Psychosis is a mental health condition where a person loses touch with reality, experiencing hallucinations (seeing/hearing things that aren't there) or delusions (fixed false beliefs). While treatable, untreated psychosis poses severe risks to physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Physical Dangers: Individuals may harm themselves or others due to delusional fears e.g., jumping from heights to "escape pursuers" or attacking perceived threats. Suicide risk skyrockets; studies from the National Institute of Mental Health show up to 10-15% of people with schizophrenia (often involving psychosis) die by suicide. Self-neglect leads to malnutrition, dehydration, or accidents, like wandering into traffic during a hallucination. Substance abuse, common in 50% of cases per WHO data, worsens brain damage and organ failure.

Emotional and Psychological Dangers: Chronic psychosis erodes self-esteem, triggering anxiety, depression, or paranoia. Isolation from stigma intensifies loneliness; a Lancet review notes 70% face social withdrawal. Without intervention, it can progress to permanent cognitive decline, reducing IQ by 10-15 points over time (American Journal of Psychiatry).

Social and Legal Dangers: Job loss affects 80-90% of those with severe psychosis (Schizophrenia Bulletin), leading to homelessness up to 25% in urban areas (HUD reports). Family strain causes breakdowns; involuntary hospitalizations rise if behaviors endanger others. Legal issues, like arrests for erratic actions, compound trauma.

Early treatment with antipsychotics, therapy (e.g., CBT), and support reduces risks by 60-80% (NICE guidelines). Seek immediate help via crisis lines (e.g., 988 in the US) if symptoms emerge delaying worsens outcomes. Psychosis isn't a "weakness"; it's a brain disorder affecting 3 in 100 people lifetime (NIMH). With prompt care, full recovery is possible in 20-30% of first episodes.