Mental Health Stigma

What Is a Psych Hospital and How Can It Help?

Jason Klimkowski on December 31, 2024

Two individuals meeting with a doctor and an assistant in a psychiatric hospital, highlighting what is a psych hospital and its role in treating major mental illness.

Collaborative care at a psychiatric hospital focuses on personalized treatment for individuals facing major mental health challenges.

A psych hospital, or psychiatric hospital, is a medical facility dedicated to treating individuals with severe mental health conditions. These facilities provide specialized care for major illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, and other conditions that can disrupt daily life or pose immediate safety risks.

Psych hospitals serve as safe, structured environments where patients receive around-the-clock care from mental health professionals. These facilities are often critical for stabilizing individuals in crisis, whether they are experiencing acute symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or behaviors that put themselves or others at risk.

Inpatient psychiatric care focuses on more than symptom management. It’s about helping individuals regain a sense of stability and equipping them with the tools they need to continue their recovery once they leave. While psych hospitals are a key part of the mental health care system, they’re just one piece of a larger spectrum of treatment options, which includes outpatient programs like intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and daytime treatment programs.

5 Common Reasons Someone Needs a Psych Hospital

Psych hospitals provide essential care for individuals facing significant mental health challenges. These facilities are designed to stabilize patients in crisis, offering a safe environment where they can receive the support and treatment necessary to begin healing. While not everyone requires inpatient care, certain situations make psych hospitals an indispensable part of the mental health care system. Below are five common reasons someone might need the services of a psychiatric hospital.

Severe Mental Illness Requiring 24/7 Care

Conditions like psychosis, severe depression, or suicidal ideation can make it impossible for individuals to function safely without round-the-clock monitoring. Psych hospitals offer constant supervision and immediate access to psychiatric professionals, ensuring that patients in acute distress are stabilized and supported. This level of care is often the first step in addressing the underlying causes of these conditions.

Behavioral Health Crises

In moments of extreme anxiety, mania, or the inability to manage daily life, psych hospitals provide immediate intervention. These crises can manifest suddenly and may escalate without appropriate care. A psychiatric hospital offers a controlled environment where individuals can de-escalate, receive a proper diagnosis, and start treatment to regain stability.

Transition After a Suicide Attempt

After a suicide attempt, the priority is stabilization and ensuring safety. Psych hospitals play a critical role in providing immediate care, addressing the factors that led to the attempt, and creating a foundation for ongoing mental health support. This environment allows individuals to begin rebuilding in a protected, therapeutic space.

Detox and Mental Health Support

When mental health issues intersect with substance use, psych hospitals can address both simultaneously. Patients undergoing detox often experience heightened emotional distress, making psychiatric support essential. These facilities offer medical detox alongside mental health care, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive treatment for co-occurring disorders.

Court-Ordered Psychiatric Evaluations or Treatment

In some cases, individuals are required by law to undergo psychiatric evaluations or treatment, often as part of legal proceedings. Psych hospitals provide the structured environment to conduct these assessments or deliver mandated care. These stays are critical for ensuring both compliance and the individual’s mental health needs are met.

Psych hospitals are not just places of crisis care—they are stepping stones to a more stable and healthy future. Understanding when and why they are needed can help individuals and families make informed decisions about mental health treatment.

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Psych Hospital vs. Outpatient Programs: What’s the Difference?

Mental health treatment is not one-size-fits-all. For individuals struggling with mental illnesses, the level of care needed depends on the severity of symptoms, safety concerns, and personal circumstances. Psych hospitals and outpatient programs, such as Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) or daytime treatment, provide two distinct approaches to addressing mental health needs. Understanding the differences can help individuals and families make informed care decisions.

Inpatient Psychiatric Care

Psych hospitals, or inpatient psychiatric facilities, are designed for individuals who require intensive, round-the-clock supervision. These facilities provide a controlled environment where patients can stabilize during a mental health crisis, such as severe depression, psychosis, or suicidal ideation.

