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Helping someone who's experiencing psychosis
It can be really hard to see someone you care about experiencing psychosis. You may not know how to react. But there are ideas you can try to help.
This page covers:
This page is part of our guide to:
You can help by lending an ear to talk to, especially between visits from mental health professionals.
Helping someone with psychosis now
If someone is hearing or seeing things that you don't, they might feel angry, anxious or confused that you don't share their beliefs.
Some people might become aggressive, distressed or withdrawn because of these difficult feelings.
They may be reluctant to accept help, or may not understand that they're unwell.
This can sometimes make it hard to communicate with them. Particularly if they're acting in a way that frightens or worries you.
If this happens:
- Stay calm if you can. You may feel angry and hurt, but responding calmly can help stop anger escalating. You can show that you're staying calm by maintaining eye contact, speaking calmly and making sure that your body language is relaxed.
- Try not to take their reactions personally. This can be difficult if you have a close relationship with them. But try to remember that what they think has happened feels real to them.
- Use plain language and short sentences when talking to them. This can be particularly helpful if they're struggling with disorganised speech. Be patient and let them take their time to respond. If their sentences are jumbled and it feels like they're not making sense, this can be confusing. But you can show that you're listening through your body language.
- Try to make your surrounding environment safe. Give them space if they feel they need it. And try to move to a quiet area that's free of distractions.
- Help them do grounding exercises. This can help them focus on what's going on right now. Our page on mindfulness has some more suggestions.
- Support them with how they're feeling, rather than confirm or challenge their reality. Let them know that, although you don't share the belief, you understand that it feels real for them. For example, you could say something like 'Things sound really scary for you right now', or ‘I understand that you see things that way’.
How do I know if it's an emergency?
You may be worried that your family member or friend is becoming very unwell or experiencing a mental health crisis. In these situations it can be difficult to know when they need emergency support.
For example, someone experiencing psychosis might have hallucinations or delusions relating to hurting themselves or others. Or they may neglect looking after themselves in a way that risks their health or wellbeing.
If you see these signs, it means they're in crisis and need urgent help. This can be scary, but you can help get them the right support.
Our information on crisis services explains more about the help available when someone is in crisis.
Be there for them
Someone experiencing psychosis might find it difficult to reach out for support. They may be scared of being judged or stigmatised. It can help if they feel able to talk about how they're feeling in a calm, safe space.
You may feel like you want to find answers. But it's more helpful to listen to their experiences and ask them what would help.
It's ok if they're not ready to talk. People may want different support at different times. You could ask them if they would like any practical help. For example, they may want your help to access a particular service. Or ask you to act as an advocate for them.
Learn more about psychosis
Experiencing stigma relating to psychosis can be really upsetting. They may have to deal with other people's misconceptions on top of trying to manage their mental health problem. Educating yourself can help you to challenge stigma.
A good first step could be visiting the rest of our information about psychosis. Or attending a family intervention group, if this is available in your area.
It could also be useful to read our information on hearing voices, paranoia, and schizophrenia.
Don't force them to change
Even if you feel that you know what's best, it's important to respect their wishes. Don't try to take over or make decisions if they're not ready.
If someone is seeing things or hearing things that you don't, don't ask them to force these to stop.
Plan for a crisis
They might struggle to talk about their experiences, or feel like they can't open up. This means they may become very unwell before you realise they need help.
When they're well, talk to them about the things that might help them if they feel unwell again.
If you're worried about them having a mental health crisis, you could suggest that they use their crisis plan, if they have one. If they don't, you could create one together.
Get support for yourself
Seeing someone you care about experience psychosis can be distressing or frightening. You may not know where to find support for yourself.
Our information on how to cope when supporting someone else and how to improve your mental wellbeing can help you look after yourself too.
See more on psychosis:
Self-care if you experience psychosis
Treatment and support for psychosis
- Helping someone who's experiencing psychosis
Published: January 2025
Next review planned: January 2028
References and bibliography available on request.
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