Mental Illness

Understanding Mental Illness

Think of the brain as a complex system—one that, like any other part of the body, needs to function properly to support overall well-being. When something becomes unbalanced, it can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Mental illness, like physical illness, is real, serious, and deserving of care and attention.

Mental illness is more than a bad day or occasional stress. It often involves changes in brain chemistry and function that can alter how someone experiences the world, processes emotions, and interacts with others. These challenges can affect both mental and physical well-being, shaping behavior, thoughts, and daily life.

Mental health conditions exist on a spectrum and can take many forms. Some, like depression and anxiety, primarily affect mood and emotional regulation. Others, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, can impact perception, thinking, and one’s sense of reality.

Just as we prioritize physical health, it is equally important to care for our mental health and seek support when needed.

Many people incorporate spiritual practices into their approach to well-being. For us, faith is an important part of that journey. We believe prayer and a relationship with God can provide comfort and strength, while also recognizing the importance of professional care. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, and mental illness is not a character flaw—it is not something that can simply be wished away.

For families and loved ones, learning the signs and symptoms of mental illness is essential. Greater awareness helps create a more compassionate and supportive environment, increasing the likelihood that individuals receive the care and resources they need.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to be supported, to find healing, and to live a healthy, balanced, and purposeful life.

Understanding Mental Illness

Think of the brain as a complex system—one that, like any other part of the body, needs to function properly to support overall well-being. When something becomes unbalanced, it can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Mental illness, like physical illness, is real, serious, and deserving of care and attention.

Mental illness is more than a bad day or occasional stress. It often involves changes in brain chemistry and function that can alter how someone experiences the world, processes emotions, and interacts with others. These challenges can affect both mental and physical well-being, shaping behavior, thoughts, and daily life.

Mental health conditions exist on a spectrum and can take many forms. Some, like depression and anxiety, primarily affect mood and emotional regulation. Others, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, can impact perception, thinking, and one’s sense of reality.

Just as we prioritize physical health, it is equally important to care for our mental health and seek support when needed.

Many people incorporate spiritual practices into their approach to well-being. For us, faith is an important part of that journey. We believe prayer and a relationship with God can provide comfort and strength, while also recognizing the importance of professional care. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, and mental illness is not a character flaw—it is not something that can simply be wished away.

For families and loved ones, learning the signs and symptoms of mental illness is essential. Greater awareness helps create a more compassionate and supportive environment, increasing the likelihood that individuals receive the care and resources they need.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to be supported, to find healing, and to live a healthy, balanced, and purposeful life.

“You are not your illness. You have an individual story to tell.
You have a name, a history, a personality.
Staying yourself is part of the battle.”

Julian Seifter

“You are not your illness. You have an individual story to tell.
You have a name, a history, a personality.
Staying yourself is part of the battle.”

Julian Seifter

What is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health condition that affects how a person understands and experiences reality. It can make it difficult to distinguish what is real from what is not.

Common symptoms include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and delusions (strong beliefs that aren’t based in reality). These experiences can be deeply distressing and may affect a person’s ability to function in daily life and maintain relationships.

Psychosis often develops in adolescence or early adulthood, a time of significant change and development. It is more common than many realize, affecting millions of people.

With the right care, support, and treatment, individuals experiencing psychosis can manage their symptoms and live meaningful lives.

To learn more, we recommend this short video from CALM featuring Dr. Weiss, as well as additional resources from trusted mental health organizations.

What is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health condition that affects how a person understands and experiences reality. It can make it difficult to distinguish what is real from what is not.

Common symptoms include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and delusions (strong beliefs that aren’t based in reality). These experiences can be deeply distressing and may affect a person’s ability to function in daily life and maintain relationships.

Psychosis often develops in adolescence or early adulthood, a time of significant change and development. It is more common than many realize, affecting millions of people.

With the right care, support, and treatment, individuals experiencing psychosis can manage their symptoms and live meaningful lives.

To learn more, we recommend this short video from CALM featuring Dr. Weiss, as well as additional resources from trusted mental health organizations.

Early Warning Signs

Recognizing the early signs of psychosis can make a critical difference in getting timely support. These changes often develop gradually and may affect how someone thinks, feels, and interacts with others.

• Changes in Thinking:

Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, or trouble organizing thoughts. Someone may begin to experience unusual or paranoid thoughts, including distrust of others without clear reason.

• Changes in Mood:

Noticeable shifts in mood, such as increased irritability, anxiety, or emotional responses that feel out of proportion—or, in some cases, a lack of emotional expression.