Key components of inpatient care include:

Structured Therapy: Patients participate in group and individual therapy sessions to address underlying mental health conditions.
Medication Management: Psychiatrists closely monitor medication regimens to ensure effectiveness and manage side effects.
Crisis Stabilization: The primary goal is to create a safe environment where individuals can regain stability and begin to work toward recovery.

Inpatient psychiatric care is often a short-term solution to address acute symptoms before transitioning to less-intensive treatment options.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Daytime Treatment

For those who don’t require 24/7 supervision, IOP and daytime treatment offer a flexible yet structured approach to ongoing mental health care. These programs are designed to provide continued support after a psych hospital stay or as a standalone option for individuals who need more than traditional outpatient therapy.

Key aspects of IOP and daytime treatment include:

Flexible Scheduling: Patients can attend therapy sessions during the day while maintaining work, school, or family responsibilities.
Focused Therapy: Sessions may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and skills training tailored to the individual’s needs.
Community Support: Participants engage with peers facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of connection and shared progress.

Daytime treatment bridges the gap between inpatient care and traditional outpatient services, ensuring individuals receive the support they need without disrupting their daily lives.

Choosing between inpatient care and outpatient programs depends on the individual’s needs. Psych hospitals provide critical care for immediate stabilization, while IOP and daytime treatment offer the tools and structure necessary for sustainable recovery in a more flexible setting. Both play essential roles in the continuum of mental health care.

What Happens During a Stay in a Psych Hospital?

A stay in a psych hospital is often a pivotal moment in someone’s mental health journey. These facilities are designed to provide stability, safety, and support during some of life’s most challenging moments. For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or requiring intensive care for major mental illnesses, psych hospitals offer a structured environment where healing begins. From the initial assessment to transitioning back to everyday life, the process is tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs and goals.

Assessment and Admission Process

The first step in a psych hospital stay is a thorough assessment to determine the patient’s needs. This includes mental health evaluations, medical history reviews, and discussions about current symptoms. Based on these findings, a personalized treatment plan outlines the therapies, medications, and support systems to guide the patient toward recovery. The admission process ensures that every individual begins their journey with a clear, structured path forward.

Types of Treatment in Psych Hospitals

Treatment in psych hospitals combines medical expertise with therapeutic interventions:

Medication Management: Psychiatrists oversee the use of medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers to address chemical imbalances and reduce symptoms.
Therapy Options: Patients participate in group therapy, individual counseling, and evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or trauma-focused care. These sessions help patients process emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience.
Crisis Intervention: For individuals experiencing acute symptoms, immediate interventions are implemented to de-escalate the situation and create a sense of safety.

Transitioning Out of a Psych Hospital

The end of a hospital stay doesn’t mark the end of treatment—it’s the beginning of a new phase in recovery. Transition plans often include referrals to Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) or daytime treatment to provide continued structure and support. These programs allow individuals to build on their progress in the hospital while reintegrating into their daily lives. Aftercare plans may also involve ongoing therapy, medication management, and connections to community resources to help maintain long-term stability.

Psych hospitals play a foundational role in mental health recovery, offering patients the tools and support they need to move toward a healthier future.

Alternatives to Psych Hospitals for Mental Health Treatment

Psych hospitals serve a critical purpose, but they are not always the only solution for managing mental health challenges. For some, outpatient care provides the right balance of structure and flexibility. Understanding these alternatives allows individuals to make choices that align with their specific needs, helping them find support without the intensity of a hospital stay.

When IOP or Daytime Treatment May Be Enough

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and daytime treatment offer a middle ground between full hospitalization and traditional outpatient care. These programs are designed for individuals who need a structured environment but don’t require 24/7 supervision.

IOP allows participants to attend therapy sessions weekly while maintaining their work, school, or family responsibilities. This option is ideal for those transitioning from an inpatient setting or individuals whose symptoms, while challenging, are manageable outside of a hospital.

IOP helps patients build coping strategies while staying connected to their daily lives by providing consistent access to therapies like CBT and group counseling. This balance of care and autonomy often leads to meaningful, sustainable progress.

