What Are Common Thoughts or Delusions Experienced During Psychosis?

What Are Common Thoughts or Delusions Experienced During Psychosis? 

What Are Common Thoughts or Delusions Experienced During Psychosis?

Psychosis, a condition marked by a break from reality, manifests in various forms, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts. For those who have experienced it, psychosis can be bewildering, terrifying, and profoundly isolating. Delusions, in particular, are a defining feature, varying from grandiose and euphoric beliefs to paranoia and fear-driven convictions. In this blog, we’ll explore the personal experiences shared by individuals on Reddit, delve into the nature of psychotic delusions, and shed light on what it feels like to navigate this altered state of reality.

Understanding Psychotic Delusions

Psychotic delusions are false beliefs held with conviction despite evidence to the contrary. They often stem from distorted interpretations of reality and can be categorized into several types:



1. Paranoid Delusions: Beliefs that others are out to harm, spy on, or conspire against the individual.



2. Grandiose Delusions: Beliefs of exceptional abilities, fame, or divine connection.



3. Somatic Delusions: False beliefs about one’s body, such as having an illness or infestation.


4. Religious Delusions: Beliefs tied to divine missions, spiritual powers, or sacred roles.



Delusions can start subtly, growing into elaborate narratives that consume the individual’s thoughts and influence their actions.

Personal Accounts: Common Delusions During Psychosis

1. The Messiah Complex and Divine Conversations

For many, psychosis manifests as a belief in their divinity or a unique spiritual mission:




“I believed I was the messiah and that God was speaking to me. As a Buddhist, I also thought I had become an ultimate Buddha and understood the entire universe.”



This type of delusion often comes with a profound sense of purpose, but it can be overwhelming and isolating as the individual grapples with their perceived responsibilities.

2. Paranoia and Conspiracies

Paranoia is a recurring theme in psychosis, often escalating into intricate conspiracy theories:




“It all began with people after me to kill or kidnap me. It evolved into a grand conspiracy involving the government and multiple organizations, with bits of surveillance and thought broadcasting.”




“I believed strangers were trying to break into my apartment every night. I even barricaded doors and windows.”



These delusions can make the world feel unsafe, leading individuals to take extreme measures to protect themselves from perceived threats.

3. Thought Broadcasting and Mind Reading

Some individuals experience delusions of thought broadcasting or mind-reading, believing their thoughts are exposed or others’ thoughts are accessible:




“I was convinced that people could hear my thoughts. It’s really annoying and feels like a violation of privacy.”




“I believed I had a chip in my brain that allowed others to control or read my thoughts.”



Such beliefs can intensify feelings of vulnerability and alienation.

4. Delusions Triggered by External Stimuli

Psychotic delusions can sometimes be sparked by everyday interactions or media:




“I was watching TV, and my brain convinced me the show was sending me clues. Suddenly, everything became part of a larger narrative about aliens targeting me.”




“Old songs like Frank Sinatra’s ‘Luck Be a Lady’ seemed to contain secret signals meant just for me.”



These interpretations can reinforce delusions, making them feel grounded in reality.

5. Fixations on Duality and Opposites

Some individuals become obsessed with themes of balance, duality, or opposites:




“I thought I was both Satan and Jesus simultaneously. I was fixated on yin and yang and believed I had to consume all the world’s negative energy to fulfill my mission.”




“I believed people walking in pairs were spiritually bound, with one leeching off the other. My mission was to split them apart to free the ‘pure’ soul.”


These delusions can lead to bizarre behaviors as individuals act on their perceived responsibilities.

6. Cheating Delusions and Distrust

Paranoid delusions often extend to personal relationships, causing deep mistrust:



“I believed my family and friends were conspiring against me, pretending to care while secretly plotting behind my back.”



“I thought my partner was cheating on me, even though there was no evidence. It caused immense strain on our relationship.”


Such delusions can erode trust and isolate the individual from their support systems.

7. Somatic Delusions and Hallucinations

Somatic delusions involve false beliefs about one’s body, often accompanied by hallucinations:




“I hallucinated the smell of blood and thought it was coming from my attic. I convinced myself I had done something terrible in my sleep and stayed awake to prevent it from happening again.”




“I believed I had worms inside me and that my phone charger was infected with a virus planted by the FBI.”


These delusions often drive individuals to take extreme measures, such as visiting emergency rooms or destroying personal belongings.

8. The Truman Show Delusion

Some people with psychosis believe their lives are part of a staged reality, akin to The Truman Show:




“I thought my entire life was a setup, with everyone around me playing roles. It felt like I was being watched and manipulated at all times.”


This delusion can make it difficult to trust anyone or feel genuinely connected to others.

How Do Delusions Begin and Progress?

Many Reddit users described how their delusions started as fleeting thoughts or feelings that gradually escalated:


“It often starts as a random idea or a vague sense of danger. My brain then tries to make sense of these feelings, turning them into elaborate narratives.”


“Sometimes I’ll see or hear something—a TV show, a song, a random comment—and my brain decides it’s a clue. From there, everything becomes evidence supporting the delusion.”



Delusions thrive on this confirmation bias, with individuals interpreting ordinary events as proof of their beliefs.

The Emotional Toll of Psychosis

Living with psychosis is not just about grappling with delusions—it’s also about managing the profound emotional and psychological toll they take:



Fear and Isolation: Paranoia and distrust often lead to withdrawal from loved ones and society.



Confusion and Self-Doubt: The inability to distinguish reality from delusion can leave individuals questioning their sanity.



Stigma and Judgment: Many individuals feel misunderstood or judged for their experiences, compounding their sense of isolation.

Recovery and Reflection

One recurring theme in the shared experiences was the ability to reflect on delusions once the psychosis subsided:


“When I’m well, I can see how ridiculous my delusions were. But in the moment, they felt completely real.”


“Looking back, I can recognize the patterns and triggers, which helps me manage future episodes.”



Therapy, medication, and support from loved ones play crucial roles in recovery, allowing individuals to regain a sense of stability and control.





Psychosis is a deeply personal and often misunderstood experience, marked by delusions that range from the surreal to the terrifying. For those who have lived through it, sharing their stories is a courageous act that fosters understanding and compassion.



If you or someone you know is experiencing psychosis, remember that help is available. With the right treatment and support, recovery is not only possible—it’s attainable. Let’s continue to listen, learn, and create a world where mental health struggles are met with empathy, not stigma.