• Changes in Behavior:

Withdrawing from friends and family, spending more time alone, or losing interest in activities they once enjoyed. There may also be a decline in school or work performance, as well as changes in self-care or hygiene.

These signs can be easy to overlook, but they are important signals that something may be wrong.

If you or someone you care about begins to experience these changes, seeking professional support early can make a meaningful difference in care and outcomes.

Early Warning Signs

Recognizing the early signs of psychosis can make a critical difference in getting timely support. These changes often develop gradually and may affect how someone thinks, feels, and interacts with others.

• Changes in Thinking:

Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, or trouble organizing thoughts. Someone may begin to experience unusual or paranoid thoughts, including distrust of others without clear reason.

• Changes in Mood:

Noticeable shifts in mood, such as increased irritability, anxiety, or emotional responses that feel out of proportion—or, in some cases, a lack of emotional expression.

• Changes in Behavior:

Withdrawing from friends and family, spending more time alone, or losing interest in activities they once enjoyed. There may also be a decline in school or work performance, as well as changes in self-care or hygiene.

These signs can be easy to overlook, but they are important signals that something may be wrong.

If you or someone you care about begins to experience these changes, seeking professional support early can make a meaningful difference in care and outcomes.

Symptoms

Psychosis can present through a range of symptoms that affect how a person thinks, perceives, and interacts with the world. These symptoms may become more noticeable over time:

• Hallucinations:

Hearing, seeing, or sensing things that aren’t there. Auditory hallucinations—such as hearing voices—are the most common, but visual, tactile, and olfactory experiences can also occur.

• Delusions:

Strong beliefs that are not based in reality. This can include paranoia (believing others intend harm) or grandiose thinking (believing one has special powers or abilities).

• Disorganized Thinking:

Trouble organizing thoughts, which may show up as confused or incoherent speech, difficulty following conversations, or jumping between ideas.

• Behavioral Changes:

Shifts in behavior such as withdrawing from others, neglecting personal hygiene, or struggling with daily responsibilities at school, work, or home.

Recognizing these symptoms is an important step in getting help. With proper support and treatment, individuals experiencing psychosis can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Symptoms

Psychosis can present through a range of symptoms that affect how a person thinks, perceives, and interacts with the world. These symptoms may become more noticeable over time:

• Hallucinations:

Hearing, seeing, or sensing things that aren’t there. Auditory hallucinations—such as hearing voices—are the most common, but visual, tactile, and olfactory experiences can also occur.

• Delusions:

Strong beliefs that are not based in reality. This can include paranoia (believing others intend harm) or grandiose thinking (believing one has special powers or abilities).

• Disorganized Thinking:

Trouble organizing thoughts, which may show up as confused or incoherent speech, difficulty following conversations, or jumping between ideas.

• Behavioral Changes:

Shifts in behavior such as withdrawing from others, neglecting personal hygiene, or struggling with daily responsibilities at school, work, or home.

Recognizing these symptoms is an important step in getting help. With proper support and treatment, individuals experiencing psychosis can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Causes And Triggers

Psychosis does not have a single cause. It is often the result of a combination of factors that affect the brain and overall well-being.

• Biological Factors:

Genetics can play a role, as individuals with a family history of psychotic disorders may have a higher risk. Changes in brain chemistry—particularly involving neurotransmitters like dopamine—can also affect how the brain processes information and contribute to symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

• Environmental Factors:

Stressful or traumatic life events—such as the loss of a loved one, major life changes, or prolonged stress—can trigger symptoms, especially in those who may already be vulnerable.

• Substance Use:

Alcohol and drugs can contribute to or worsen psychosis by impacting brain function. In particular, high-potency cannabis products containing Delta-9 THC have been linked to an increased risk of psychotic symptoms, especially for individuals with underlying vulnerabilities.

• Other Conditions:

Psychosis can also occur as part of other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, as well as certain medical or neurological conditions.

Click below to download a psychosis risk factor checklist from calmnola.org:

Psychosis Risk Factor Checklist

Causes And Triggers

Psychosis does not have a single cause. It is often the result of a combination of factors that affect the brain and overall well-being.

• Biological Factors:

Genetics can play a role, as individuals with a family history of psychotic disorders may have a higher risk. Changes in brain chemistry—particularly involving neurotransmitters like dopamine—can also affect how the brain processes information and contribute to symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

• Environmental Factors:

Stressful or traumatic life events—such as the loss of a loved one, major life changes, or prolonged stress—can trigger symptoms, especially in those who may already be vulnerable.

