Friend Group Sends Their "Weird" Friend to a Mental Hospital with Their Three-Week Prank That Convinced Him He Was Having a Schizophrenic Episode

Pranks that do not end in laughter or amusement from everyone involved, including the subject of the prank, are not pranks at all; they are bullying, plain and simple.

Intentionally gaslighting someone until they believe they are having a full-blown delusion is not what a prank is, but it's what happened to this Redditor. His friends thought it would be funny to dress up in silly costumes and deny they wore them once OP mentioned the odd clothing.

It didn't end there; they would randomly say, "The police like to track people like you," and pretend it was completely normal. OP's friends didn't know he has schizophrenia.

OP has been diagnosed since he was 22 years old. He is active in communities and groups related to schizophrenia, but he doesn't actively disclose his diagnosis, even to his friends.

They just think he's weird when he randomly decides not to attend a party at the last minute or when he avoids crowds. When their pranks started, OP panicked because he thought he was having an episode.

He kept asking his friends about the weird things one of them said, but they convinced OP he wasn't even there to know about these conversations. OP was terrified; he thought it was a delusion that was about to spiral into psychosis.

OP Voluntarily Checked into a Mental Hospital to Protect Himself Because He Was So Scared That His Medications Stopped Working

u/Drudawgthedrood

None of His Friends Heard from OP for a Few Days

u/Drudawgthedrood

When He Got Out, He Decided to Share What He Went Through with One of His Friends

u/Drudawgthedrood

The Dangers of Pranking and Psychological Impact

Pranks, especially those involving mental health themes, can have serious psychological ramifications. Dr. Richard Wiseman, a psychologist known for his research on the psychology of humor, emphasizes that jokes about mental illness can perpetuate stigma and create distress for those affected.

In this case, the friend group’s prank may have caused significant emotional harm to their comrade, showcasing how humor can quickly turn harmful when it crosses personal boundaries.

The Dangers of Pranks in Relationships

While humor can often bring people closer, pranks that cross boundaries can lead to significant harm in relationships. Dr. Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist, emphasizes that "when pranks undermine trust, they can create emotional scars that linger long after the joke is over." Research shows that pranks designed to elicit fear or discomfort can have lasting psychological impacts, leading to anxiety and emotional distress. According to Dr. John Gottman, a marriage researcher, "such experiences can erode the foundation of trust necessary for healthy relationships, resulting in increased anxiety and emotional withdrawal." Individuals who experience such pranks may suffer from reduced trust and heightened anxiety in their relationships, as noted on Gottman.com.

After the Conversation, OP Received a Long Message from His Friend Who Is Apologizing for What They Did, and OP Promptly Snapped at His Friend

u/Drudawgthedrood

Regardless of Medical History, This Is a Cruel Joke to Keep Up for Three Weeks. It's Not Funny at All.

Boliele

It's Like These People Never Watched an Episode of Just For Laughs Gags; Those Kinds of Confusing Pranks Are the Ones to Emulate

Starchild2534

Research in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology suggests that pranks targeting mental health can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety in individuals. The distress caused by such pranks often stems from the victim’s fear of not being taken seriously, contributing to their overall psychological well-being.

This situation underscores the importance of understanding the potential consequences of humor and pranking, especially when it involves sensitive subjects.

In this case, the prank escalated to a point where the individual believed they were experiencing a mental health crisis, which speaks volumes about the potential consequences of such behavior. A clinical psychologist highlights that the prank may have triggered underlying vulnerabilities related to mental health, resulting in an emotional crisis. Research shows that individuals with a history of mental health struggles are particularly susceptible to such pranks, which can exacerbate their conditions.

Understanding the potential impacts of such actions is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.

What Prompted Them to Play This Sick Joke on One of Their Friends as a Group? Not One of Them Voiced an Objection to This Even When OP Was Obviously Freaked Out by It? Or Are They Just That Dense?

