supporting someone with psychosis

Family and friends play an important role in helping young people get back on track.

Support a young person get back on track

Family and friends play an important role in helping young people get back on track.

Psychosis can affect young people’s thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviours so it can be frightening to experience and witness.

If you see a young person is experiencing psychotic symptoms try to remain calm. You can support them by:

  • Helping them person feel safe
  • Asking them what is going on and listening without judgement
  • Letting them know it’s OK to talk about their experiences. It can help them feel like they are being heard and that someone understands.
  • Encourage them to get help by speaking with a trusted adult such as their GP, a teacher or headspace.
  • Offer to go with them or help them connect with services.

 

If someone is suggesting they will harm themselves or you’re concerned they might not be safe, call your local mental health service or 000 urgently to arrange specialist attention. Acute mental health teams can assist people experiencing psychosis in crisis.

 

Support for family and friends

Supporting a person who is experiencing psychosis can be really tough. Make sure you get some support for yourself if you need.

As part of the headspace Early Psychosis program, family and friends can:

  • receive support, information and education about psychosis
  • attend family meetings and group sessions
  • access a qualified youth mental health professional in a confidential, free and secure manner through their centre or after hours, through eheadspace.

Get professional support