• Information to help you through your experience of psychosis and support your recovery

Family and Friends

Getting support from people around you

  • Being aware and knowing how to cope with psychosis can help families get back to what’s most important to them.

    Family and friends can be a great source of comfort in difficult times, but receiving a diagnosis of psychosis can be as stressful for family and carers as the person themselves. In many cases, family intervention can significantly improve outcomes when they understand the experience of psychosis and can respond appropriately. The good news is that, where there is family support, relapse rates are reduced by 40%.

  • To help your family to better understand your condition and how they might be able to help you, we use an approach called behavioural family therapy, a practical skills-based intervention that usually lasts 10-12 sessions over six months. It provides information about your mental health issues and treatment and promotes positive communication, problem solving skills and stress management within your family. This might include recognising early signs of relapse and making a clear relapse plan as a family.

  • During this process, the needs of all family members are addressed and everyone is encouraged to identify and work towards their own goals. This is an individualised approach and is based on an assessment of your family’s needs.

    If you are interested in receiving this kind of support, please just let your care coordinator know.