• Substance Use:

Alcohol and drugs can contribute to or worsen psychosis by impacting brain function. In particular, high-potency cannabis products containing Delta-9 THC have been linked to an increased risk of psychotic symptoms, especially for individuals with underlying vulnerabilities.

• Other Conditions:

Psychosis can also occur as part of other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, as well as certain medical or neurological conditions.

Click below to download a psychosis risk factor checklist from calmnola.org:

Psychosis Risk Factor Checklist

"Psychosis is a word that describes an experience in which

our mind plays tricks on us and makes it hard

to distinguish what is real."

"Psychosis is a word

that describes an

experience in which

our mind plays tricks

on us and makes it

hard to distinguish

what is real."

Treatments

Medication

Medical professionals

commonly prescribe antipsychotic medications to treat psychosis

by adjusting neurotransmitter

activity in the brain, mainly

focusing on dopamine and

serotonin systems.

These medications restore balance, significantly easing symptoms such as

hallucinations, delusions,

and disorganized thinking while enhancing overall mental clarity and stability.

They also improve mood

and help people experiencing

psychosis achieve a better

quality of life.

Therapy

Therapy is a widely recognized

and effective approach to

treating psychosis. It aims to identify and change distorted thinking patterns and behaviors contributing to an individual’s distress.

Among the various types of therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective methods, specifically targeting symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

CBT helps individuals develop coping strategies, improve their overall functioning, and reduce distress from symptoms, making

it a key component in the treatment of psychosis.

For more information about different mental illness treatments, we encourage you to consult the website of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), the largest grassroots mental health organization in the U.S., dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by mental illness:

https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/

Treatments

Medication

Medical professionals commonly prescribe antipsychotic medications to treat psychosis by adjusting neurotransmitter activity in the brain, mainly focusing on dopamine and

serotonin systems.

These medications restore balance, significantly easing symptoms such as

hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking while enhancing overall mental clarity and stability.

They also improve mood and help people experiencing psychosis achieve a better quality of life.

Therapy

Therapy is a widely recognized

and effective approach to

treating psychosis. It aims to identify and change distorted thinking patterns and behaviors contributing to an individual’s distress.

Among the various types of therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective methods, specifically targeting symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

CBT helps individuals develop coping strategies, improve their overall functioning, and reduce distress from symptoms, making it a key component in the treatment of psychosis.

For more information about different mental illness treatments, we encourage you to consult the website of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), the largest grassroots mental health organization in the U.S., dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by mental illness:

https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/

How to Help Yourself or a Loved One

Finding support when dealing with psychosis or mental illness can be challenging, but there are valuable resources (hyperlink to the below section with resources) available to help you or a loved one through this difficult time. Here’s what you should know about seeking help and accessing support:

1. Reach Out for Professional Help:

Consult a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist. They can provide a proper diagnosis, offer treatment options, and guide you through dealing with symptoms.

If you’re looking for a therapist within the U.S., you can find one by issue, demographics, treatment, modalities, etc. on the following website:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

For immediate assistance, crisis hotlines are available 24/7.
In crisis? Call or text 988, or chat here. You can also find help and resources through SAMSHA

2. Explore Support Groups:

Connecting with support groups can be incredibly beneficial. These groups provide a space to share experiences, gain insights, and receive encouragement from others facing similar challenges. Many organizations offer both in-person and online support groups.

3. Utilize Mental Health Organizations:

Numerous organizations offer resources, guidance, and support for mental health issues. Look for national and local organizations dedicated to mental health that provide information, advocacy, and various types of assistance. One of these organizations is NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness).

4. Educate Yourself and Others:

Understanding mental health conditions and treatment options can empower you to support yourself or a loved one more effectively. Educational resources, workshops, and informational materials can enhance your knowledge and help you approach the situation with greater empathy and understanding.

5. Seek Help for Caregivers:

If you’re supporting someone with mental illness, it’s essential to take care of your own well-being as well. Many organizations offer resources specifically for caregivers, including counseling and self-care strategies.

Remember, navigating mental health challenges can be complex, but accessing the right support and resources can make a significant difference. You don’t have to face it alone - help is available to guide you through the process and provide the support needed to manage and overcome these difficulties. And you don’t need to carry the weight of shame or embarrassment when asking for help with mental illness.

Know that reaching out is an act of strength and is the first step toward finding comfort and healing.