Support Systems Beyond Inpatient Care

For many, recovery is galvanized by the support of family, friends, and community groups. Psych hospitals and outpatient programs often integrate these systems into treatment plans, recognizing the importance of a strong personal network.

Family therapy sessions, peer support groups, and ongoing counseling create opportunities to address relational challenges, foster understanding, and build accountability. These resources are significant in maintaining stability once formal treatment ends, ensuring individuals feel supported in their recovery journey.

While psych hospitals offer critical care in times of crisis, alternatives like IOP and robust support systems provide additional pathways to healing for those ready to take the next step.

How to Find the Right Psych Hospital or IOP in Newport Beach, CA

Choosing the right mental health treatment center can feel overwhelming, but the decision can significantly impact recovery. Whether you’re considering a psych hospital for acute care or an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for ongoing support, knowing what to prioritize will guide you toward the best fit for your needs. With specialized treatment options available in Newport Beach, finding a facility that aligns with your goals can pave the way for meaningful progress.

Why Location Matters

Seeking treatment close to home offers convenience and comfort during a challenging time. Staying local means easier access to family support and a smoother transition to daily routines after treatment. For residents of Newport Beach and the surrounding Orange County area, options like East Point Recovery Centers provide accessible, high-quality care without the stress of distant travel.

What to Look for in a Mental Health Program

Not all mental health facilities are created equal. Look for programs that prioritize evidence-based therapies and employ licensed professionals experienced in treating complex mental health conditions. A strong focus on long-term recovery ensures that treatment goes beyond symptom management, addressing the underlying causes of mental illness. Comprehensive aftercare planning, including IOP and daytime treatment options, is essential to maintaining progress after discharge.

Integrated Care for Major Mental Illnesses and Co-Occurring Disorders

Individuals with dual diagnoses or co-occurring disorders require specialized care that addresses both mental health and substance use challenges. Facilities like East Point Recovery Centers emphasize integrated treatment, combining medication management, therapy, and peer support to create a holistic approach to recovery. This level of care is critical for those navigating conditions like bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depression alongside substance dependency.

Focusing on personalized care, proximity, and professional expertise makes finding the right psych hospital or IOP in Newport Beach a manageable step toward lasting recovery.

4 Misconceptions About Psych Hospitals You Should Know

Psych hospitals are often misunderstood, leading to unnecessary fear or hesitation in seeking care. By addressing these misconceptions, individuals and their families can gain clarity about these facilities’ role in recovery. Whether it’s for short-term stabilization or longer-term support, understanding the reality of psychiatric care can make a significant difference.

“Psych Hospitals Are Just for Severe Cases”

While psych hospitals are equipped to handle acute situations, they also cater to a broader spectrum of mental health challenges. From mood disorders like depression to anxiety that interferes with daily life, these facilities provide personalized care plans for each individual. This diversity ensures that even those with less severe but persistent symptoms can access the support they need.

“You’ll Be Locked Away”

The idea of confinement often overshadows the truth about psych hospitals. In reality, these centers foster healing through open communication, group activities, and evidence-based therapies. Patients actively participate in their recovery, working alongside compassionate professionals in a collaborative environment to encourage growth and stability.

“Outpatient Care Isn’t as Effective”

IOP and daytime treatment programs are highly effective alternatives to inpatient care for many individuals. These options allow patients to maintain their routines, stay connected to their support systems, and apply therapeutic techniques in real-time. Facilities like East Point Recovery Centers specialize in offering flexible treatment models that are both practical and impactful for sustained mental health improvement.

“Once You Go to a Psych Hospital, You’ll Never Leave”

Long-term stays are not the standard for most patients. Psychiatric hospitals aim to stabilize individuals and transition them into the appropriate level of care, such as outpatient or IOP programs. Personalized care plans ensure that every step, from admission to discharge, is aligned with the patient’s unique recovery goals, creating a clear path forward.

By addressing these common myths, it becomes clear that psych hospitals are not just about crisis management—they are a resource for anyone seeking to regain control over their mental health.

