Understanding psychosis

Worried that your loved one is at risk of psychosis? Here’s what to look out for and how to help them. 

We know that there is a close relationship between mental health concerns and drug use. For some young people, mental health issues can begin to emerge when they suddenly stop using. For others, their use of drugs or alcohol exacerbates mental health concerns and for some young people their use is an attempt to deal with existing mental health concerns. It can be a complicated equation. 

A psychotic episode can be frightening for both the young person and family members. It is, however, treatable with the right care and support.  Young people do recover and the earlier they seek help, the better the outcome. 

Some early warning signs/symptoms that someone might be experiencing psychosis include: 

• Paranoia: such as thinking they are being followed or someone’s always watching them.
• Confused thinking: a young person may find it difficult to concentrate, follow a conversation or remember things. 
• Hallucinations: seeing, hearing & smelling things that aren’t there. For example, thinking someone is there when they aren’t or strongly believing something that probably is not true.

The treatment for psychosis is usually medication, helping a young person to understand what they are experiencing, counselling, family support and avoiding stress.  

Some helpful strategies to support your loved one through psychosis are: 

• Remember that they are not behaving this way because they are acting out, they are unable to control these experiences.
• Try to remain calm and be supportive.
• Keep a quiet, reassuring tone to your voice.
• Seek help from a GP or mental health service such as headspace.

Now is not the time for disagreements or getting into an argument. Avoid conflict (and topics that trigger conflict) until the young person can talk things out properly. 

If a young person is talking about harming themselves, get support from your local mental health service, hospital or emergency services. 

We also recommend these great articles about psychosis and recognising a problem from headspace for further reading. headspace psychosis fact sheet and psychosis from SANE organization.

Concerned about a young person’s drug use and mental health? Check out headspace for more advice and support.