Psychosis and Mental Illness in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Around 3% of people will experience a psychotic episode at some point in their life. In any given 12‑month period, just under one in every 200 adult Americans will experience a psychotic illness. The period of time when a person experiences psychotic symptoms is known as an episode of psychosis.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, psychosis is treated frequently in major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health. Early recognition and treatment can significantly improve recovery and long‑term outcomes.

Some people experience only one or a few brief episodes of psychosis that last days or weeks. Others may have recurring episodes as part of a longer‑term mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The first episode of psychosis usually occurs in a person’s late teens or early 20s, which is why early‑intervention programs for young adults are so important in the Grand Rapids area.

Symptoms of Psychosis: Changes in Thoughts, Behaviors, and Feelings

During an episode of psychosis, a person’s thoughts and perceptions become disturbed. This can affect how they speak, behave, and relate to others at home, at school, or at work in Grand Rapids.

Confused Thinking

When someone is experiencing psychosis, their thinking can become:

  • Disorganized or hard to follow
  • Confused, with ideas that jump from topic to topic
  • Difficult to concentrate or remember things
  • Impaired in planning or making decisions

You may notice changes in speech, such as:

  • Speaking very quickly or very slowly
  • Changing topics frequently without clear connections
  • Using muddled‑up sentences
  • Using the wrong words to describe things
  • Making up words that others don’t understand

Confused thinking can sometimes continue even after the most intense part of the episode has passed.

Delusions: Strong Beliefs That Don’t Match Reality

Delusions are false beliefs that are not shared by others and are held strongly, even when there is clear evidence they are not true. Delusions can take many forms, including:

  • Paranoid delusions

    • Believing you are being watched, followed, or singled out for harm
    • Feeling that neighbors, coworkers, or local authorities in Grand Rapids are plotting against you

  • Grandiose delusions

    • Believing you have special powers, abilities, or status
    • Thinking you are an important religious, political, or famous figure

  • Delusions of reference

    • Believing TV shows, radio programs, songs, billboards on US‑131 or I‑196, or social media posts contain secret messages meant only for you

  • Delusions of control

    • Believing your thoughts, feelings, or actions are being controlled by outside forces (for example, aliens, government agencies, or a specific person)

  • Somatic delusions

    • Believing something is seriously wrong with your body (for example, a body part is missing, dead, diseased, or infested with parasites) even when medical tests are normal

  • Depressive delusions

    • Believing you are guilty of a terrible crime
    • Believing you are beyond help or deserve punishment

These beliefs can be very distressing and may lead to withdrawal from friends, family, and community activities in Grand Rapids.

Hallucinations: Seeing or Sensing Things That Aren’t There

A hallucination occurs when a person hears, sees, smells, tastes, or feels something that is not actually there.

Common types include:

  • Auditory hallucinations

    • Hearing voices that other people cannot hear
    • Voices may comment on what you are doing, talk to each other, or tell you to do things

  • Visual hallucinations

    • Seeing people, shapes, lights, or objects that are not real

  • Other hallucinations

    • Smelling strange odors
    • Tasting things that are not there
    • Feeling bugs or sensations on or under the skin

Hallucinations can lead to:

  • Agitation and restlessness
  • Intense distress or fear
  • Frustration
  • Irritability or hostility if the person feels threatened

Family members in Grand Rapids may first notice these changes as unusual behavior or “not acting like themselves.”

Changed Behavior in Psychosis

Psychosis can significantly affect a person’s behavior at home, school, work, and in the community.

Common changes include:

  • Social isolation or withdrawal

    • Avoiding friends, family, or usual activities around Grand Rapids
    • Spending long periods alone in a bedroom or apartment

  • Problems with work, school, or family life

    • Difficulty keeping up with classes at local colleges or high schools
    • Trouble maintaining employment in local businesses or factories
    • Conflict with family members

  • Changes in motivation and activity level

    • Losing interest in hobbies, sports, or community events
    • Difficulty starting or completing everyday tasks (shopping, cleaning, self‑care)
    • In some cases, increased activity, pacing, or restlessness

  • Inappropriate emotional reactions

    • Laughing at times that seem unusual or out of place
    • Becoming very upset, angry, or tearful without an obvious cause

These behavior changes are symptoms of an illness, not a character flaw.