When Is a Psych Hospital the Right Choice?

Deciding to seek care at a psych hospital can feel overwhelming, but understanding the signs that indicate the need for inpatient treatment can make that decision clearer. Psych hospitals are designed for individuals experiencing severe mental health symptoms that require immediate, structured support. They offer a safe space for stabilization, medical monitoring, and therapeutic intervention.

For some, the decision might come after facing a significant safety risk, such as thoughts of self-harm or harm to others. For others, it might be the inability to function in daily life due to severe depression, anxiety, or psychosis. Regardless of the situation, early intervention can prevent escalation and set the foundation for recovery.

Starting with a professional assessment at East Point Recovery Centers can help determine whether inpatient care, IOP, or daytime treatment is the most effective option. Tailored recommendations ensure that each individual receives the level of care they need to begin their journey toward stability and long-term mental wellness.

Take the First Step Toward Stability Today

Seeking help for mental health challenges is a courageous decision that can set the foundation for long-term recovery. Redeemed Mental Health in Newport Beach offers a trusted environment where individuals can find support tailored to their needs. Whether through intensive outpatient programs or daytime treatment, our team is committed to helping individuals regain control and build a path toward healing.

Our Newport Beach location specializes in addressing major mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders, providing evidence-based care in a compassionate setting. If you or someone you care about is facing a mental health crisis, don’t wait to reach out.

Contact Redeemed Mental Health today to explore our IOP treatment programs in Newport Beach, CA, and take the first step toward recovery and a brighter future.

How to Talk to a Loved One with Mental Illness

Annie Winner on October 3, 2024

Supporting a loved one with mental illness can be challenging, especially when you don’t know how to approach sensitive conversations. Mental illness can distort a person’s thinking, affect their mood, and make communication difficult. However, approaching these situations with care, patience, and understanding can make a significant difference.

At Redeemed Mental Health, we know how essential it is for families and friends to be part of the healing journey, and one of the most important ways you can support someone is by learning how to talk to them in a compassionate and effective way.

This article will guide you through some key strategies for speaking with a loved one who is struggling with mental illness, emphasizing empathy, active listening, and support.

Understanding Mental Illness

Before diving into strategies for communication, it’s important to understand mental illness. Mental illnesses are health conditions that affect a person’s thinking, mood, and behavior. These conditions can range from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more. Each illness comes with its own set of challenges, but one common thread is that they can deeply affect the way a person interacts with the world around them.

People with mental illness may:

Struggle to communicate their emotions clearly
Withdraw from social interaction or become overly dependent on others
Experience mood swings or emotional instability
Have difficulty managing day-to-day responsibilities
Feel misunderstood or stigmatized by society

These challenges often make it harder for them to reach out for help or talk about what they are going through. That’s why having open, honest, and supportive conversations is essential for both their healing and your relationship.

1. Approach with Empathy

The foundation of any conversation with a loved one who has a mental illness is empathy. Empathy involves not just understanding their situation but also actively imagining how they might feel and responding with care. When speaking with someone about their mental health, avoid coming from a place of judgment or frustration. Instead, approach them with kindness, compassion, and a willingness to listen.

How to Show Empathy:

Validate Their Feelings: Even if you don’t fully understand what they’re going through, it’s important to acknowledge their emotions. Phrases like, “I can see that you’re really hurting” or “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed” can help your loved one feel heard and understood.
Avoid Minimizing Their Struggles: Mental illness can sometimes cause frustration for both the individual and those around them. However, it’s important not to say things like, “It’s not that bad” or “You just need to snap out of it.” These statements can feel dismissive and may cause your loved one to shut down.
Be Patient: Recovery from mental illness takes time, and progress can be slow. Remain patient and avoid rushing them to feel better or demanding quick changes. Your patience will show that you are there for the long haul.

2. Choose the Right Time and Place

Conversations about mental health can be intense, emotional, and deeply personal. It’s essential to choose the right time and setting to approach the topic.

