Leveling Up Spiritually Without Entering Psychosis

This is a piece I have always wanted to write about, but I was nervous my grandma might not approve. Respectfully, she is going to have to live, because I am talking about leveling up spiritually without entering psychosis.

Some of you are going to read this and get offended. Some of you are under a spell and deep in psychosis. And I can say that because I grew up in the church and studied neuroscience in college. I can tell when someone is genuinely walking with God versus when someone’s brain chemistry is doing the cha cha slide.

I am not judging because I have been through a spiritual psychosis myself. Mine did not come from the Bible. It came from viewing the world only through a spiritual lens and not allowing logic or reality to exist in the same room. I had to learn that faith and reality can coexist without me believing I am going to burn in hell for having nuance.

Here are three things I have personally done and witnessed that show when someone is in spiritual psychosis, plus three things you can do to avoid falling into it.

Number One: Have a Healthy Approach

A healthy approach to spirituality sounds like
I pray, I read my Bible, and I try to live right.

An unhinged church remix sounds like
God told me you are jealous of me and operating in demonic jealousy.

Now before anyone gets defensive, I have been on both sides of the spectrum. There was a time I thought people who watched my story and did not like my post were monitoring spirits. Looking back, I laugh because I watch people’s stories all the time and do not like them. Not because I hate them. Sometimes I am just scrolling. Sometimes I am literally thinking “she looks good” while tapping through. It is not that deep.

Not everyone who disagrees with you is demonic. Not everyone who does not share your opinion hates you. Having a different perspective does not equal spiritual warfare unless someone is actively harming others.

I am spiritual and Catholic, and I learned the two can coexist. One of the reasons I drifted from the Christian Church to the Catholic Church is because Catholics are not shoving Bible verses down everyone’s throat over every tiny decision. Some Christians will see you walk into a crystal shop and act like you just brought Satan into your house, but somehow ignore the uncle who is acting weird at family gatherings. Priorities.

It is not about what you say. It is about how you say it and who you are actually protecting.

Number Two: Set Boundaries on the Feedback You Accept

A healthy mindset sounds like
I am growing spiritually and setting boundaries.

An unhinged boss battle edition sounds like
I rebuked my coworker because they gave me weird vibes and I felt a spirit.

Sometimes it is not a demon. Sometimes it is just Monday. Sometimes you are hungry. Sometimes you need a nap.

Growing up, I demonized girls who had abortions. I demonized people who had sex before marriage. I demonized people who divorced without fighting for their family. Then I grew up and realized life is complicated and sometimes people do what the Bible says not to do because it is the healthiest option for them. And that is okay.

My relationship with God is built on my personal experiences. I am not a perfect Catholic. I do not read the Bible every day. I do not pretend to embody holiness. I mess up constantly. But I know I am kind. I am genuine. I do not think I am above anyone.

I believe in God. I believe in angels. I believe nature has life and energy. I talk to trees. I talk to the ocean. I talk to Archangel Michael. I am not worshiping them. I am just acknowledging creation. If God created everything, how are oceans and trees not reflections of Him?

Some people know God through church. Others know God through a personal relationship. I learned Him both ways. And when people tried to control or judge how I connect with God, I set boundaries and exited the conversation. Not negotiable.

Number Three: Use Faith and Real Resources Together

A healthy mindset sounds like
I trust God and I go to therapy.

An unhinged Sunday service DLC sounds like
I do not need therapy. I need prayer, anointing oil, a six hour sermon, a fast, and to break my bloodline curse.

Bestie. Boo. You might just need a snack and a nap.

I fully believe God heals. I have seen miracles. I have experienced miracles. But I also know I had to put in real work with doctors, therapists, and professionals.

I did not pray my anxiety away. I went to therapy. I tried medication. I learned emotional regulation. I did the work.

There was a time I got so stressed my stomach developed ulcers. I did not pray the ulcers away. I went to the doctor, took medication, went to therapy, and then prayed. Eventually the stressors left my life. I lost a job. I lost friends. And I lost the ulcers. Honestly, that is a win.

Final Thoughts

God is God. Faith is faith. But the second spirituality turns into paranoia, judgment, or holy delusion, that is not anointed. That is doing too much.

Some of the best people I have met shop at botanicas. Some of the worst people I have met never miss a day at church.

There is no rulebook for spirituality. There is no yellow brick road to God. I believe knowing God requires knowing yourself. I believe nature is alive. I believe everything living has energy and a soul. I treat the world with respect. I talk to God about things I have told nobody. And I have watched Him answer through the direction of my life.

You can follow religion. You can follow spirituality. You can follow both. But you do not need to bash others or lose your mind to be close to God.

Not everyone is out to get you. Not everyone has a demon attached to them. You do not need to rebuke someone just because they disagree with you.

The only people you answer to are yourself and God. And how you practice your faith is nobody’s business as long as you are not hurting yourself or others.