Understanding Minds That Wander: The Truth About Psychosis by Dr Waheed Olajide Lawal
Psychosis is often misunderstood. Many people think it means someone has gone “crazy” or is dangerous. These ideas are not only wrong—they hurt people who are struggling and need support. Psychosis is not something to fear. It’s a medical condition that can be treated, just like many other health problems. As explained by Dr Waheed Olajide Lawal, when someone has psychosis, they may see, hear, or believe things that aren’t real. These are called hallucinations and delusions. For example, a person might listen to voices that others don’t hear, or they might believe someone is watching them when they are not. These experiences can feel very real to the person going through them, even though they are not based on reality. Psychosis is not a condition on its own. It’s a symptom that can be part of other mental health issues like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. It can also be caused by drug use, stress, lack of sleep, or even physical illness. Anyone can experience psychosis, regardless of age, background, or lifestyle. One of the most important things to know is that people with psychosis are not usually violent. Most of the time, they are confused, scared, or overwhelmed. The media often gets this wrong, which adds to the fear and shame around psychosis.