Changes in Feelings and Emotions

Psychosis can also cause strong changes in how a person feels emotionally, including:

  • Feeling strange or “not like yourself”
  • Mood swings – feeling unusually excited (high) or very depressed (low)
  • Reduced emotional expression – seeming “flat,” blank, or less responsive
  • Feeling cut off from the world – as if things aren’t real or are happening in a dream
  • Feeling detached from your own body or thoughts

These emotional changes can be especially challenging during Michigan’s long, dark winters, when seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and depression are more common in the Grand Rapids region.

Types of Psychotic Illness

There are a number of mental health conditions where psychotic symptoms can be present. Common types include:

Brief Reactive Psychosis

  • Short‑term psychotic symptoms that arise in response to a very stressful event (for example, a sudden loss, serious accident, or major life change).
  • Symptoms usually last less than one month, and the person often returns to their previous level of functioning.

Drug‑Induced Psychosis

  • Psychosis can be triggered by substance use, including:
    • Alcohol
    • Cannabis (marijuana)
    • Stimulants such as speed or methamphetamine
    • Ecstasy or hallucinogens like magic mushrooms
  • Symptoms typically last until the effects of the drugs wear off (hours to days), but in some cases, psychosis can persist longer or increase the risk of future episodes.

Schizophrenia

  • A longer‑term mental illness in which most people experience:
    • A range of psychotic symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking)
    • Difficulties organizing thoughts, planning, and functioning in daily life
  • Schizophrenia often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood, a key age group in Grand Rapids’ college and young adult population.

Bipolar Disorder With Psychotic Features

  • Involves very extreme moods:
    • Manic episodes – feeling extremely high, energetic, or irritable
    • Depressive episodes – feeling very low, hopeless, or slowed down
  • Psychotic symptoms can occur during severe manic or depressive episodes.

Psychotic Depression

  • A severe form of depression where a person also experiences delusions or hallucinations, often with themes of guilt, worthlessness, or illness.

Causes of Psychosis

The exact causes of psychosis are not fully understood. Most experts agree it is usually the result of multiple interacting factors, including:

Genetic Vulnerability

  • A family history of psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) can increase the risk.
  • This does not mean a person will definitely develop psychosis, only that the risk is higher.

Brain Chemistry and Biology

  • Chemical imbalances in the brain, especially involving dopamine and other neurotransmitters, are thought to play a role.
  • Brain structure and function may also be involved.

Substance Use

  • Use of substances such as:
    • Cannabis (marijuana)
    • Stimulants (speed, methamphetamine, “ice”)
    • Hallucinogens or heavy alcohol use
  • These can trigger or worsen psychosis, especially in people who are already vulnerable.

Psychosocial and Environmental Factors

  • Major stressors such as:
    • Trauma, abuse, or violence
    • Financial stress or housing instability
    • Academic or work pressure
    • Relationship breakdowns
  • For people who have had an episode of psychosis, significant stress may increase the risk of further episodes.
  • In Grand Rapids, seasonal stressors such as winter isolation, difficult driving conditions, and limited daylight can also affect mental health.

Importantly, the presence of psychotic symptoms does not automatically mean that someone has a long‑term psychotic disorder. Symptoms can occur in many different conditions and situations.

How Psychosis Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

To diagnose a psychotic disorder, a mental health professional will conduct a comprehensive medical and psychological assessment over time. This may include:

  • Detailed interviews about symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavior
  • Medical history and family history
  • Physical exam and possible lab tests to rule out medical causes
  • Screening for drug or alcohol use
  • Ongoing monitoring of symptoms over weeks or months

Assessment can take place:

  • In an outpatient clinic or private practice
  • At home through community mental health services
  • In a hospital setting if safety is a concern

In Grand Rapids, assessments and treatment for psychosis are available through:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) behavioral health and psychiatry services
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids mental health services
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health behavioral medicine
  • Mercy Health behavioral health programs
  • Network180 (Kent County’s community mental health authority)

The first step is often talking with your primary care provider (PCP) or family doctor, who can refer you to a psychiatrist or mental health specialist.

