I hope this doesn't happen very often to you. It's very distracting. I find I go to pieces when this happens, and I can't work.

Do you find these perceptual distortions occur only when you are experiencing some major stress or episode, or do they happen any time, even when you are feeling healthy?

Here's why I ask.
Today I felt free of depression and psychosis. I have been enthusiastic, chased the dog around the garden for fun, sang and whistled. Looking very promising. In fact, I'm almost sure this illness has been a hoax - a bad joke played on me by some kind of hypnotist.

My wife and I visited an art gallery today. I came across a painting of what looked like a dark monster enveloping an unsuspecting and defenceless naked woman in its evil grip. I was horrified and filled with revulsion and fear. When I showed it to my wife, she pointed out that it was a painting of a nude holding some dark fabric as a simple drape around her. Despite being able to see what she explained, I still feel that the monster image is stronger and I have difficulty seeing the drape. A sign that I am still not free of my damaged mind?