Psychosis
Losing contact with reality — seeing or hearing things others don't, or holding beliefs that can't be true.
Psychosis means losing contact with shared reality — believing things that are not true (delusions), or seeing and hearing things others do not (hallucinations).
In bipolar disorder it can appear during severe mania and, less often, during severe depression. It does not mean bipolar disorder has turned into something else, and it does not mean someone is dangerous. It is a marker of how severe an episode has become, and its presence is one of the things that separates a manic episode from hypomania.
From the inside, psychosis is not experienced as a belief. It is experienced as fact — which is why arguing with it rarely helps. Staying calm, and talking about simple, practical things, usually helps more.
It is treatable, and it needs urgent care rather than a wait-and-see — our crisis page lists numbers by country.
See also
If you’re in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, you’re not alone and help is available right now. In the US & Canada call or text 988. In the UK & Ireland call 116 123 (Samaritans). Elsewhere, contact your local emergency services — Get Help Now lists lines by country.
One steadying step in your inbox each week
No overwhelm, no spam — just one helpful thing to help you feel steadier. Free.
📬 After you subscribe, check your spam or promotions folder for your welcome email (with the free PDF) — and add us to your contacts so it lands in your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.