Consider the following:

Private and Comfortable Environment: Choose a quiet, private location where your loved one feels safe and at ease. Avoid bringing up sensitive topics in public or when other people are around.
Timing: Make sure you’re both in a relatively calm and stable state before initiating the conversation. If your loved one is in the midst of a mental health crisis or feeling particularly agitated, it might not be the best time to engage in deep discussions.
Be Ready for Silence: Mental illness can make it hard for someone to express their feelings or even find the right words. There may be moments of silence during your conversation, and that’s okay. Give them space to think and speak when they’re ready.

3. Practice Active Listening

One of the most powerful things you can do for a loved one with mental illness is to listen—really listen. Often, people struggling with mental health issues feel isolated and misunderstood. By practicing active listening, you demonstrate that you care about their experiences and are willing to hear them out.

Tips for Active Listening:

Give Them Your Full Attention: Put away distractions, including your phone or TV. Make eye contact and focus entirely on the conversation.
Reflect What You Hear: Use phrases like, “What I’m hearing you say is…” or “It sounds like you’re feeling…” to ensure you’re interpreting their feelings correctly. Reflecting back what they’ve said shows that you’re paying attention and trying to understand.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no,” try to ask open-ended questions that encourage deeper conversation. For example, “Can you tell me more about how you’ve been feeling?” or “What has been the hardest part for you lately?”
Avoid Interrupting: Resist the urge to offer solutions right away or interrupt with your thoughts. Allow them to express themselves fully before responding.

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4. Offer Support, Not Solutions

It can be tempting to try and fix things for a loved one who is struggling. However, mental illness is complex, and there are no quick fixes. Offering unsolicited advice or trying to “solve” their problems can come off as dismissive or controlling.

Instead, focus on offering support:

Ask How You Can Help: Rather than assuming what your loved one needs, ask them directly: “How can I support you right now?” This gives them the opportunity to express their needs and feel empowered in their recovery.
Be Supportive Without Being Overbearing: Offer your support in a way that respects their autonomy. Avoid pushing them to make decisions or take steps they’re not ready for, and instead be a steady source of encouragement.
Respect Their Boundaries: While it’s important to offer support, it’s equally important to respect their boundaries. If they’re not ready to talk about certain things or need space, give them the time and room they need.

5. Be Mindful of Language

The language you use when talking to someone with mental illness can have a significant impact on how the conversation unfolds. Words are powerful, and using the wrong language can unintentionally cause harm or perpetuate stigma.

What to Avoid:

Avoid Blame or Shame: Refrain from using language that suggests your loved one is at fault for their mental illness. Phrases like “Why can’t you just get over it?” or “You’re being so difficult” can make them feel guilty or ashamed.
Don’t Label Them by Their Illness: Your loved one is more than their diagnosis. Avoid using terms like “crazy” or “insane,” even in casual conversation, as these words can feel stigmatizing and hurtful.

What to Say Instead:

Use person-first language: Instead of saying, “She’s schizophrenic,” say, “She has schizophrenia.” This reinforces the idea that their illness is just one part of who they are and not the entirety of their identity.

6. Encourage Professional Help

While emotional support from friends and family is crucial, professional help is often necessary for managing and treating mental illness. If your loved one is not currently receiving treatment, it can be helpful to gently encourage them to seek professional help.

How to Approach the Topic:

Frame it as a Positive Step: Instead of implying that they need help because something is “wrong” with them, frame professional treatment as a positive, empowering choice. You can say things like, “Talking to a therapist could give you some extra tools to manage what you’re going through,” or “There’s no shame in asking for help.”
Offer Assistance: Navigating the mental health system can be overwhelming. Offer to help them research therapists, make an appointment, or accompany them to their first session if they’re nervous.
Respect Their Autonomy: If your loved one isn’t ready to seek professional help, respect their decision. Continue offering support and gently revisiting the topic when appropriate.

7. Take Care of Yourself, Too

Supporting a loved one with mental illness can be emotionally draining. It’s important to remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make sure you’re also taking care of your own mental health during this process. Consider seeking support from a therapist, counselor, or support group for family members of individuals with mental illness. Taking time for self-care allows you to show up as your best self for your loved one.

