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Psychosis · After an episode

How do we talk about what happened?

Recovery does not mean pretending the episode did not affect either of you. Start slowly and let the person have a say in what is discussed.

Do not force a post-mortemWhen things are calmer, ask whether they want to talk about what felt frightening, what helped and what they would want done differently. They do not have to agree with your account of every event before you can plan together.
Are symptoms or risk increasing again? Use the in-the-moment communication guide. Call 999 if someone's life is at risk or you cannot keep anyone safe.

Choose the right time

  • Wait until the immediate crisis has settled and neither of you is in the middle of an argument.
  • Ask permission: “Would it be all right to talk for ten minutes about what might help if things become frightening again?”
  • Keep the first conversation short. It can be continued another day.
  • Do not demand that they admit a belief or experience was untrue.

Rebuild trust without avoiding everything

  • Acknowledge any fear, exhaustion or disruption without using shame.
  • If you said or did something you regret, apologise for that specific part rather than defending the whole crisis.
  • Ask what contact feels manageable now. Ordinary time together can matter as much as another conversation about illness.
  • Keep treatment decisions with the person and their clinicians.
You could say“I don't want to argue about what happened. I would like to understand what felt frightening, what helped and what you would want me to do if you felt like that again.”

Make a plan with them, not about them

Rethink recommends making a crisis plan with the person where possible. Record their own early changes, what reduces pressure, who they want contacted, existing team details and what supporters should avoid doing. Review it after a crisis or change in care.

Make a shared crisis planLonger-term support
Sources: Rethink Mental Illness and NICE
Rethink: planning for a crisis with someone and NICE guidance on psychosis, family intervention and collaborative care.

Ask about family intervention

NICE says family intervention should be offered to families who live with or are in close contact with a person with psychosis or schizophrenia. It can include information, problem solving and crisis-management work. Ask the care coordinator, Early Intervention in Psychosis team or psychiatrist whether it is available.

Source: NICE
NICE quality statement on family intervention.

Your recovery matters too

You may feel exhausted, frightened, angry, guilty or unable to stop watching for another change. You do not have to carry that alone or wait until you are at breaking point. Speak to your GP if your own mental health is being affected, and use carer or peer support even if you do not identify as a carer.

Support after caring through psychosisPsychosis and carer communitiesRethink support for family and friendsCarers UK help and advice

This page organises public guidance from the linked organisations. It has not been clinically reviewed by Here for Someone and does not provide treatment advice.

Sources checked: 29 August 2026

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