“What should you not say when someone is psychotic?”
My friend has occasional and sudden psychosis. I want to know what should you not say when someone is psychotic?
3 Answers
Try to avoid saying, "You're crazy." If the person is paranoid, the risk is that YOU will become part of the delusion. I spent 20 years in hospital psychiatry and I worked hard to avoid an adversarial relationship with a psychotic person. Avoid responding to delusional comments and try to stay with day-to-day practicalities. Non-paranoid people with schizophrenia are not dangerous. I would want to know if the person is dealing with schizophrenia, mania, or borderline personality (which can also be referred to as cPTSD, complex PTSD). You can ask your friend if there is anything you can do to be of assistance. Can you run some errands? go shopping, hang out at the beach. Keep in real and practical.
Do not challenge their delusions directly.
Do not confront them, bring to professional for evaluation.
