Recovery From ‘Psychosis’
In making sense of what has been deemed as ‘psychosis’ it is essential that we see so called symptoms as profoundly meaningful attempts to survive overwhelming and distressing life experiences. There is inherent meaning in madness which is inextricably bound up in unresolved, traumatic experiences. These meanings may be communicated in a number of highly symbolic, metaphorical and literal ways and need to be untangled, teased out and examined within the context of the person’s life history. Each voice is an echo of the person’s experience so an attitude of curiosity, understanding and compassion towards all voices is the best stance as it will encourage and support internal communication and ultimately, self acceptance.
This work demands seeing the world and human experience in new ways including an understanding that reality is shaped by experience. This, combined with a willingness to view life through the lens of the person’s subjective experience enables the co-creation of a shared meaning to emerge, deepening mutual understanding and leading to increasing acceptance of self and other. To support and nurture healing from ‘psychosis’, faith in the possibility of recovery is vital.
I totally agree with you Jacqui but I know of people who say that there was no past trauma involved in their ‘psychosis’. I therefore wonder if more subtle life experiences can also contribute to the experience of ‘psychosis…
Hi Nick,
Yes, I think that more subtle life experiences can also contribute to the experience of ‘psychosis’ – as you say a number of people do not relate to the idea of past trauma – although there are many who have experienced trauma and their trauma histories are never explored or are considered irrelevant to the fact that they are’ill’. I hope that as we hear more stories from people who have lived experience of ‘psychosis’ we can develop a better understanding – and more helpful language – to make sense of and describe our different realities and experiences….
Thanks for the question!
All the best,
Jacqui
There is no question about the fact that the psychosis is often a symbolic extension of the reality experienced prior to the breakdown. I have experienced breakdowns and this has been the case with me. The trouble is that you are silenced and further alienated when you become a mental patient. Psychiatry is underpinned by fear. I am well on the road to recovery and have learnt some important strategies in living in the “present” moment to enable me to deal with the difficulties that life throws at me. Thank you Jacqui for your wonderful work and for recognising that we are all part of the continuum of our lives and that each of us has our own historical fingerprint. All of this defies the simplistic labelling of people. To have one’s emotions scrutinised and diagnosed is very disempowering. I am now giving myself permission to be myself and I feel so much more in control. I no longer feel always beholden to the wishes of others. This year I turn 53 and I feel that I am turning a positive corner in my life. As I turn the corner, there is a steep hill that I have to climb. The top of the hill represents my full recovery and I am on my way. I live in Sydney, Australia. If I don’t ever get to meet you, I have to say all the very best. I am so pleased I came across your website.
Dear Michele,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write and share your experiences and appreciation of my work. I received your message when I was in Australia! I am hoping to be back again next year so maybe our paths will across in the future…
Sadly the mental health sysytem is still very much driven by fear, as you say, at great cost to those who are in need of its help. Fortunately, those of us with lived experience of this thing called psychosis are finding our own ways of living, being and making sense of our lives – and like you,I have finally given myself permission to be true to myself which has been so liberating and healing. Good luck climbing that hill – hope its a beautiful journey.
All best wishes,
Jacqui
“Psychosis” is a balancing out. It’s just a wider perspective on life that what would be considered “normal.” It’s also a going back to the source, of finding you have behavioral patterns that are fear based rather than creative, and you can let go of them (embrace that they’re not real, experience that they’re illusion and let go of them); along with that, there’s the opening up to the source and moving beyond fear. And it’s a letting go of fear based, stress based programming; discovering something beyond the grind; that part of you that’s from forever rather than has something to prove.
The loosening of constrictions, and the allowing of flexibility in what’s called “psychosis,” is something that’s necessary for evolution, evolution of the soul. That freedom is how you find who you always were.
I read your story Jacqui and it was truly moving and enlightening. There is so much I would like to know but one issue for now: when someone phones a crisis line our only option for people disclosing mental illness is the mental health system/hospital. Perhaps I will see if the Hearing Voices Support Network is on our database; I just thought of it then. I wish you all the very best for the future.