Conclusion

Talking to a loved one with mental illness can be difficult, but it’s also one of the most important ways to show your support. At Redeemed Mental Health, we believe that open, empathetic conversations can play a crucial role in the healing process. By approaching your loved one with patience, empathy, and a willingness to listen, you can create a safe space where they feel heard and supported.

Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers. Just being there, offering your support, and encouraging them to seek help when they’re ready can make a world of difference.

What is Anosognosia in Mental Illness?

Annie Winner on July 10, 2024

Today, millions of Americans struggle with mental health problems ranging from substance abuse to anxiety or depression to bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. With almost 1 in 4 Americans qualifying for a mental health diagnosis of some kind, it’s incredibly normal to have a mental illness or mental health problem. But, for some of us, realizing that we have those problems is part of the mental illness. Instead, a percentage of people suffer from a condition known as Anosognosia, in which they are unable to realize or recognize that they have a mental health problem.

While this can be linked to denial, anosognosia is an illness of its own and is characterized by damage to the brain, which can result from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, dementia, some kinds of trauma, and traumatic brain injury.

What is Anosognosia?

Anosognosia is a condition in which you cannot recognize another or other health conditions that you have. For most people, it means you simply are not aware of a deficit or illness that you have and instead see yourself as normally functioning and not in need of medication or help. In mental illness, it most often crops up in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, where affected individuals may think they are normally functioning and not in need of any help at all. However, the illness is from a family of agnosia’s, all of which relate to inability to recognize sensory input. For example, the inability to see visual motion, inability to recognize body parts, inability to recognize partial paralysis, inability to differentiate visual objects, etc.

In mental illness, anosognosia is most-often linked to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Here, individuals can suffer significant trauma to the brain, resulting in their inability to see that they are functioning any differently than the people around them. They may also not notice or not realize that episodes happen and may therefore feel that any attempts to get them help are trying to harm them or asking them to do something for no reason.

What’s the Difference Between Anosognosia and Denial?

There are significant overlaps between anosognosia and denial. People who are in denial of having a mental health condition can delude themselves to the point of very significantly believing that they don’t have a problem.

Denial can also be a significant mental health problem in which a person can delude themselves into a condition that can be diagnosed as anosognosia. If you are incapable of acknowledging that you have a deficit, whether because of brain injury or because of a mental health problem, it likely qualifies as anosognosia.

Anosognosia is normally linked to the mechanism by which people make a mental image of themselves. Here, you have to change that mental image as you move through your life. You get a haircut, now you have to think of yourself with short hair. You learn a new skill, your mental image of yourself updates to include being able to achieve tasks with that skill. But when you lose skills, it can be difficult for your brain to adapt. You see this with people who lose limbs who very often react and try to use those limbs for decades after losing them. For example, patients with amputated limbs show brain activity for those amputated limbs decades after amputation, because the brain never gets rid of the portion of the brain dedicated to moving that limb.

Mental illness is thought to have a similar mechanism, where persons who lose functionality, such as by going into a bipolar manic episode, are unable to recognize the episode because their brain isn’t updating their mental image. The brain is inflexible. Whether that’s caused by brain chemistry, denial, or traumatic injury to the brain is less relevant than the fact that the problem exists.

Anosognosia can be a form of denial. It might also be something forced on the individual by a brain injury. You can’t just talk someone with anosognosia out of it. If that were the case, they would just have denial and not anosognosia.

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Who Develops Anosognosia?

Anosognosia is extremely rare on a population level but extremely common when you start to look at the specific groups that it affects. For example, one study shows that it impacts an estimated 40% of people with bipolar disorder, 40-98% of persons with schizophrenia, and 20-80% of persons with Alzheimer’s.

Often, anosognosia follows significant trauma to the brain, which can occur as a result of a mental health disorder like schizophrenia.

