Reflect, Recover, Rebuild: Navigating Relationships after Experiencing Psychosis

A strong support circle is crucial for recovery after a period of psychosis. Sadly, some people report an increase in strained relationships or relationship breakdowns during and after an episode.

Today, Lesley McCuaig shares her steps toward reflecting on, rebuilding, and letting go of some relationships after she experienced an episode of schizophrenia-induced psychosis.

Psychosis affects how people process information. It can cause people to see, believe, or hear things that aren't real.

One of the side effects of psychosis can be trouble with maintaining relationships. Yet, while schizophrenia (the condition I live with) obviously affects caregivers, friends, and family, some people can forget it also affects the person suffering from schizophrenia.

When symptoms of psychosis improve, some of our relationships can improve, too. But, sometimes, the strain of a psychotic episode proves too much for a relationship, which remains lost even after our symptoms lessen.

Losing our friends or loved ones is never pleasant. Though it can hurt, we must take time to grieve the loss of those relationships and try to move forward with our lives.

How psychosis has affected my relationships

I've lost several significant relationships due to psychosis. I've managed to rebuild some of them with time and effort, but others have remained lost.

Do I find it difficult not having those relationships in my life today? To be honest... yes, at times. I often consider what my relationships were like before and after my schizophrenia diagnosis.

However, I've often noticed that the relationships I've lost to psychosis had their weak points or could be considered toxic even before I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. In other words, they weren't the sturdiest relationships to begin with.

When I experience psychosis, I'm consumed by "my" reality. A symptom of my psychosis includes hearing things that aren't there, known as auditory hallucinations. But, to me, the things I'm experiencing during a period of psychosis are genuine - are my reality - even if they're not real to someone on the outside.

Sometimes, the lack of judgment or clarity with psychosis can cloud the ability to maintain healthy relationships. Other times, psychosis can cause you to behave in ways that look strange or erratic to the regular population, such as talking to people who aren't there. These symptoms and responses can make it difficult for me to interact with friends, family, and caregivers in ways society considers appropriate.

Likewise, a lack of clarity, erratic behavior, and being out of touch with reality can make it almost impossible to have healthy relationships while in psychosis. It’s a very alienating experience for everyone.

Rebuilding after losses and cherishing those who stayed

The good news is that with proper treatment, people can move forward from an episode of psychosis and begin to rebuild the things they've lost. Having friends, family, and caregivers they can trust and rely on is often integral to recovery.

Sometimes, for reasons such as lack of understanding, stigma, or their own personal struggles, people are unable to support someone recovering from psychosis. I understand how and why this happens, but I congratulate and cherish those who didn't let a psychotic episode define our friendship.

Nobody goes through a period of psychosis and comes out feeling great about themselves. Often, the aftermath is dealing with trauma, guilt, and shame.

3 ways to navigate affected relationships after a period of psychosis

1. Take time to grieve

When psychosis causes a breakdown in relationships, the person in recovery needs to allow themselves to grieve.

Take some time for reflection and introspection. It also helps to talk things through with someone, such as a friend or a professional.

2. Choose to move on

After grieving, learn to move forward with those you love and respect. Grieving the loss of a relationship hurts, but facing these feelings allows you to move on with or without them.

3. Learn when it’s time to let go

Learning how to let go may be one of the biggest lessons I've learned since receiving my schizophrenia diagnosis. I want to let go of the life I once had and start setting new, realistic goals for the path forward.

Relationships can be complicated with or without schizophrenia, but mine were compounded and complicated by a decade of alcoholism. Sometimes, I think it's a wonder I have a friend left!

But with time, patience, effort, and commitment, relationships can survive and thrive through psychosis. You can learn to trust again, laugh again, and love again.

The takeaway: moving on

Although psychosis can be disruptive and discouraging for people with schizophrenia, it doesn't have to define who we are.

Relationships ebb and flow. Although it can be disappointing and disheartening to watch a caregiver, friend, or family member walk away when you're at your sickest, this does not define all your relationships. With ongoing treatment adherence, one can live a very fulfilling life with relationships that matter.

Relationships can survive and thrive through psychosis.

The information presented is solely for educational purposes, not as specific advice for the evaluation, management, or treatment of any condition.

The individual(s) who have written and created the content and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence, or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.

NPS-ALL-NP-01320 JULY 2024