Advice for families & friends

It can be very worrying if you think someone close to you is experiencing Psychosis. You know something is “not quite right” and can feel confused, shocked and bewildered but not really know what to do. You may hope that it is just a phase that will all blow over and go away. However, research studies have shown that delay in getting treatment can make things worse in the long term.

Families, partners or friends often find it hard to take the first step to obtain help for many reasons. They may be unsure what the problem is. The person experiencing a psychotic episode may not wish to get help or even acknowledge that they are unwell. It can be extremely difficult to cope with a person who is in a psychotic state.

Often the first step is to visit the GP who can then refer to more specialised professionals such as psychiatrists, mental health centres, or services that specialise in early Psychosis. The Early Intervention Team is one such specialised service and we take referrals from families and friends as well as GPs and other professionals.

Should I refer to the EI Team?

In the early stages it can be hard to tell if someone is showing signs of Psychosis. But if you suspect things are not well with your loved one or friend the quicker they get help the better. By contacting the Early Intervention Team you can talk to a qualified team member for some advice on what to do. If we don’t think that we are the right ones to help we can offer advice on what else to try or put you in contact with alternative services.

Emergency situations & checking on safety

The experience of Psychosis can be very distressing. Always take talk of suicide or self harm seriously. Listen to the person’s concerns and show them that you love and care for them. See if any stressors that may be adding to their depression can be reduced. Notify the GP or a mental health professional if the ideas persist and above all, stay positive.

In the rare event of an emergency or life-threatening situation, you must ensure that the individual gets professional help immediately. This may be done by accompanying them to the appropriate service or by using your local hospital emergency department, emergency ambulance service or the police.

Coping when someone in your family has Psychosis (PDF, 1MB)

What to look for

The possible signs that someone is becoming psychotic are listed below. These signs may appear one at a time or in clusters and may have been there for a while or just started.

• Withdraws from their usual activities with friends and family
• Becomes unreasonably suspicious, tense or irritable
• Is preoccupied with unusual ideas (e.g. thinks he/she is being controlled by others)
• Has difficulty sleeping, is restless and pacing at night
• Has problems with concentration or seems easily distracted
• Hears, sees or perceives things that are not actually happening
• Seems confused and their thoughts and speech are unclear and disorganised
• Has an inability to function at his/her normal level (e.g. can’t perform at school, college or work, neglects hygiene or personal affairs)
• Shows bizarre or unusual behaviour
• Has extreme changes in mood or shows very little emotion or facial expression

How can I help someone experiencing Psychosis?

Recognising that there is a problem in the first place is the most important help you can give. Most of the time the person will recognise themselves that they need help so the next step is to be yourself. If you can act calmly and consistently you will provide reassurance that help is available.

Sometimes, however, getting the person to agree to seek help involves overcoming such things as their inability to see that something is wrong, their fear of appearing strange or abnormal, or of dealing with the stigma associated with mental illness. Point out that seeking help shows courage and it is not a sign of weakness.

Tell them what you know about what help is available and reassure them that your decision to seek help is based on what’s best for them. Tell them in clear and calm terms, what you have noticed that makes you concerned and reassure them that you will support them throughout offering to go with them to appointments.

Remember, Psychosis is treatable, and the earlier the treatment can start the more effective it is and the better the outcome.