How to Help?

Family members, friends and partners play a very important role in the recovery process.  Be supportive and remember that they are still your son, daughter, brother, sister, wife, husband, partner or friend.  Providing love, understanding, stability, comfort and help for day-to-day issues is crucial.  Research shows that positive family involvement diminishes symptoms and improves social functioning.   

Although there are no standard rules for dealing with someone who is experiencing psychosis, these general techniques can be effective:   

·  be yourself;

·  don’t take things personally;

·  realize that the episode is very frightening to the person and that they are probably feeling fear, sadness, anger, frustration, despair, shock;

·  make them feel safe and comforted;

·  talk to someone who is going through the same thing;

·  attend a support group;

·  provide encouragement;

·  give them their space to have quiet, rest and calm;

·  avoid arguing with the person;

·  stay calm;

Psychosis may not be a short-term problem.  It can last for months or even years.  Family members, friends and partners also need time to accept the illness.  Talking with others - family members, friends, professionals, can be very helpful.   

Stay positive.  Remember that with treatment, most people experiencing an early episode of psychosis make a successful recovery.