When Reality Feels Shaky: Living Well Through Psychosis

Beverly Ward
Sep 11, 2022
4 min read

Updated: Jun 28

There are some stories we never imagined we’d tell—moments that seem too heavy, too confusing, too fragile to say out loud. Psychosis is often one of those stories.

But friend, we are not called to hide in the shadows. We are called to walk in the light, even when the path feels foggy. And maybe, just maybe, part of the healing begins right here—with a conversation that says: You are not alone.

When Life Breaks Down

Let’s talk plainly. We all have a breaking point. Life builds pressure, and sometimes the weight is just too much. In those moments, our minds—designed to protect us—can become overwhelmed, and we may lose our grip on what’s real and what’s not. This is called psychosis.

It sounds like a frightening word, and it often is a frightening experience. But here’s the truth most people don’t hear enough: Psychosis is treatable. People recover. You are not beyond help.

Psychosis isn’t about being “crazy.” It’s about your mind hitting a level of stress it simply can’t manage anymore. You might hear voices no one else hears. See things no one else sees. Feel convinced that someone is after you when there’s no real threat.

And here’s something important: those experiences feel real. Your fear is real. Your confusion is real. Your pain is real.

And God’s love for you in the midst of it? That’s real, too.

You Are Not Broken Beyond Repair

According to mental health research, around 3 in 100 people will experience psychosis at some point in their lives. That’s more common than most realize. But misconceptions keeps many people silent.

Maybe you’ve wondered if your mind’s betrayal makes you unlovable. Maybe you’ve asked yourself, “Is God punishing me?” Oh, friend—let me stop you right there.

We live in fragile human bodies that get tired, sick, overwhelmed, and yes, even mentally unwell at times. That doesn’t mean God is angry with you. It doesn’t mean He’s left you. It means you’re human, and it means you need care—not condemnation.

God’s Word never shames illness. In fact, 1 Corinthians 15:42–44 reminds us that these bodies are temporary vessels. One day, we’ll trade them in for something gloriously new.

But until then? We care for the ones we’ve got—with compassion, not criticism.

Anchored in Truth

When the mind swirls with confusion, we need an anchor that doesn’t shift. That anchor is the Word of God.

God’s Word doesn’t depend on our emotional clarity. His promises don’t evaporate when our thoughts get jumbled. His love isn’t canceled by a diagnosis.

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? ...No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.”—Romans 8:35,37 (NLT)

Let that settle into your soul for a moment. Overwhelming victory.Through Christ.Even in this.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you or someone you love has experienced psychosis, take a deep breath and know this: healing is possible. Early intervention can make all the difference. Don’t wait. Talk to a licensed professional. Reach out to your pastor. Call a trusted friend.

And when the enemy whispers hopelessness into your ear, shout the truth of God’s Word back into that dark space.

Because here’s what I’ve learned in my own dark seasons: The light of God’s truth doesn’t need a floodlight to shine—it can pierce the deepest night with just a flicker.

Tending the Garden of Your Mind

Let’s talk about self-care—the soul-preserving, thought-protecting, heart-guarding kind.

When it comes to preventing episodes of psychosis or keeping your mental health strong, here’s where to begin:

Physical Care:

Prioritize sleep (your brain heals while you rest).
Eat whole, nourishing foods.
Get gentle movement daily.
Take medications as prescribed.
Practice consistent hygiene—it grounds your body and mind.

Mental Care:

Filter your mental input. What you read, watch, and listen to shapes how you think and feel.
Stay rooted in Scripture. Meditate on God’s truth regularly.
Journal your thoughts—get them out of your head and onto paper.
Reach out for support. Don’t isolate yourself.

The Bible offers such clear instruction here:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”—Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

And if you’re wondering what to fix your mind on? God didn’t leave us guessing.

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely… think about such things.”—Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

One Final Thought

If you’re walking through psychosis or loving someone who is, you may feel scared, overwhelmed, or helpless. But take courage, dear one.

Jesus isn’t afraid of what you’re facing. He doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. He sits with you in the shadows, speaks peace into the chaos, and leads you forward with tender strength.

Your story isn’t over.Your hope is not gone.Your Savior is still near. Let’s hold on to that truth like a lifeline. Because even when our thoughts betray us, our God never will.