Support for you when someone experiences psychosis

This page is about what you are going through. For practical help with what the person is experiencing, see supporting someone with psychosis.

After an episode, you may still feel shaken

You may be catching up on sleep, replaying difficult conversations or worrying that it will happen again. You can talk to someone about the effect on you, including your GP or a supporter group, without waiting until everything is settled for the other person.

You do not have to discuss everything together at once. The guide to after an episode covers rebuilding contact and talking about what happened when you are both ready.

If they are frightened of you

It can be upsetting if someone you care about sees you as a threat. Trying harder to persuade them may not help. Give them space, avoid arguing about the belief and consider whether another trusted person or their care team could help with contact.

See the psychosis guide for responding to fear and unusual beliefs. If you feel unsafe or need help now, use the urgent-help routes. You do not have to manage the situation alone.

Ask the care team what is offered to family and friends

NICE says families who live with or are in close contact with a person with psychosis or schizophrenia should be offered family intervention. It also recommends education and support for carers.

Ask the care coordinator, Early Intervention in Psychosis team or psychiatrist what is available locally and whether there is a family worker or carers' lead.^[1]

Family intervention is structured support for the family or people close to them, involving the person where practical. Ask separately what support you can use on your own. If there is no care team, the NHS guide explains routes into care; you can still use the independent support below and seek help for your own mental health.

Independent advice and peer support

Set limits before resentment takes over

Rethink advises agreeing boundaries and supporting independence. Decide which tasks you can do, what must be shared and what situations will move responsibility to professionals.

Taking a break is not the same as abandoning someone. If you are the only contact, ask services and other trusted people how the load can be shared.^[3]

For words to use, see doing less or stepping back. If nobody can take over, follow the steps for getting backup.

Help with your own mental health

For support with your own mental health, see getting help for yourself.

If you need someone to listen today

Samaritans listens to anything that is troubling you. You do not have to be suicidal to call 116 123. Free to call. 24 hours, every day.^[4]

Independent information, not a medical or crisis service. This guidance has not been clinically reviewed. How we use sources.