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If you are worried that a friend or family member may be experiencing signs that are like psychosis
If your friend or family member continues to experience strange thoughts and is describing uncharacteristic beliefs about themselves or others it is important to get them help quickly. Early treatment of psychosis can make it much easier to sort out. It is not unusual for people to not realise that they are behaving differently and they may not choose to seek help.
Here are some suggestions that you could do if you are worried about someone you know:
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You could talk and offer support to the person, try to find out from them what they are experiencing
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Try to avoid getting into disagreements about what they are experiencing
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Conflicts and arguments may make symptoms worse
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Contact their GP to get advice and/or offer to support the individual to go to their GP
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Phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 to get more information about psychosis
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If you want to refer the person to aspire click here for more details
Supporting a family member or friend experiencing psychosis
Family members or close friends who support a person who is experiencing psychosis are often called the carer. Many carers will find supporting their family member or friend stressful. When supporting someone it may be difficult to know what to do for the best and manage your own feelings of worry and confusion.
Here are some things that might help.
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Talk to other family members or friends to support each other
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Get support for yourself, time for your feelings and stresses
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Link into carers support services like support groups, counselling
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Learn more about psychosis and care and treatment options
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Try to create a low stress environment
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Try not to do too much for the person
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Talk to each other and learn from each other
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Try to solve problems together
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If available consider "family interventions work", perhaps provided by your local EIP service
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Be encouraging, enjoy and acknowledge steps forward
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Remember you won’t always get it right and that’s okay |