Signs & Symptoms of Anosognosia

Anosognosia is characterized by an inability to recognize that something is wrong. That can mean:

The individual stops taking their meds
The individual goes from understanding they have a diagnosis to claiming they are completely healthy and potentially back again (Anosognosia can come and go)
The individual is paranoid about why people want them to get treatment or take medications
The individual deteriorates and starts having worse symptoms of mental health problems becuase they stop taking care of themselves and going to treatment (after all, nothing is wrong).

Diagnosing anosognosia normally starts with a questionnaire to assess whether someone is aware of having problems. The Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD) is the standard used here. After this, you may receive a CT, EEG, or MRI scan to check for physical damage to the brain. Often, there are no physical signs, especially in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

How Do You Treat Anosognosia?

Anosognosia can be extremely difficult to treat because people receiving treatment are often resistant to treatment. For this reason, it’s best to take a mixed approach of switching away from getting someone to acknowledge illness and towards getting someone to acknowledge goals.

For example, in patients with schizophrenia, getting them to take medication is often the primary goal. About a third of persons with schizophrenia-related anosognosia are able to recognize that they have mental health problems when they take their medication long enough for it to have an effect.

Motivational enhancement therapy is also often used to help people meet goals like going to treatment and taking medication. Again, the goal is not to convince the person that they are ill or that they have a diagnosis. Instead, it’s to convince them that there are benefits to fixing a specific behavior or making a change and then getting them to do it – to improve their overall wellbeing. In patients with “denial” MET is used to convince people that they have a mental illness and need treatment, but this approach does not work with anosognosia.

Getting Help

People with anosognosia are unable to acknowledge that they have a mental health problem. This may be total (they never realize they have a mental health problem) or it may come and go (they take meds for months and then suddenly believe they are well and are taking medication for no reason). In every case, the best approach is to get that person to a doctor where they can be diagnosed and given treatment. Often, the challenge is keeping that person in treatment because they won’t normally see anything wrong with themselves. That means talking to them about goals like work, living alone, taking care of themselves, etc., and then working out reasons that mental health professionals can help with that. You won’t get anywhere trying to talk someone with anosognosia into believing they are sick. However, you can talk them into getting help for other reasons by normalizing mental healthcare for normal life. Good luck getting treatment.

How Can I Rebound After Psychosis and Jail?

Andrea Wagner on November 10, 2023

Psychosis is a largely unacknowledged but extremely prevalent factor behind people committing violent crimes and going to jail. In fact, an estimated 3.6% of male and 3.9% of female prisoners have a psychosis diagnosis in prisons worldwide. Psychotic episodes from personality disorders, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders can wreak havoc on your life – not just because they make it harder to maintain routines and relationships but also because they can get you into very real trouble with the law.

How do you bounce back from that after having hit rock bottom? If you’re getting out of jail or prison after a psychotic episode, you probably want to take steps to protect yourself and your future. Ensuring you have the tools to stay healthy and in control is important. Of course, your treatment will typically depend on your diagnosis and what you’re facing. However, these tips will help you rebound after psychosis.

Talk to Your Doctor

Your first step should always be to talk to your doctor. That’s true whether or not you have a diagnosis. Here, you should:

Verify your diagnosis or attempt to get one
Get a prescription for anti-psychotics
Get a referral into a mental health treatment program so that your health insurance covers it

Nearly everyone with a psychosis diagnosis will require medication either permanently or intermittently throughout their lives. Most schizophrenia patients require medication for their entire lives. Data shows that about 30% of schizophrenia patients can manage without medication – after 10 years of treatment and learning to cope with symptoms.

This means that talking to your doctor and working out your prescription, if your prescription is still right for you, and how to combine it with therapy is an important first step. You likely need antipsychotics to benefit from mental health treatment. That will mean getting a prescription if you don’t already have one, waiting for it to take effect, and then moving into treatment that can work with you based on those symptoms.

