Coping Skills for Psychosis: Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features and Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type




My diagnosis for ten years was Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features. Once I started working full time and got private insurance Kaiser evaluated by and changed my diagnosis to Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type. I remember telling my psychiatrist “Oh my God! That sounds worse! And I wrote a book titled Bipolar Girl: My Psychotic Self. I can’t change the name now. Should it be Schizoaffective Girl:My Psychotic Self? That does not flow as good.”

She said treatment would remain the same. The difference between Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features and Schizoaffective, Type is that with Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features you only get psychosis when you are manic. With Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type the psychosis is the primary part of the mental illness and the mood disorder comes secondary. Some people believe schizoaffective disorder is a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

My psychosis can be very challenging to cope with. I hear scary voices. I have intrusive thoughts, delusions, illusions of demons in the clouds and floor. I hallucinate and this can be very scary. I practice reality testing and grounding exercises.

For the reality testing. I get a post-it that says “It is not real” and then right a positive affirmation. “You a beautiful and strong person.” When I’m having psychosis I ask myself “Could this be real or is this a symptoms of my mental illness. Then I bring myself back to reality. I read the post-it and remind myself that it is not real.

Another coping skill I use is grounding exercises. I become familiar with the room, colors, shapes. I pet my emotional support dog and think of his soft white fur. I am present in the moment and breath deeply while petting him. (mindful petting), gardening, healthy cooking, exercise, lavender baths. I also meditate. If symptoms and  voices are overwhelming I put earphones on and listen to music  as I practice reality testing. I talk to my husband  and mother for emotional support and take my medication daily, see a therapist. I’m treatment compliant and have accepted my mental illness. Being in denial only hurt me and all those around me for 4 painful years so I’m glad I accepted my mental illness and take my medication. I need it like I need air and water.

These are the coping skills that have helped me survive psychosis for 19 years! I hope these coping skills can help you too.

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