This section is for friends and family who would like to support someone they know who experiences psychosis.

It can be really hard to see someone you care about experiencing psychosis. But you can help. This page has some suggestions for ways you can support them while also looking after your own wellbeing.

• Focus on feelings rather than experiences. It's hard to know how to respond when someone sees, hears or believes something that you don't. Instead of confirming or denying their experience it can help to say something like "I understand that you see things that way, but it's not like that for me". It's usually more helpful to focus on how the person is feeling about what they are experiencing.
• Offer practical help. Ask them if they would like any practical help. For example they may like your help to access a particular service or ask you to act as an advocate for them.

The extremes of behaviour and emotions played havoc with my relationships and daily functioning to the point where the simplest of tasks overwhelmed me.

• Respect their wishes. Even if you feel that you know what's best, it's important to respect their wishes and don't try and take over or make decisions without them. People tend to do less well if family and friends are very critical or over protective.
• Family therapy can help the whole family understand what the person with psychosis is going through and identify what is helpful and unhelpful for them and for you. You might want to ask your GP if this is available in your area.
• Plan for a crisis. When your loved one is feeling well you may want to discuss how you can help in a crisis. This could include planning practical things like treatment and hospital visits. You might also find it helpful to state clearly what you feel you can and can't deal with during a crisis.
• Get support for yourself. Seeing someone you care about experiencing psychosis can be distressing or even frightening. Our information on how to cope when supporting someone else and how to improve your mental wellbeing can help you look after yourself too.

This information was published in August 2016. We will revise it in 2019.