You Keep Using That Word: Psychotic, By Lisa Rowbottom

You Keep Using That Word… Psychotic

Part 2 in the “Pop Psychology Misused Terms” Series

By Lisa Rowbottom | Sojourn Psychology | Sherwood Park & Edmonton Psychology Services

“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”

In our first blog, we discussed the word gaslighting and how its recent introduction to popular culture has changed its meaning. Today, we’re continuing the series by considering another term that is widely used, has been widely used for years — and widely misunderstood:

Psychotic

This word is commonly used everywhere. In fact, you may have even heard it or used it yourself recently:

• “That was psychotic.”
• “He went psychotic.”
• “My week has been psychotic.”

Just like gaslighting, psychotic means something very specific and very different from how it’s used in popular culture.

What Does Psychotic Actually Mean?

(Psychosis Definition)

In psychology, psychosis refers to a state where a person loses contact with reality. Psychotic is a term that describes something related to or having the characteristics of a state of psychosis.

Psychosis can include:

• Hallucinations (experiencing things through one or more of the five senses that aren’t there)
• Delusions (strongly held beliefs not based in reality and not commonly accepted in a cultural)
• Disorganized thinking or speech (cognitively disorganized ideas, resulting in confusing speech)
• Difficulty distinguishing what is real from what is not

Simple definition:
Psychosis is when the brain has difficulty distinguishing reality from what the mind is creating.

This is not about being emotional, overwhelmed, or reactive.

It is a significant change in how reality is experienced.

What Psychotic Is NOT

In everyday language, psychotic is often used to describe:

• Intense emotionality
• Anger or conflict that is perceived as unreasonable
• Impulsivity
• Chaos or stress
• “Overreacting”

None of these are psychosis.

A person can be:

• Intensely emotional
• Emotionally dysregulated
• Reactive in a relationship
• Overwhelmed

…and still be fully grounded in reality.

Key distinction:
Emotional intensity ≠ loss of reality

Why the Misuse of “Psychotic” Matters

Using psychological terms inaccurately not only creates confusion, it has real impact on other people.

1. It Increases Stigma Around Mental Illness

Psychosis is most often associated with diagnoses such as:

• Schizophrenia
• Severe depression or bipolar disorder
• Substance-related conditions

These are serious and often misunderstood experiences. For example, it is a common misperception that individuals with Schizophrenia are usually violent. Using psychotic casually can reinforce fear and stigma.

2. It Minimizes Serious Symptoms

If everything intense is called “psychotic,” then true psychotic symptoms can remain unrecognized.

Using accurate language helps people:

• Recognize how serious a situation is
• Realize the need to find appropriate support
• Have their condition taken seriously

3. It Pathologizes Normal Human Emotion

Strong emotions are part of the human experience.

• Stress is not psychosis
• Anger is not psychosis
• Relationship conflict is not psychosis

When we label these as “psychotic,” we risk:

• Increasing shame
• Avoiding real problem-solving
• Misunderstanding ourselves and others

What to Say Instead

If something feels intense, chose more accurate ways to describe it:

Instead of:

• “That was psychotic”

Try:

• “That felt overwhelming”
• “That situation was chaotic”
• “I was really dysregulated”
• “I reacted strongly in that moment”

Developing a broader vocabulary to express emotional experiences allows for better communication to and understanding of others.

Telling your partner that they are acting “psychotic” does not give them any useful information, especially if the word is used in multiple contexts.  Telling your partner that “I feel really overwhelmed right now” gives a clear description of your emotional state that can lead to a shared understanding and result in effective actions to find a solution.

When Psychosis May Be Present

Psychosis is a symptom of several serious mental illnesses that most often require timely psychiatric evaluation and medical intervention. Therefore, it is important to recognize when the word does apply.

Consider seeking professional support if you or someone you know is:

• Hearing or seeing things others don’t
• Physically feeling, smelling or tasting things that have no identifiable source
• Expressing beliefs that are clearly not grounded in reality
• Confused about what is real
• Showing sudden, significant changes in their thinking or perception of the world around them

Early support matters. Psychosis is manageable and sometimes treatable, especially with timely intervention. Delayed recognition has the potential to worsen the outcomes

The Bigger Picture: Why Language Matters

This blog is part of Sojourn’s ongoing series on misused psychology terms in everyday language

When we use words like gaslighting or psychotic are used inaccurately:

• We lose clarity
• We increase stigma
• We make it harder to understand real experiences

At Sojourn Psychology, we believe:

Clear language supports better mental health.

A Final Thought

Psychotic does not mean intense.
It does not mean chaotic.
It does not mean emotional.

It describes a specific experience involving a loss of contact with reality.

So, the next time you hear the word or feel tempted to use it, pause.

And you might hear that familiar voice:

“You keep using that word…”

Looking for Support?

If you’re navigating stress, emotional overwhelm, or concerns about mental health, we’re here to help.

Sojourn Psychology offers evidence-based therapy in Sherwood Park and the Edmonton area.