Individuals may have many different explanations for their unusual experiences, and no explanation is more correct than the other.
Some cultures view unusual experiences as a sign that the person has a gift or sensitivity that makes them special. Others may view it as a spiritual or paranormal experience.
In some cases, unusual experiences are part of the presentation of a mental health disorder and need treatment. The sooner you get help, the better the outcome will be.
The onset of such experiences is usually the result of a combination and interaction of:
- Social Factors: Difficult life events (including adversity, inequality and discrimination, bullying, childhood separation ), social isolation, financial problems, living in an urban environment, bereavement.
- Psychological Factors: High load of life, working and academic stress, and not having the right resources to cope with it; getting caught up in worries
- Biological Factors: Family history of severe mental illness, chronic lack of sleep, brain injuries, drug use, some physical conditions and some medications.
Imagine these factors as water filling a bucket, where the water represents unusual experiences flowing out.
The stream of water, influenced by social and psychological factors, accumulates throughout life’s journey.
The bucket’s sturdiness and capacity symbolize biological factors.
The water may overflow due to various social or psychological factors or because the bucket lacks the capacity or solidity necessary.
If numerous stress factors are pouring in without enough coping mechanisms to help the water drain out, it can lead to an overflow, resulting in unusual experiences.