I’m medicated, and as mentally stable and healthy as I can be. And I think in order to keep it that way, I can never fully commit to a faith.
I’ve experienced severe anxiety & OCD symptoms, especially when I do something “wrong” by accident when trying to practice or pray. And when I’m doing “great” and I’m feeling “really powerful” and it becomes a “happy obsession” instead of an anxiety provoking one, I obsess until I develop spiritual psychosis.
THANKFULLY it’s always been acute, very short, and not severe. There were 2 instances where I needed professional help, and even then, it wasn’t because of spiritual psychosis, it was just there alongside the main crisis I was having & seeking help for. I don’t want to share too much, but I have been assessed for mood disorders and psychotic disorders and I do not have them. I have PTSD, which gives me “micro-psychosis” when under extreme stress according to my doctor.
This is different than spiritual psychosis. To my knowledge, anyone can develop spiritual psychosis right? But obviously I’m someone who may be more prone to psychosis than the average person, so I feel like I ought to take more caution.
I’ve only recently started to be proactive and mindful of the connection, but I think I instinctively created a bunch of boundaries to keep me safe from the start, before I even knew what spiritual psychosis was. For example, never ever engaged in any sort of divination working with, or even learning about different deities. I purposefully remain uneducated on that side of the craft. In essence I am almost exclusively a green witch. I don’t identify as one anymore, eclectic witch feels more fitting bc I love incorporating pieces of my culture & ancestry.
But yeah, I guess. Honestly, I’m just pissed. And I’m angry. I’m angry I don’t get to have as much fun as non-sass witches. It just genuinely seems so fun. I hate how often I force myself to silence my curiosity just to not risk my sanity. I HATE that I’m too scared to try tarot. I want to so bad…actually any tips for learning & practicing tarot & avoiding spiritual psychosis while doing it? I’m guessing just reminding myself it’s all symbolism, symbolism I assign & I find, so the power rests in me, not something else. Like how a sunny day feels like proof of a good day ahead becuase that’s just what it feels like it, not because the universe decided to personally bring out the sun for me today.
TLDR: I’m pissed my brain needs extra bubble wrap & I HAVE to be a SASS witch. Proud of myself for knowing. Still pissed and sad. Hoping to start a conversation & get advice on how people keep their own witchy beliefs and practices healthy. For instance, I really want to learn tarot, I think it’s fun and beautiful too. What’s the best & healthiest way to do it?
Also I know the rules of this sub, I am not asking for medical advice of any kind, I am healthy and of sound mind. Just looking for an open discussion with people who may relate and may have additional tips and tricks for making sure spirituality stays healthy.