions effectively.

Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and open communication with your therapist about your concerns, goals, and preferences is crucial. They can work with you to develop a treatment plan that feels comfortable and supportive for you.

Is there anything else you would like to discuss or any other questions you have?