Treatment for Psychosis in Grand Rapids

With the right treatment and support, many people recover from psychosis or learn to manage their symptoms effectively. Treatment plans are individualized and may include:

1. Medication

Antipsychotic medications can help:

  • Reduce or eliminate hallucinations and delusions
  • Improve disorganized thinking and agitation
  • Stabilize mood in bipolar disorder or psychotic depression

A psychiatrist in Grand Rapids will work with you to:

  • Choose a medication that fits your needs and medical history
  • Adjust the dose over time
  • Monitor for side effects and effectiveness

Never start, stop, or change psychiatric medication without medical guidance.

2. Psychological Therapies

Talking therapies can be very effective in supporting recovery, including:

  • Cognitive‑behavioral therapy (CBT)

    • Helps you understand and manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
    • Teaches coping strategies for dealing with symptoms

  • Psychotherapy and counseling

    • Provides a safe space to talk about experiences and feelings
    • Helps address trauma, stress, or relationship issues

  • Family therapy

    • Involves family members or close supports
    • Helps loved ones understand psychosis and learn how to support recovery

Many of these services are available through hospital‑based programs, community mental health centers, and private practices in the Grand Rapids area.

3. Community Support Programs

Ongoing support can help a person with psychosis live as independently as possible. Community‑based services in and around Grand Rapids may include:

  • Help with housing and supported accommodation
  • Assistance with finding and keeping work or returning to school
  • Case management and care coordination
  • Social skills training and peer support groups

Local resources include:

  • Network180 (Kent County Community Mental Health)
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health programs
  • Nonprofit and faith‑based organizations offering mental health support

4. Lifestyle Changes and Self‑Care

Healthy lifestyle choices can support recovery and reduce the risk of relapse:

  • Avoid drugs and limit alcohol – especially cannabis and stimulants
  • Get regular sleep – aim for a consistent sleep schedule, which is especially important during long Michigan winters
  • Exercise regularly – walking in local parks, using indoor gyms, or home workouts
  • Eat a balanced diet – support overall brain and body health
  • Engage in creative activities – art, music, journaling, or hobbies
  • Stay connected – maintain supportive relationships with friends, family, and community

In West Michigan, many people find benefit in combining professional care with community resources such as support groups, faith communities, and wellness programs.

Self‑Help, Peer Support, and Local Resources

Peer and self‑help supports can be an important part of recovery:

  • Peer support groups – meeting others in Grand Rapids who have experienced psychosis or mental illness can reduce isolation and stigma.
  • Online forums and virtual support – can be helpful, especially during severe weather or when travel is difficult.
  • Education for families – helps loved ones understand what psychosis is and how to respond supportively.

If you are in Grand Rapids or Kent County, consider:

  • Network180 – crisis services, assessment, and ongoing mental health support
  • Kent County Health Department – information on local mental health resources
  • Behavioral health services through Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health

When to Seek Help for Psychosis in Grand Rapids

Seek professional help as soon as possible if you or someone you know is:

  • Hearing or seeing things that others do not
  • Strongly believing things that don’t seem to match reality
  • Showing major changes in behavior, mood, or personality
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, school, or work
  • Talking about self‑harm, suicide, or feeling hopeless

Early treatment in Grand Rapids can:

  • Reduce the severity and duration of an episode
  • Improve long‑term outcomes
  • Support school, work, and relationship stability

Who Can Help

  • Your primary care doctor (GP)
  • Psychiatrists and psychologists
  • Local mental health services and crisis lines
  • Hospital emergency departments at:
    • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health

If there is an immediate risk of harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Key Points About Psychosis and Mental Illness in Grand Rapids

  • A period of time where a person experiences psychotic symptoms is known as an episode of psychosis.
  • Some people have brief or single episodes, while others experience recurrent symptoms as part of long‑term illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
  • Symptoms of psychosis include confused thinking, delusions, hallucinations, and changes in behavior and feelings.
  • A common hallucination is hearing voices that aren’t there.
  • A person with psychosis may laugh or cry at unusual times or become upset without a clear cause.
  • The causes of psychosis are complex and can include genetic vulnerability, brain chemistry, substance use, and psychosocial stress.
  • In Grand Rapids, effective treatment and support are available, including medication, therapy, community programs, and lifestyle changes.
  • Early recognition and treatment through local healthcare providers and community resources can greatly improve recovery and quality of life.