How to Help

Yourself or a

Loved One

Finding support when dealing with psychosis or mental illness can be challenging, but there are valuable resources (hyperlink to the below section with resources) available to help you or a loved one through this difficult time. Here’s what you should know about seeking help and accessing support:

1. Reach Out for Professional Help:

Consult a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist. They can provide a proper diagnosis, offer treatment options, and guide you through dealing with symptoms.

If you’re looking for a therapist within the U.S., you can find one by issue, demographics, treatment, modalities, etc. on the following website:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

For immediate assistance, crisis hotlines are available 24/7.
In crisis? Call or text 988, or chat here. You can also find help and resources through SAMSHA

2. Explore Support Groups:

Connecting with support groups can be incredibly beneficial. These groups provide a space to share experiences, gain insights, and receive encouragement from others facing similar challenges. Many organizations offer both in-person and online support groups.

3. Utilize Mental Health Organizations:

Numerous organizations offer resources, guidance, and support for mental health issues. Look for national and local organizations dedicated to mental health that provide information, advocacy, and various types of assistance. One of these organizations is NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness).

4. Educate Yourself and Others:

Understanding mental health conditions and treatment options can empower you to support yourself or a loved one more effectively. Educational resources, workshops, and informational materials can enhance your knowledge and help you approach the situation with greater empathy and understanding.

5. Seek Help for Caregivers:

If you’re supporting someone with mental illness, it’s essential to take care of your own well-being as well. Many organizations offer resources specifically for caregivers, including counseling and self-care strategies.

Remember, navigating mental health challenges can be complex, but accessing the right support and resources can make a significant difference. You don’t have to face it alone - help is available to guide you through the process and provide the support needed to manage and overcome these difficulties. And you don’t need to carry the weight of shame or embarrassment when asking for help with mental illness.

Know that reaching out is an act of strength and is the first step toward finding comfort and healing.

Familiarity with a Loved
One Can Cause Blind Spots

When someone you love is struggling with mental health issues, such as psychosis, your deep affection for them can make it challenging to fully understand what they are going through. It's natural to want to believe that everything is okay, as it can be hard to accept that a loved one might be dealing with something as overwhelming as mental illness.

Being close to someone can make it difficult to see when something is truly wrong, especially if you're unfamiliar with the warning signs. It can be hard to recognize something that you've never seen or experienced. And this makes it easy to overlook the signs, even when they're right in front of us.

Understanding that a person's mind may not function normally can make it difficult to reason with them. They might not see things clearly, and our own feelings, hopes and fears can cloud our judgment.

If you notice that your loved one is suffering or exhibiting unusual behaviors, such as those associated with psychosis, it's essential to look deeper. Educating yourself about mental illness can provide clarity and help you recognize the signs faster.

By gaining these insights, you can ‘see with your heart’ - acknowledging that your loved one needs help, even when it's difficult to accept. Your informed support can be a crucial step in guiding them toward the appropriate help and resources they need to start their journey toward healing.

Familiarity with

a Loved One Can

Cause Blind Spots

When someone you love is struggling with mental health issues, such as psychosis, your deep affection for them can make it challenging to fully understand what they are going through. It's natural to want to believe that everything is okay, as it can be hard to accept that a loved one might be dealing with something as overwhelming as mental illness.

Being close to someone can make it difficult to see when something is truly wrong, especially if you're unfamiliar with the warning signs. It can be hard to recognize something that you've never seen or experienced. And this makes it easy to overlook the signs, even when they're right in front of us.

Understanding that a person's mind may not function normally can make it difficult to reason with them. They might not see things clearly, and our own feelings, hopes and fears can cloud our judgment.

If you notice that your loved one is suffering or exhibiting unusual behaviors, such as those associated with psychosis, it's essential to look deeper. Educating yourself about mental illness can provide clarity and help you recognize the signs faster.

By gaining these insights, you can ‘see with your heart’ - acknowledging that your loved one needs help, even when it's difficult to accept. Your informed support can be a crucial step in guiding them toward the appropriate help and resources they need to start their journey toward healing.

Mental Health Care

When you need it most

NAMI Southeast Louisiana

NAMI Southeast Louisiana is a leading family-based, grassroots support and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives

of individuals affected by

mental illness.

NAMI U.S.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the U.S., working to support and advocate for
those affected
by mental illness.

CALM-NOLA

'Clear Answers to Louisiana

Mental Health' provides accurate information about psychosis and promotes early intervention. They educate communities and healthcare systems to expedite care for those in need.