Have you ever experienced moments that felt profoundly spiritual but left you questioning your sanity? The lines between spiritual psychosis and spiritual awakening can be incredibly thin, and it’s not always easy to differentiate between the two.
At Insula Wellbeing, we understand how confusing these experiences can be, especially when they affect your mental health and overall wellbeing.
We will explore the nuances of spiritual psychosis, highlight its symptoms, and help you identify when your spiritual experiences may be crossing into troubling territory.
Spiritual psychosis is a term often used to describe a state where an individual experiences severe alterations in perception, mood, and behaviour that are linked to spiritual or mystical beliefs.
While spiritual experiences can often be enlightening and transformative, psychosis can lead to disconnection from reality, causing distress and confusion.
Hallucinations are one of the most recognisable symptoms of spiritual psychosis. These can manifest as visual or auditory experiences that do not have a basis in reality.
For example, someone experiencing a hallucination might hear voices calling their name or see vivid images that others around them cannot perceive.
Imagine a person walking in a park who suddenly hears whispers urging them to take a specific path. They might feel compelled to follow the whispers, believing they are receiving guidance from a higher power. In reality, there’s no one around, the voices are a product of their psychosis. These experiences can be particularly distressing, especially if the individual perceives them as messages that require immediate action or interpretation.
Delusions are another critical symptom of spiritual psychosis. These are strongly held beliefs that are not rooted in reality.
For instance, someone might believe they are destined to save humanity or that they possess special abilities that set them apart from others. This could lead to behaviours that isolate them from friends and family because they feel misunderstood or persecuted.
Consider an individual who becomes convinced they are a prophet, receiving messages from the divine. They might interpret everyday events, like a stranger looking at them or a song playing on the radio, as signs confirming their beliefs. This delusion can lead them to engage in erratic behaviours, such as preaching in public places or neglecting their responsibilities, as they prioritise their perceived mission above all else.
Disorganised thinking is another hallmark of spiritual psychosis. This symptom can manifest as difficulty organising thoughts, which leads to incoherent speech or behaviour.
Individuals may struggle to maintain a logical train of thought which makes it hard for them to communicate effectively.
Try to think about having a conversation with someone who jumps from topic to topic, making it challenging to follow what they're trying to say. They might start discussing their spiritual experiences, then abruptly shift to unrelated subjects which leaves their listener confused. This disorganised thought process can be frustrating for both the individual experiencing it and those trying to understand them.
Mood disturbances can also play a significant role in spiritual psychosis. These emotional fluctuations may include extreme states of mania, depression, or anxiety.
For example, an individual might experience intense feelings of joy and elation which makes them believe they are in tune with a higher power, followed by sudden periods of deep sadness or despair when those feelings dissipate.
Imagine someone who spends a week feeling euphoric and inspired, convinced they are destined for greatness. However, when this high wears off, they may plunge into depression, feeling lost and disheartened, unable to understand the drastic shift in their emotions. This cycle can create a rollercoaster of emotional experiences that leave the person feeling overwhelmed and confused.
While spiritual experiences can lead to insights and personal growth, it’s essential to recognise when these experiences become overwhelming or harmful.
Spiritual delusions are specific beliefs that deviate from reality, often tied to spiritual themes.
Here are some common symptoms you might encounter:
You may believe you are chosen or have a special connection with a higher power, which can alienate you from others.
Holding onto exaggerated ideas about your abilities or mission, such as thinking you can heal others or predict the future.
Feeling that others are watching you or plotting against you, possibly due to your spiritual beliefs.
These symptoms can be disorienting and create a rift between you and those around you. Recognising them early can be key in seeking help and support.
Understanding the triggers of psychosis can help you identify and manage your experiences more effectively. Some common triggers include:
High levels of stress can come from many sources. Personal loss, traumatic experiences, or big changes in life can push someone to a breaking point and lead to a psychotic episode.
Using drugs or alcohol can change how a person thinks and feels. For those who already have mental health problems, these substances can trigger psychosis that makes symptoms worse.
Not getting enough sleep can have serious effects on mental health. A lack of sleep can cause someone to see things that aren’t there or develop false beliefs about reality.
