Desperate Situation: Can a Long-Term Psychosis Resolve on Its Own? TW: Suicide
Hello everyone. I'm at a loss about my situation and desperately need guidance. This message concerns my brother, who is 37 years old and 1.72 meters tall, weighing 60 kg. For nearly two years now, he appears to be suffering from psychosis, as suggested by both his general practitioner and many of his friends. He is convinced that he is unable to digest food or fat and describes a sensation of having a mass of food and fat lodged in his stomach. He engages in peculiar movements and makes odd sounds, claiming that these actions help him feel the food moving and assist with digestion. He even believes he can visually perceive the food’s movement. He has mentioned that listening to specific noises can alleviate his discomfort somewhat. Despite undergoing numerous medical tests, including blood tests, MRIs, colonoscopies, and gastroscopies, all results have come back normal. He has also been tested for Crohn's disease. His trial medications have included Trimebutine, mebeverine, and magnesium. Recently, a doctor in Spain suggested that his issues may be neurological, but treatment options remain elusive as the condition is not yet fully understood. Prior to this bout, he experienced two psychotic episodes; the first occurred three years ago and lasted four to five months, while the second, about two and a half years ago, also lasted several months. He did not receive treatment during the first incident, but after his second episode escalated to suicidal thoughts, I had to involve the police, resulting in his hospitalization for a week with antipsychotic medication. My brother has faced torment throughout his life, claiming to have struggled with this digestive issue since childhood, a claim that was never apparent to me or others back then. For over a decade, he has expressed a desire not to live and believed his birth was a mistake. Depression has plagued him for most of his life, and I suspect he may have a form of autism, specifically Asperger’s syndrome. This situation weighs heavily on me, severely impacting my own happiness. I fear that even if his psychosis is addressed, the underlying depression might persist. His GP has voiced concerns that he may be among those individuals who cannot be helped. The only solution I can envision is waiting for another suicidal expression, as I did after his second episode, to facilitate a forced admission for treatment. He is my last remaining family member, and I hesitate to label his condition as psychosis, as he views me as his last supporter. I’m seeking guidance on whether it’s possible for him to recover on his own from this prolonged psychosis without intervention. Unfortunately, the chance of him seeking therapy on his own is minimal, as he harbors a deep resentment toward medical professionals for perceived failures in his care, including psychologists. While I try to maintain frequent communication with him, the emotional toll is becoming unbearable as he continuously expresses his wish for death. I truly empathize with his suffering, leading me to question whether it might be kinder for him not to be here anymore, a thought that feels disturbing yet understandable given his distress. He recently declared a hunger strike, which began yesterday, and I fear for his life. Sleep eludes me, and enjoying my own life feels impossible under these circumstances. I'm reaching out for any advice or insights you might have. Thank you for listening.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 7:10:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about your brother’s situation and the distress it’s causing you. It’s evident that both of you are experiencing significant pain and uncertainty, and it's crucial to address this matter with care.
Main Points:
- Long-term psychosis usually requires intervention and tends not to resolve on its own, particularly in cases with significant underlying mental health issues.
- Immediate concern for your brother's safety due to suicidal ideation and his hunger strike requires action.
Explanation:
Psychosis, especially when prolonged, typically involves disturbances in thought processes and perception, leading to realities that can be very different from the perception of others. It’s common for someone experiencing psychosis to feel misunderstood or to distrust medical professionals, which complicates treatment.
Your brother's symptoms, combined with a history of depression and suicidal thoughts, suggest he may benefit from consistent mental health support. While there is always a possibility of improvement with some individuals, the absence of treatment often leads to further distress and deterioration of mental health.
Regarding a hunger strike, it poses an immediate risk to his health. These actions can lead to serious health complications, and it is essential to seek help to ensure his safety.
Next Steps:
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Immediate Safety Measures: Encourage him to seek immediate help if he expresses suicidal thoughts again. Consider contacting emergency services to ensure he is safe. If his condition seems critical, you may need to involve authorities (like the police) again for a safe hospitalization.
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Support Networks: Highlight the importance of social support and connection. Engage family members or trusted friends who can provide additional emotional support and persuade him to seek professional help.
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Explore Alternative Therapies: If he has had negative experiences with certain professionals, consider looking into different treatment modalities or practitioners, such as those specializing in trauma or offering holistic approaches, as these may align better with his values.
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Educate Yourself on Mental Health: Understanding mental health conditions, especially those pertaining to psychosis and underlying depression, can equip you with knowledge to better navigate conversations with him. Resources from reputable organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) may be particularly helpful.
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Take Care of Yourself: Remember, your mental health is also critical. Talk to professionals or support groups about your feelings of helplessness and distress. You shouldn't carry this burden alone.
Your emotions are valid, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed under these circumstances. Supporting a loved one in such deep psychological pain is incredibly challenging. Seeking help for both your brother and yourself is a vital step. Don’t hesitate to reach out for immediate assistance if you believe he is at risk.
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