A psychotic break is a mental crisis in which the person experiences a loss of contact with reality, manifesting symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thoughts and strange behaviors. In these situations it is essential to know how to act appropriately to provide support and assistance to the person going through the crisis. Below are 8 guidelines and steps to follow in the event of a psychotic break.
1. Stay calm and confident
In the face of a psychotic break, it is crucial to stay calm and show confidence in your actions and words. The person experiencing the crisis may feel confused, scared or aggressive, so it is important to convey calm and avoid reacting abruptly or impulsively.
Practical tips:
- Breathe deeply to stay calm and centered.
- Speak calmly and with a soft tone of voice.
- Avoid sudden or threatening gestures that could increase the person's anxiety.
2. Seek professional help
In the event of a psychotic break, it is essential to seek professional help as soon as possible. Call emergency services, such as mental health services, the police or SAMU, so that they can intervene appropriately and provide the necessary assistance.
Practical tips:
- Provide clear and precise information about the situation to the health professional who answers the call.
- Request specialized medical assistance to evaluate and treat the psychotic crisis.
- Collaborate with health personnel to facilitate their work and guarantee the safety of the affected person.
3. Establish clear limits
It is important to establish clear and firm limits in the interaction with the person who is going through a psychotic break. These limits will help maintain safety and control of the situation, avoiding behaviors that could put the physical or emotional integrity of both at risk.
Practical tips:
- Establish simple and direct rules about what is allowed and what is not allowed during the crisis.
- Avoid arguing or negotiating with the person in the middle of a psychotic break, as it can be counterproductive.
- Protect your own safety if the person shows signs of aggression or violence, maintaining a safe distance.
4. Listen actively
Actively listening to the person who is experiencing a psychotic break is essential to understanding their experience and needs at that moment. Empathy and understanding can help calm the person and establish a bond of trust in the midst of the crisis.
Practical tips:
- Show genuine interest in what is happening. the person is living, without judging or questioning their experiences.
- Value the feelings and emotions that the person expresses during the psychotic break, giving them a safe space to express themselves.
- Validate their experiences without reinforcing delusions or hallucinations, maintaining a balance between respect and objective reality.
5. Provide emotional support
Offering emotional support during a psychotic break can make a difference in the recovery process for the affected person. Emotional support, affection and compassion can help reduce the anguish and fear that accompany a psychotic crisis.
Practical advice:
- Convey your feelings to the person unconditional support and your willingness to accompany her in that difficult moment.
- Validate her emotions and feelings, recognizing the intensity of her experience without minimizing it or dramatizing it.
- Offer comfort and emotional support through of affectionate gestures, such as hugs or words of encouragement.
6. Stimulates connection with reality
In a psychotic break, the person may lose contact with reality and have difficulty distinguishing between what is true and what is imaginary. Therefore, it is important to stimulate the connection with reality in a gradual and respectful way, to promote orientation and mental clarity.
Practical tips:
- Ask simple and concrete actions that allow the person to focus on objective aspects of their environment.
- Use concrete examples and shared experiences to reinforce the person's perception of reality.
- Guide the person towards basic activities of daily life to reinforce your connection with the here and now.
7. Ensure safety and well-being
The safety and well-being of both the person experiencing the psychotic break and those around them should be a priority during the crisis. It is essential to take measures to protect everyone involved and prevent risk or dangerous situations.
Practical tips:
- Eliminate objects or elements that may represent a danger to the person in crisis, such as sharp objects or dangerous substances.
- Provide a safe, calm environment to reduce excessive stimulation and promote emotional stability.
- Review the situation regularly to identify potential risks or warning signs that require immediate intervention.
8. Facilitates access to continuous professional help
Once the psychotic crisis has been controlled, it is essential to facilitate the person's access to continuous professional help, both to stabilize their mental health state and to prevent future shoots. Follow-up and specialized treatment are key to ensuring effective recovery.
Practical tips:
- Provide information about mental health resources and services available to the person, such as centers psychological care or psychosocial rehabilitation programs.
- Accompanies the person in the process of seeking professional help and in adhering to the treatment recommended by specialists.
- Establishes a follow-up plan and ongoing support to ensure that the person receives the necessary care during their recovery process.
In conclusion, acting appropriately in the face of a psychotic break requires understanding, empathy and professionalism. By following these guidelines and suggested steps, it is possible to provide effective support to the person going through the crisis, promoting their emotional well-being and recovery. Always remember to prioritize safety and respect at all times, both for the person in crisis and for yourself. Together we can face and overcome mental health challenges!