Having a history of mental health issues can make a person more likely to experience psychosis. Conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder can create a higher risk for these intense symptoms to occur.
Awareness of these triggers is crucial for maintaining your mental wellbeing. If you find yourself in a particularly stressful situation, taking steps to manage your mental health can make a significant difference.
Trauma-induced psychosis can occur after experiencing significant trauma, often leading to a temporary break from reality. Symptoms may include:
These are upsetting memories of the traumatic event that keep coming back, even when you don't want them to. They can be so strong that they interrupt your daily life and make it hard to focus on anything else.
This is a feeling of being disconnected from your emotions or the world around you. You might not feel anything at all, which is the mind's way of trying to protect you from pain, but it can make you feel distant from everything.
Disorientation means feeling confused or lost, especially when trying to tell the difference between what is real and what is a memory or a flashback. It can make everyday activities feel overwhelming or unreal, blurring the line between past trauma and the present moment.
If you suspect your experiences might be related to trauma, reaching out for professional help is essential. We at Insula Wellbeing can assist you in understanding and processing these experiences through personalised support.
Psychosis typically unfolds in three stages:
This early stage is characterised by subtle changes in behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. You may feel a shift in perception or experience minor hallucinations or delusions.
Symptoms become more pronounced during this phase, and you may experience severe disconnection from reality. This stage is often distressing and can lead to significant impairment in daily functioning.
After the acute phase, symptoms may subside, but you may still experience lingering effects such as confusion or emotional numbness. Support during this phase is vital for recovery.
Recognising these stages can help you or your loved ones identify when to seek help and support.
The distinction between spiritual awakening and spiritual psychosis is crucial for maintaining mental health. While a spiritual awakening often involves feelings of clarity, peace, and connection, spiritual psychosis tends to lead to confusion, distress, and disconnection.
Spiritual awakenings are typically marked by:
You might notice that you’re more in touch with your feelings and surroundings. Things that once seemed ordinary could now feel more meaningful or important.
During a spiritual awakening, many people feel a deep sense of calm and happiness. Life’s problems might not affect you as much, and you feel more content with where you are.
You may begin to feel more compassion and understanding toward others. This increased empathy often strengthens your relationships and makes you feel closer to the people in your life.
These experiences can be enriching and promote personal growth and understanding.
In contrast, signs of spiritual psychosis may include:
You may feel scared or anxious about what’s happening to you. These feelings can leave you unsure about whether your experiences are normal or something to worry about.
You might pull away from friends and family because of what you believe or experience. This isolation can make you feel even more alone, as others struggle to understand what you’re going through.
It can become hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. You might question your surroundings, or your thoughts could feel disconnected from reality.
Recognising these signs can help you better understand your mental state and seek help if necessary.
Insula Wellbeing believes that understanding your mental health journey is essential. If you’re experiencing symptoms of spiritual psychosis or struggling with your spiritual experiences, seeking help can provide clarity and support.
Here are some steps you can take:
Speaking with a mental health professional can help you manage your experiences and offer personalised support. We are here to help you understand and manage your mental health.
Connecting with others who have experienced similar challenges can provide comfort and understanding.
Engaging in activities that promote mental wellbeing, such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature, can help ground you during overwhelming times.
Our team of mental health professionals at Insula Wellbeing is committed to providing personalised support for your journey. Here’s what sets us apart:
We customise our interventions to meet your specific needs and ensure you receive the most effective support.
Our focus is on achieving meaningful outcomes for our clients.
We prioritise making our services accessible to everyone and ensure no one feels alone in their journey.
Based in Bangor, we are committed to serving our community and providing support where it’s needed most.
Our approach combines professionalism with a relatable touch which makes it easier for you to engage with our services.
Understanding the difference between spiritual psychosis and spiritual awakening can help you manage your mental health journey more effectively. Remember, you are not alone, and support is available. If you find yourself struggling with your experiences, we invite you to reach out to us at Insula Wellbeing. Together, we can empower your mental health and help you find clarity and peace amidst the chaos.
