I've been meaning to post a thread on how to deal with a mentally ill poster for some time. My experience here gave me insight on how to help someone who is suffering delusions. I want to suggest an outline of how to approach this situation. I am hoping any future person suffering from psychosis while benefit from a better response.
First off, for those who don't know I suffer from schizophrenia. My experience in pychosis was very similar to other people who suffer from this disability. I will use my first thread as an example. The opening post is here: http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108989
Please refrain from posting on that thread and instead post here.
I offer some do's and don'ts.
Do:
Realize that these delusions and hallucinations seem completely real to them. There minds will only question it if you take the right approach with them.
Confront the delusions head on. Ask for scientific explainations for the paranormal events this person is experiencing. Ask for biological methods for things like telepathy, which is a very common delusion. Try to prove the delusions false.
Reinforce the idea how unlikely it is that everyone is lieing to them. People didn't become psychiatrists to hurt people. The doctors are trying to help them. A hospital is a much better alternative than going deeper into psychosis.
Point to all the overwhelming research showing mental illnesses exist. This is important because a common delusion is that it's all a lie and instead these sick people are actually gifted.
Be sure to tell them that there is nothing wrong with being mentally ill. It just makes them different.
Point to stories, books, and other media where people tell their experiences with mental illnesses. This is very important.
Along that same line show how medication has helped some people almost fully recover from psychosis. If they have tried medication with no change, tell them that not all the medicines work for every person. Personally only one out the four medications i have tried improved my symptoms. Encourage them to talk to their doctor about trying something else.
Tell them to be very open with a doctor. Tell the doctor everything. Don't lie to them for fear of what might happen to you.
Dont:
Refrain from troll accusations. I know some people are liars, but I also think it is pretty obvious when someone is mentally ill because their delusions are much more abstract and even ridiculous than every day woo.
Refrain from make jokes at this person's expense. They are being tortured by their own minds and don't need to be made fun of. Also if you make a joke the OP will most likely not seriously consider your input and thus you will not help change their minds.
Don't get fustrated by continued denial that they are sick. The ill mind will not allow the delusions to disappear in a flash. It is a slow process.
Feel free to add your own do's and don'ts or any other advice. I may add more as I think of them.
Overall my experience in my first thread was a good one and an important step in my recovery. However I thought there was room for improvement.
First off, for those who don't know I suffer from schizophrenia. My experience in pychosis was very similar to other people who suffer from this disability. I will use my first thread as an example. The opening post is here: http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108989
Please refrain from posting on that thread and instead post here.
I offer some do's and don'ts.
Do:
Realize that these delusions and hallucinations seem completely real to them. There minds will only question it if you take the right approach with them.
Confront the delusions head on. Ask for scientific explainations for the paranormal events this person is experiencing. Ask for biological methods for things like telepathy, which is a very common delusion. Try to prove the delusions false.
Reinforce the idea how unlikely it is that everyone is lieing to them. People didn't become psychiatrists to hurt people. The doctors are trying to help them. A hospital is a much better alternative than going deeper into psychosis.
Point to all the overwhelming research showing mental illnesses exist. This is important because a common delusion is that it's all a lie and instead these sick people are actually gifted.
Be sure to tell them that there is nothing wrong with being mentally ill. It just makes them different.
Point to stories, books, and other media where people tell their experiences with mental illnesses. This is very important.
Along that same line show how medication has helped some people almost fully recover from psychosis. If they have tried medication with no change, tell them that not all the medicines work for every person. Personally only one out the four medications i have tried improved my symptoms. Encourage them to talk to their doctor about trying something else.
Tell them to be very open with a doctor. Tell the doctor everything. Don't lie to them for fear of what might happen to you.
Dont:
Refrain from troll accusations. I know some people are liars, but I also think it is pretty obvious when someone is mentally ill because their delusions are much more abstract and even ridiculous than every day woo.
Refrain from make jokes at this person's expense. They are being tortured by their own minds and don't need to be made fun of. Also if you make a joke the OP will most likely not seriously consider your input and thus you will not help change their minds.
Don't get fustrated by continued denial that they are sick. The ill mind will not allow the delusions to disappear in a flash. It is a slow process.
Feel free to add your own do's and don'ts or any other advice. I may add more as I think of them.
Overall my experience in my first thread was a good one and an important step in my recovery. However I thought there was room for improvement.
