WHAT IS PSYCHOSIS?

The brain, just like any other part of the body, doesn’t always run smoothly. So it’s not surprising that mental illness is common. Just like diabetes or asthma, mental illness is a medical disorder that can affect any person, at any time. The exact cause of psychosis is unknown, but an imbalance of chemicals in the brain is involved.

Psychosis is a type of mental illness which will affect around 1 in every 100 New Zealanders at some point during their lifetime. It’s not unusual, and if you suffer from it, neither are you.

Psychosis affects thinking, making it difficult to know what is real and what is not. It can be very confusing and even frightening for the person with the illness and their family.

Psychosis affects people differently. Some experience only one or two episodes of the illness and then get well, while others may be unwell for long periods of time. If psychosis lasts for more than 6 months it is sometimes called schizophrenia.

The good news is, psychosis is a treatable condition. Although most psychosis has no cure, with the right medication, a healthy lifestyle and support from friends and family, people can and do recover.