Psychosis affects how someone processes thoughts and information. Psychosis can make someone feel really overwhelmed, as if the brain is taking on too much information, or confused and unable to focus.

Sometimes people get schizophrenia mixed up with psychosis. Schizophrenia is a mental illness that causes psychosis, but it has other symptoms too. Psychosis can be caused by illnesses and circumstances other than schizophrenia.

The brain of someone experiencing psychosis, gets signals mixed up, and tricks the person into thinking that they can see, hear, taste or feel things that aren’t really there. Someone experiencing psychosis might not realize that something isn’t right, or that they are thinking or behaving in a way that doesn’t makes sense. This is called a lack of “insight”, which means having trouble seeing yourself and your behavior clearly.

Psychosis is different for different people. People may experience the symptoms of psychosis in very different ways.

The symptoms of psychosis can be very disabling, and get worse over time if left untreated. Living with symptoms of psychosis can be frightening, confusing and debilitating. However, psychosis is treatable with professional help.

Psychosis is not:

• A split personality.
• Caused by childhood trauma, bad parenting, or poverty.
• The result of any actions or personal failures of the individual.
• A sign or result of low intelligence.
• An indication that someone is dangerous or “psycho”.

Below is a list of signs and symptoms of psychosis. A person experiencing psychosis might not have all of these symptoms. Some of these symptoms might be explained by something other than psychosis. No two people are alike, and so one person’s experience with psychosis might differ from others. If you think yourself or a friend may be having problems with psychosis, it is important that you consult your family doctor.

• Experiencing things that do not exist, like hearing things, seeing things, tasting things, smelling things or feeling things that are not real. These are called hallucinations. The most common type of hallucination is auditory (hearing voices or sounds that others don't hear).
• Problems concentrating, confusion, racing thoughts, memory issues.
• Having beliefs that are extreme, unlikely, or clearly false to those around you, like family or friends. These beliefs are called delusions, and they may start to take up a lot of time and concern for someone experiencing psychosis. Some common delusions are believing that you have special powers such as being able to change the weather or control world events, believing you can control others’ minds, or believing others are controlling your mind.
• Paranoia - Being really worried about things that may not be real or rational.
• Experiencing emotions that are out of control, or feeling numb.
• Displaying the “wrong” thing at the wrong time eg; your dog dies and you can't stop smiling despite feeling real grief.
• Depression, agitation or feeling really high and elated without the use of street drugs.
• Problems with ordinary things like getting out of bed, getting dressed, keeping clean or taking care of yourself.
• Sleep and eating problems.
• Lack of motivation.
• Lack of interest in friends, and withdrawal from life, school and normal activities.
• Thoughts that race and/or jump around with no clear order.
• Not able to plan or not able to act on plans.
• Thoughts may seem blocked, sped up or slowed down.
• Difficulty problem solving and processing information.
• Unusual or bizarre behaviour that does not make sense, is out of character or serves no purpose.
• Strange movements, or difficulty physically moving from one position to another.
• Decreased reactions to the environment and what is going on around them - seeming emotionally “flat”.
• Lack of insight - not able to see or realize that there is something wrong or that thoughts/behaviours aren’t “right” or typical.

Like other mental health issues, psychosis and how it is experienced will differ from person to person. Some may have an early and sudden onset, while for others it may be more gradual. Some may have several, ongoing episodes, while others may have fewer and less “serious” symptoms or episodes.

Because each case is unique, the treatment will likely be unique for each individual. Psychosis can be treated, and many people make a good recovery. Research has suggested that the earlier the intervention, the better the outcome may be.

Psychosis is typically treated with medication that is carefully monitored and adjusted as needed with the help of a doctor. Some people may also see a counselor or therapist, participate in group therapy, or spend time learning skills that can help them live with and identify symptoms of psychosis.

Learning how to cope with stress is another important part of the treatment strategy for psychosis, as well as building up a good network of family and friends who are supportive and understanding. Many people who have had psychosis benefit from having their family and friends become educated about the illness and on how they can be helpful and supportive.

Psychotic episodes can be caused by a mental illness, like severe depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, etc. Some medications and physical illnesses can also trigger psychosis. So identifying any mental health issues or illnesses that are causing the psychosis will be a part of figuring out what treatment strategy will work best for someone.

Some people, especially those who are in the middle of a serious psychotic episode or have been having ongoing issues with psychotic episodes/behaviour may need to spend time in a hospital in order to get help.

Every story is different, and sometimes people need to try different types of medications and supports before they find the right plan for them.

A person living with psychosis, like any other person, will benefit from maintaining wellness and having good supports in their life. 

Supporting someone with any type of serious illness can be challenging. Ways to help and support a friend or loved one who is living with psychosis:

• Know the signs and symptoms of psychosis and how it presents with your friend specifically. No two people are the same.
• Get your friend into treatment and encourage them to stay in treatment whenever possible. This can be tough. Sometimes people may resist or not want to continue with medication or other treatment strategies. The best you can do is encourage them and be supportive.
• Give them space. Yes, you want to help your friend, but hovering over them, constantly checking on them and not allowing them to live their life can cause stress, and stress can cause relapse. Part of recovery is learning how to live life and manage symptoms independently.
• Have realistic goals. While your friend is in treatment and deals with psychosis, they may need to step back a bit from school or work.
• Remember that their beliefs or hallucinations seem very real to them. Trying to apply logic to things they are saying, thinking or doing may not work when someone is having delusions or hallucinations.
• Stay calm with your friend if they are experiencing symptoms of psychosis. Tell them that you acknowledge that everyone has the right to see things their own way.
• You do not have to tolerate dangerous or inappropriate behavior. Being respectful, supportive and kind should be a goal when supporting your friend, but don’t be afraid to set personal boundaries for yourself.
• Check to see if there are any support groups in your area for your friend and/or yourself. Supporting someone who is living with psychosis can be very stressful, and there’s nothing wrong with seeking help and support for this.
• If your friend is in the hospital, go and visit them if you are able. The hospital may be scary and overwhelming for them, and a friendly face can help. Ask about visitor rules first.
• Help your friend to avoid triggers like substances or situations that can cause them to relapse or feel unwell.
• Know that your friend may need help or support with things that might seem simple to you. The loss of concentration and clear thinking can be hard to adjust to for someone living with psychosis.
• Treatment is a process. Medications can cause side effects and may need to be changed and adjusted. Be aware of this and try to be supportive.
• Ask your friend how else you can help. It may be as easy as just providing a distraction, asking them to do simple, relaxing things with you (like hanging out, watching a movie etc.) or just listening to them without judgement.
• Set some boundaries for yourself, and take care. You can’t help someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed yourself.

See the Help Section for more info about helping a friend and self care.