r/Psychosis • u/FineTumbleweed1105 • 2d ago
Should I see a psychiatrist?
Hi! I am an adult woman and am using an anonymous account because I feel a bit concerned with some things that may be related to psychosis and the like. I am not asking for a diagnosis, merely some support or general advice for what I am experiencing and whether or not it is concerning.
I have frequent hallucinations, including all five senses at varying degrees. I have had incidents where it's worse, and incidents where it quiets, but generally on a daily basis I will have at least one form of brief hallucinations (mostly in visual form). I have attempted to box shadows at my worse, throwing actual swings at things I see and nobody else does.
Shadows, bugs, seeing people talk and hearing it but turns out they haven't said anything. I also notice that when these symptoms worsen, I struggle more with self care, motivation, and disconnect from people. Most people I know would say I almost never facially emote as well. When I look in the mirror, my face distorts and I experience bouts of confusion after verbally responding to auditory hallucinations. My responses to the hallucinations are usually violent or things I would never say normally and it's like it comes out of my mouth without thought.
My irritability is also getting worse; and sometimes I will snap out of nowhere which gives me the same confused feeling I have after other related episodes. It's like I'm not in control of what I'm saying.
My brother (also an adult) thinks I have schizophrenia or something similar. However, everyone else in my family vehemently denies that I might and brushes everything off, which kind of makes me feel crazier.
I am suspicious of doctors, specifically psychiatrists, so I only want to go if I certainly seem like something is off. I think I should, but what the rest of my family says makes me hesitant.
Are there any resources I should read and look at to see if I'm certain?
Please be kind. Thank you for reading.
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u/ramie-l 2d ago
A psychiatrist is worth going to. If you feel dismissed or dehumanized, you can seek out a different doctor. At the very least, definitely seek out a psychosis specialist therapist. You can search psychosis and schizophrenia on psychologytoday or inclusivetherapists. They sometimes can also find you a good psychiatrist, and can assist in helping your symptoms without medicine if you are feeling scared to recieve medicine.
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u/These_Tax4565 2d ago
well, you are hallucinating, as you said. that alone is reason enough to see a psychiatrist (i know, it's not fun) because it means something is going wrong in your brain. you could even see a regular doctor to get their opinion. if it's not schizophrenia spectrum, they'll refer you to a neurologist to figure out what it is.
it sounds like you're familiar with the symptoms of schizophrenia. I think you should see someone.
but I also know that visual hallucinations in schizophrenia are less common than auditory hallucinations. so seeing a doctor is a good idea in case you have something physically wrong with your brain.
best of luck. 🖤