Does Someone You Know Have Psychosis? What to do

Someone close have psychosis? Now you know what to do!
[credit]

If someone has psychosis and does not get treatment for a long time,they are more likely to develop longer-term problems. This can include becoming unwell again or having problems with relationships or being able to work or study.

This makes it important to try and get medical help for someone if you think they are developing psychosis or a psychotic illness. Getting help sooner rather than later can:

• Improve how quickly and how much a person recovers

• Reduce the likelihood of becoming unwell again or admission to hospital

• Reduce time lost from work, school or college

• Reduce stress on family and friends

Good friends are hard to find. Be one yourselves. Help your friend!
[credit]

Imagine how you would feel in your friend, relative or loved one’s situation. Remember that they might feel sensitive, anxious,frightened or confused.

• Remember they may feel you are ‘getting at them’. Be calm,sympathetic and tactful.

• Raise the subject when you are both relaxed and have time.

• Stress, anxiety or other symptoms seem to be making it difficult for them to cope as well as usual, and that a doctor could help.

• You can go along with them to an appointment to support them.

• Many mental health problems can be easily treated. They might be worried they will have to go to hospital, but this is usually unlikely if they get treatment.

• GP notes are confidential. This means that information they share with the doctor can’t be passed onto anyone else unless they agree to it.