Can you explain the differences between psychic and psychotic characteristics? Many spiritual advisers claim that they hear, see, and even smell things as a result of their connection to the spirit world. These can also be indications of a chemical imbalance in the brain. What is your take on this? Do you have any advice on how to determine if someone is psychic or crazy when looking for a spiritual adviser? How do you think mental health professionals should approach clients who have psychic experiences?
Dreamchaser:
Since I can hear, see, and even smell things as a result of my connection to the spirit world, I think most people who can do the same are not crazy. Then again, I could be crazy. Joking aside, I am glad you asked this question.
I can’t describe the difference between a psychic and a psychotic episode because I am not a psychiatrist. I can’t offer up scientific proof that anything I hear, see, or even smell is real and not stemming from a chemical imbalance. What I can say is that for many years now, I have had the same clients coming over and over because what I hear, see and otherwise perceive is incredibly accurate, or has deep meaning for them.
I know that many individuals the world has revered as prophets were also considered crazy by the people around them. In the Christian Bible, for example, Isaiah was such a great prophet that he was given his own book in the Bible, yet he was branded as insane and ostracized from society. Due to such stigma, for many centuries, the old ways had to be practiced in secret. Even today, anyone who does not follow a modern religion (like psychics, pagans, or Wiccans) is looked on disparagingly.
I think in choosing an adviser, you should first look for someone with a good reputation. Psychic Chat has some very reputable advisers. It is an established site that has been online for a long time now. I think choosing someone here would be wiser than choosing someone named Madame Zora on the Strip while vacationing at the beach. Listen to word of mouth. If someone you know raves about a reading, ask who, what and where.
Also, use your intuition. Your gut will guide you well if you let it. If it is churning and flipping, you know to run away from the person. If you feel relaxed and things just feel right, trust that feeling.
I think medical professionals (mental health care providers included) should pay attention not only to modern advances, but also to age old wisdom. There is a fascinating book called “The Heart’s Code” by Doctor Paul Pearsall. He viewed life from a purely scientific standpoint until love and his family’s energy healed his inoperable brain cancer.
Also, why does it matter what I can see, hear or even smell things others can’t, as long as my work helps people and produces positive results? Does it really matter if I can’t logically explain it to you or anyone else?
I wish you continued enlightenment.
*****
Astrea:
People who are psychic can also be psychotic, and vice versa. However, unlike some people, I don’t see the difference between genius and madness as a fine line. To me, there is nothing the two conditions have in common.
Psychics know better than to tell just anyone what they feel or see. By contrast, psychotics will tell anyone about the impressions bombarding them. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may at times appear to have psychic overtones, but there are other behavior patterns present in individuals with those conditions that prevent them from optimally functioning in their daily lives.
I don’t mean to say that being psychic doesn’t make a person feel crazy sometimes. We all wonder if we have some kind of brain abnormality when we first discover our abilities. The difference between knowing something and imagining things isn’t a very big gap. Being truly gifted is a matter of knowing the difference, however, and knowing it well.
Some people hear things, some smell them, some feel them, and some see them, like me. Most of the time, it’s a combination. Everyone is born with psychic ability, even individuals who are psychotic or neurotic. Some of us learn how to work with our intuitive abilities, and some of us don’t.
Abilities manifest in unique and special ways for each one of us; there is no one right or healthy way. The bottom line, however, is that a psychic finds a way to use her gifts in a positive way, and is able to control them. A psychotic is out of control and unable to control her thoughts and feelings. A good psychic is also able to remain objective about her visions in order to accurately interpret what she perceives.
Someone struggling with psychosis can’t be objective and discerning because her right mind is not running the show. Her impressions and visions come to her randomly and without effort on her part. These messages may seem to be meaningless and random because this person is picking up psychic garbage in the atmosphere. Psychotics tend to be caught up in their own realities too – everything is about them – while psychics pick up messages and insights to help others.
This level of control and awareness distinguishes psychics from psychotics. While someone with a chemical imbalance may sincerely believe they are talking to angels, God or Jesus, the quality of what they hear will reveal the truth.