How Can You Help a Loved One Suffering From Delusions?

"Each one of us here today will at one time in our lives look upon a loved one who is in need and ask the same question: We are willing to help, Lord, but what, if anything, is needed? For it is true we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted."

"Delusions are false beliefs that are idiosyncratic, self-referential (they're beliefs about the believer), held with unassailable conviction, based on subjective "inner" experience, and a common symptom of psychosis. Delusion-like beliefs, such as conspiracy theory beliefs, aren't necessarily false, tend to be shared beliefs about the world, are based on information and misinformation, are held with variable conviction, and aren't necessarily a symptom of mental illness."

Offering supportive presence and practical help is often the most effective response to loved ones with delusions or delusion-like beliefs. Directly challenging strongly held, self-referential delusions risks rejection and further distancing. Some individuals will accept mental health care when symptoms such as anxiety or depression are the focus rather than the belief itself. Delusions are false, idiosyncratic, and commonly symptomatic of psychosis, while delusion-like beliefs like conspiracy theories are shared and variably held. In cases where functioning is seriously compromised, involuntary psychiatric treatment may become necessary to protect safety and restore basic functioning.

Read at Psychology Today