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

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis explained – what it is and why it starts

  • Psychosis is a treatable mental health condition that results in you seeing the world around you in a distorted way.

    Psychosis can cause you to lose contact with reality and, during your period of illness, you may perceive things differently from people around you. It’s not surprising that it can be an alienating experience and scary for your family and close friends. You may be wondering: Why me? Why now? Will I get better? Will I be myself again? Is this my life now? What will happen to me?

EPIC MINDS provides information and support to help you through your experience of psychosis

  • Psychosis usually first affects people in their teens or early adult years, although older people can experience it too. If you have experienced psychosis, you’ll know it can be exhausting and difficult to cope with. Not only does it make working, studying or even doing things you enjoy difficult or impossible, it can affect your family and friends too. Psychosis can erode your sense of who you are and your sense of belonging and you may feel very confused about what is real and what isn’t.

  • Recent studies show 6 in 10 people with psychosis go on to have no further episodes when helped by EIP

    Over half of people under an Early Intervention in Psychosis service are helped back into work or education

    Early Intervention in Psychosis reduces the chances of being admitted to a mental health hospital

    • You are definitely not alone.

      Psychosis affects 1-3% of the population, which is higher than diabetes in young people. Psychosis can be frightening but, asking for help early on means you can access support and get back what you think you have lost. If you seek help and treatment early, you have a much higher chance of recovery.

      Watch Our EPIC MINDS animation

       

  • Why Psychosis starts

    Although there is a lot of research on psychosis, the causes are not fully understood and there is not one specific cause. One person’s psychosis episode won’t match someone else’s. However, there are several reasons why people develop psychosis:

    Extreme stress…

    such as relationship difficulties, bereavement, families splitting up, exams or unemployment and general stressors of life.

    Lack of sleep…

    can cause you to see things differently and experience psychotic symptoms.

    Use of drugs…

    such as cannabis, speed, cocaine or other substances have been shown to be related to the development or worsening of psychotic symptoms.

    Medical conditions…

    and underlying physical illness such as a brain injury or tumour can result in psychosis.

     

It’s important to see a qualified health professional if you have any of the symptoms described