Healing from Psychosis: Earfth Girl Shares Her Journey

Psychosis is a symptom of a mental health condition, characterized by a disconnection from reality that can manifest through hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression, as well as substance abuse, trauma, or medical conditions like brain injuries or infections. In both the United States and Canada, psychosis affects a significant portion of the population, but individuals struggling with it often face immense challenges in accessing proper treatment and support.

In the U.S., it is estimated that about three percent of the population will experience a psychotic episode at some point in their lives. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), around 100,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with schizophrenia each year, which is one of the most common causes of psychosis. Schizophrenia affects approximately 1 in 100 people over their lifetime. While Canada has a smaller population, psychosis still affects a substantial number of people, with roughly 1 in 100 individuals experiencing schizophrenia. This number is mirrored in mental health statistics for psychosis, though the exact incidence varies depending on the study and population.

One of the significant barriers for individuals experiencing psychosis in both the U.S. and Canada is accessing proper and timely treatment. Many face long delays before receiving appropriate care.

"My psychiatrist told my other doctor that he believed I was faking the whole thing for attention," said Miriam Moore, a Virginia resident who was misdiagnosed and prescribed Bipolar disorder medication after experiencing psychosis. "That just shows you how bad of a doctor he was, because I was going through something really intense that was very dangerous."

Mental health issues get misdiagnosed every day, leading to delays in receiving adequate treatment. For example, individuals experiencing a more intense mental health crises like schizophrenia are often met with delays of 1-2 years before they are properly diagnosed and treated. During this time, their symptoms may worsen, leading to social isolation, difficulties in maintaining employment, and an increased risk of homelessness or involvement with the criminal justice system.

In rural or underserved areas, mental health services can be especially scarce, and stigma surrounding mental illness often prevents individuals from seeking help. Furthermore, in the U.S., mental health services are often not fully covered by insurance, leaving many people unable to afford the treatment they need.

There is a growing awareness of the need for better early intervention, comprehensive care, and support for individuals living with psychosis. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of improving access to care, reducing stigma, and ensuring that treatment is both effective and accessible to all.

CIVILIAN Magazine interviewed Earfth Girl (Miriam Moore) about her experiences with Psychosis, as well as her advise to those susceptible to it. Listen to the full conversation on CIVLIAN Radio, Episode Two.