Seek Out Mental Health Treatment

Attending psychosocial rehabilitation programs is one of the most important steps you can take in ensuring your recovery and rebound. In fact, primary treatment for psychosis is a personally tailored mix of talking therapy and medication. This means that you’ll need treatment to ensure that you have the tools to manage psychosis symptoms. Mental health treatment typically includes 30-90 days programs of in-house or outpatient treatment, where you’ll attend a clinic with group therapy, individual therapy, and counseling. There, you’ll learn how to manage symptoms, how to change behaviors to reduce symptoms, and how to build skills and coping mechanisms that improve your quality of life around your symptoms.

Depending on you, that can mean learning to accept symptoms and your psychosis and working to manage it. You might also need help building stress management, routines, and self-care skills. Many people also need help building social networks, managing relationships, and learning to ask others for help. Your treatment will typically depend on where you are and what you need. However, you can expect it to involve behavioral therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectal behavioral therapy. You’ll also get counseling and group therapy to help you deal with the problems that psychosis cause in your life, to deal with psychosis itself, and to recognize the symptoms of psychosis and react to them with enough time to get help.

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Look for Assisted Living

Assisted living and supported living solutions are an ideal way to rebound from psychosis and jail. Here, you’ll stay in a shared home for several months, sometimes longer. There, you’ll have a routine, set meal times, people to check up on you, and accountability. If you stop going to treatment or stop taking care of yourself, people notice. If you stop spending time with the group or sharing meals, people notice. That forced accountability can be an important part of recovery because it forces you to adopt the routines and schedule of self-care that can help you to stay in recovery.

Of course, assisted living centers aren’t right for everyone and some people get the same out of an inpatient treatment program. However, it can be a valuable way to bridge the gap between no autonomy in prison and total autonomy out of prison by giving yourself accountability and someone to help you with schedules and routines.

Long-term Support and Aftercare

If you’re living with psychosis, it’s a permanent part of your life (although you may have drug-induced psychosis like marijuana psychosis, in which case it may be temporary). However, that normally means you’ll have to look for long-term aftercare and support. That means having people who will notice if you start to slip, having people to check up on you, and ensuring that you maintain your routines. For many, a simple self-help group with weekly meetings will be more than enough for therapy maintenance. However, you’ll want to discuss your options with your therapist based on your progress.

In addition, it’s generally a good idea to have more rather than less support. If you have a probation officer checking up on you, that’s good. If you have a social worker doing so, even better. If you have recurring visits with your therapist to check in on your mental health, even after your treatment is over, even better. Ensuring you have long-term support, options to go back into treatment, and people to help you stay on top of your mental health is important for your long-term recovery.

Tracking Signs of Relapse

For many people, preventing relapse and recidivism is about tracking early warning signs of relapse. For most people with psychosis those symptoms include:

Irritability or nervousness
Reduced concentration and focus
Requiring time alone or more than usual
Sensitivity to stimulus (noise, light, touch)
Reduced quality of sleep
Nightmares
Unusual thought experiences

Depending on your specific diagnosis, that can vary a great deal. Therefore, you should sit down with your therapist to build a list and to learn how to recognize them in yourself.

Long-Term Care

Long-term care means investing your health for the long-term that means investing in self-care and ongoing support. This means:

Taking care of yourself with good sleep, eating, and exercise habits
Having a good routine
Learning communication and problem-solving skills
Having social support
Having meaningful things to do with your time
Getting ongoing treatment

Many people do prefer to get help with this, especially in the first few years after diagnosis. However, that should often be in the form of professional support and not simply relying on family to help you. This means assisted living, visiting social workers, social care, and even at-home nursing and care. What works for you will vary depending on your situation, but it is an important thing to consider.

Getting Help

If you’re moving back into your life after a psychosis breakdown and incarceration, it’s important to reach out and get help. That almost always starts with your doctor, where you can talk about what your options are, review your diagnosis and prescription, and get a referral into mental health treatment. From there, you can get mental health treatment to ensure you have the tools to manage your disorder long-term, so you can recover, and so you can learn to recognize and act when your mental health starts to go downhill. Good luck rebounding!

Redeemed Mental Health is a mental health & dual diagnosis treatment center offering PHP, IOP, and individual levels of care. Contact us today to begin your journey of recovery!