Psychosis

Psychosis is when someone experiences the world differently from others.

They might:

Hear voices when no one is speaking.
See things that aren’t there.
Feel like others are watching or trying to harm them.
Strongly believe things that don’t make sense to others.

Sometimes, a person with psychosis doesn’t realize anything is wrong. They might behave in ways that seem unusual or confusing to others.

What causes Psychosis?

Psychosis can be caused by:

Mental health conditions, such as:

Schizophrenia: Repeated episodes of psychosis.
Bipolar disorder: Extreme mood swings with episodes of mania or depression.
Severe depression: Sometimes accompanied by hallucinations or delusions.
Post-partum psychosis: Occurs after childbirth, possibly due to hormonal or sleep changes.

Substance abuse, such as: Marijuana, cocaine, or alcohol.

Medical conditions or brain injuries (though less common).

"I remember the first time I heard voices—I was 17, alone in my room, and they called my name. At first, I thought it was just my mind playing tricks, but soon, the voices became louder, telling me things that made me question reality. I saw shadows move when no one was there. My family didn’t understand; they thought I was just ‘acting out.’ It wasn’t until I ended up in the hospital that I learned I had psychosis. With treatment and support, I’ve learned to manage it. I still hear voices sometimes, but now I know they don’t define me. I want others to know they’re not alone—help is out there, and things can get better."

Martha

Common Mental Health Conditions Linked to Psychosis?

Schizophrenia
Symptoms include:

Hallucinations: Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there.
Delusions: Believing things others don’t think are true (e.g., being watched or controlled).
Paranoia: Feeling threatened by people or situations.
Schizophrenia usually starts in late teens or early adulthood. If untreated, it can be very disabling.

Bipolar Disorder

Involves extreme mood swings:
Mania (high energy): Talking fast, feeling overly excited, or believing you have special powers.
Depression (low energy): Feeling hopeless, guilty, or tearful.
Symptoms last days or weeks, not just a few hours.

Depression with Psychosis

Severe depression can cause hallucinations or delusions.
Example: Feeling worthless and hearing a voice confirming this belief.

Post-Partum Psychosis

Happens after childbirth and might include mood swings, hallucinations, or confusion.
Getting help quickly is crucial for the mother and baby’s well-being.

Treatment

Psychosis is treatable! Treatment options include therapy, medication or a combination of both. Treatment for psychosis and other mental health problems is available for free in government hospitals in Uganda. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—there’s support for everyone.

Experiencing psychosis doesn’t mean you’re broken or hopeless. With the right care and support, people can recover and live happy, fulfilling lives.