Supporting someone with
Psychosis
You do not need to settle on a diagnosis before asking for help. Start with what the person is experiencing and what is happening today.
Source: NHS urgent-help guidance
Are they under 18? These pages focus on supporting an adult. See NHS support for children and young people. If you are under 18 and supporting someone else, see young-carer rights and support.
What do you need help with?
They seem paranoid or are hearing or seeing things
Respond without arguing, dismissing the experience or pretending to share it.
First episodeI need to find the right professional help
Ask about an Early Intervention in Psychosis team and know the urgent route.
Refused helpThey do not think anything is wrong
Keep communication open, share observations with services and act on risk.
Longer termThis has become part of everyday life
Ask about family intervention, support day-to-day life and protect your own limits.
Could this be psychosis?
The NHS describes psychosis as losing some contact with reality. Possible experiences include hallucinations, strongly held beliefs that other people do not share, and confused or disrupted thinking. Other health problems, medicines and substances can also be involved, so a professional assessment matters.
Source: NHS
What this area is based on
Rethink Mental Illness advises staying calm, focusing on the person's feelings, reducing noise and pressure, and offering simple practical help. NHS and NICE guidance covers professional assessment, Early Intervention in Psychosis and support for families.
Sources: Rethink Mental Illness, NHS and NICE
Here for Someone is an independent information project. It is not a helpline or medical service. This area organises public guidance from the organisations linked beside the relevant information; it has not been clinically reviewed by Here for Someone.
Sources checked: 26 August 2026