If you’re worried that a friend, partner or family member may be experiencing psychosis, it can be hard to know what to do. You may be unsure what you’re seeing, what to say, or whether it’s your place to step in at all.
Psychosis affects how a person experiences reality. It can involve hallucinations, delusions, and changes in thinking or behaviour, and it can be deeply distressing for the person going through it and for those around them. The good news is that psychosis is treatable, and early support makes a real difference to recovery and long‑term outcomes.
This guide brings together evidence‑based advice on how to recognise the signs of psychosis, how to start a supportive conversation, and how to help someone access the right kind of help, while also looking after yourself.
Recognising the signs of psychosis
Psychosis can look different from person to person, and symptoms may develop gradually or come on suddenly. Common signs include:
- Hallucinations — hearing voices, seeing things others don’t, or experiencing unusual sensations that feel very real.
- Delusions — strongly held beliefs that aren’t shared by others, such as feeling under threat or unusually powerful.
- Disorganised thinking or speech — thoughts may feel jumbled or racing, and speech can become hard to follow.
Some people also experience early warning signs before a full psychotic episode, such as sleep problems, withdrawal from others, increased anxiety, or suspiciousness. These changes can be subtle but noticing them early can be important.
You can read more about the signs of psychosis here.