INTRODUCTION!!

Hello! I hope you are having a wonderful day!Before I get to explaining this, there will be talks about delusions / the experience it comes with / slight reality checky topics!Stay Safe!

Delusional attachments was the original term coined by schizophrenic / psychosis experiencing people [psychosis is a symptom] , although this term can feel uncomfortable to some people as the original coiner has controversy surrounding them + it doesn't always fit into the experiences people have, as calling themselves a delusion can be kind of reality-checky.Other personality disorders can come into play with these experiences too!


so.. what exactly is an IRL?IRLS are individuals who suffer from delusional attachments to characters / people, some may be for comfort and some may be because of the sheer amount they see of themselves in this character / person , or other reasons!Checking with IRLs is the best way to respect their boundaries and keep them safe from spiraling or losing control of their mental state and prevent detaching from reality. Never reality check unless asked too!


..So if IRLS are essentially delusions, why is reality checking bad?Well! Since our view on the world is already different, and we are self-aware, it could send us into panic / spirals / dissociation if done without explicit consent!Of course the experience and boundaries changes from person-to-person, but reality checking people out of nowhere can definitely lead into things that may not help in our healing long-term!Though some of us may know when we could be falling into a delusional episode and may advise you to reality check them consensually in a gentle manor, if you are willing to, to help them!
Again remember, ONLY IF IT IS EXPLICITLY SAID THAT ITS OK!!Please treat everyone with kindness and respect! Working through reality-warping issues takes time!More info on how you can help / how to set boundaries related to yourself and reality in the other two tabs named
"HOW CAN I HELP?"
and
"HOW DO I SET BOUNDARIES W/ MYSELF AND REGARDING REALITY"


So.. this is kind of like.. yk..kins?Absolutely not. Why? Because this warp our ENTIRE reality. From fake memories that feel real, to losing our own sense of identity because we cannot control what we end up forming an IRL to.Speaking from my own experience, it can get very intense, its not fun, its not to be glamorized! Seperating ourselved from fiction vs reality can be very very hard.Our experiences to Kins / Fictionkins / Otherkins is SO SO SO different.[still reality checking can make it so much worst, for example it set me into a spiral of wanting to look like 'myself' and wanting to go 'home' because of the ignorance of some people.]Though! Some IRLS may use the terms "Kins" and "Fictionkins" to try and sperate from their delusions to heal, and that is 100% a valid way to try to help themselves through this!

NOT COMFORTABLE WITH IRLS?

Thats okay! Let me help you find ways to feel comfortable again!


I'm an Introject and IRLS treating me like a sourcemate is making me uncomfortableThats completely valid, my friend!Try to explain to them you'd rather not be treated like source/ like a sourcemate. If they dont respect that or you still dont feel comfortable, let them know you're blocking them / not interacting with them for your own mental well being! /sug
I dont feel comfortable in seemingly 'encouraging' their delusion..Thats okay, I understand that perspective you may or may not be afraid of causing harm in the long run. A lot of the time delusions are not easy to deal with, and its a narrow line to cross.I'd suggest having a talk with this person who may be an IRL, and asking them their experience as an IRL and how you can refer to them without making their delusions worst. If you genuinely are worried bring up gently that you think that they should get professional help, and if they cannot to do your best to support them in a healthy way. Be clear in what you mean and if you're still uncomfortable explain that to them and try to come to a solution! ex: asking them not to mention IRL things around you, blocking them, not interreacting!


Talking about IRL experiences is setting off my own delusions that IDK how to handle..Communicate that to them! Tell them you'd rather not be involved in this talk but dont reality check anyone either! Just back out of the convo and decide if not interacting in the future could benefit your own mental health in the long-run.


I just personally think this is really weirdThat's your own opinion, but stay kind and respectful! You're never forced to interact or continue to be friends with anyone, ask for explanations and be open minded or decide if you'd like to take a different approach and stay away from the community entirely! [and thats alright too!]


I dont think this actually happens, y'all are chronically online...read the "I DONT THINK THIS IS REAL" tag please!

I DONT THINK THIS IS REAL..

...okay?You may have not personally been able to experience these things, and I am glad you haven't, but please stay respectful!'Chronically Online' isn't what people should be calling real experiences that people are happening to share online to spread the word.Mental Illness is real, it affects people, this is one way it can affect people.You never have to agree with things or believe it, you could even find it cringe! But all we ask is to treat us with kindness or just not interact at all!

Thank You!

HOW CAN I HELP?

Several ways actually!
All of these involve asking those you with to help for their boundaries!Its always good to know how to handle each individual as they can almost always tell you / describe the tells to when things may be too much for them.For me personally I ask people not to mention my 'memories' to me in some headspaces as it could be potentially unhealthy for me!Reality checking un-consensually is never the answer to helping, as it never actually - does anything. Frankly it just makes things worst for a bit. Long-term solutions should be strived for instead of jumping to reality check someone without permission.If you notice someone may look as if they may not know the differnces between reality and fiction, gently ask them "Hey are you grounded reality-wise right now?" never outright say "I think you're too far into your delusion, how can I help?" as that can inadvertently come off as reality checking!

If you notice someone becoming a danger to themselves or others, gently tell them they may be losing their hold on reality / are becoming delusional.
Ground them as best you can!
When they are back in reality ask them how you can help in the future!
-allaboutirls carrd explains this better! I'll link them to resources!-


I hope this helped!

I THINK I MIGHT BE AN IRL, WHAT DO I DO?

First of take it easy! Its a lot to consider.Rule out things like kins / fictionkins / otherkins!

ask yourself questions like;;"Is it hard to sperate who I am from this other person / character?""Do I feel like this is me in all ways possible?""Do I feel extremly attached to this media / character in general?"
[allaboutirls has a checklist on this!]

So you're an IRL.. what do you do next?figure out your boundaries when it comes to this, it can definitely change mindset to mindset, so dont rush on figuring this out!If you use discord, using tupperbox would be okay too for comfort, but keep in mind it can also be unhealthy if it makes you feel more delusional or just unable to separate yourself, be careful
[if you are a singlet for the love of god do not use PK, although it is stated by PK creators that anyone can use their bot MANY systems feel uncomfortable with singlets using a bot so catering to the needs of systems. Endos are not supported here!]


Overall take it slow and easy, no one is rushing you to figure this out. But above else STAY. SAFE. Get help if you need it, do everything you can look into psychosis and what it can mean as a symptom of something larger!