BaddestPatsy

It Didn't Have to Come to That, but It Was Good on OP for Recognizing When He Needed Help and Actually Following Through. He Deserves Better Friends Than These People.

BaddestPatsy

They Kept It Up for Three Weeks, Too, Even After OP Voiced His Confusion and Panic Multiple Times

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The Role of Empathy in Relationships

Empathy plays a critical role in maintaining healthy relationships, particularly when navigating sensitive topics. Dr. Brené Brown's research on vulnerability highlights that empathizing with others' feelings can foster connection and understanding.

In this instance, the lack of empathy displayed by the friend group contributed to the emotional distress of their friend, illustrating how empathy can be a powerful tool in maintaining healthy social bonds.

The Role of Empathy in Relationships

Empathy is a cornerstone of healthy relationships, enabling individuals to understand and respond to each other's emotions effectively. Dr. Brené Brown's research indicates that a lack of empathy can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. When pranks undermine this empathy, it can create lasting damage, making it difficult to rebuild trust.

Studies show that promoting empathy within relationships can significantly improve communication and emotional connection, underscoring the importance of approaching each other with care and understanding.

Even for Someone Without a History of Mental Illness, This Would Be a Sick Joke to Play. For OP, Who Is Schizophrenic, It Could Be Life or Death. It's Dangerous.

Kebar8

They Collectively Suck, and Their Poor Attempt at an Apology Is Laughable After What They Subjected OP To

CopperPegasus

It Really Does

idunmessedup

Experts recommend fostering empathic communication within friend groups to prevent misunderstandings and emotional harm. Engaging in open discussions about feelings and boundaries can enhance emotional intelligence and strengthen relationships.

Additionally, practicing active listening can help individuals respond more thoughtfully, promoting a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and understood.

To prevent misunderstandings and emotional harm, it's essential for friends to establish clear boundaries regarding humor and pranks. Communication about what is acceptable can help avoid situations where one party feels targeted or threatened. A practical approach is to check in with each other regularly about comfort levels, fostering an environment of trust and safety.

Moreover, engaging in activities that promote bonding and understanding can strengthen relationships, reducing the likelihood of harmful pranks in the future.

OP Posted an Update a Few Months After His Original Post:

u/Drudawgthedrood

He Has Since Cut His Friend Group Out of His Life and Has Been Doing Incredibly Well Since

u/Drudawgthedrood

The Milestones You Achieve Once You Cut the Toxic People Out of Your Life Are Infinite, and OP Proves That

u/Drudawgthedrood

Rebuilding Trust and Connection

Rebuilding trust after a significant breach, such as a harmful prank, requires intentional effort. Dr. John Gottman's research emphasizes that trust is built through consistent actions and open communication over time. Families and friends must engage in honest discussions about the impacts of their actions, allowing for healing and understanding.

Practicing forgiveness and expressing vulnerability can create a supportive environment, fostering deeper connections. Research indicates that relationships that prioritize open dialogues about feelings tend to be more resilient.

Pranks like these are not enjoyable, even for a person removed from the situation. It's shocking that none of OP's ex-friends felt uncomfortable when they were executing their "brilliant" prank.

They're just that cruel, I guess. It was appalling reading OP's original post, even by Reddit standards, but knowing that he is thriving now offers a bit of relief.

Psychological Analysis

This situation reflects the complexities of humor and its potential to harm relationships if boundaries are not respected. The prank not only tested the individual's emotional resilience but also highlighted the importance of empathy in friendships. Addressing these issues openly can lead to healing and stronger connections in the future.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, it's vital to recognize the potential psychological harm that pranks can inflict on relationships. By prioritizing empathy and open communication, individuals can foster healthier interactions and build stronger bonds. Research consistently shows that promoting trust and understanding can mitigate the negative impacts of conflict and emotional distress.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, the psychological impact of pranks on mental health is significant and should not be underestimated. Research from the American Psychological Association highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in social interactions.

By promoting a culture of empathy and open communication, friends can create supportive environments that prioritize emotional well-being and minimize harm.