GETTING HELP

If you think you may have a mental illness (or you are concerned for someone you know), the first step is to ask for help. Talking to your General Practitioner (GP) is a great first step but if you’re not ready for that, turn to someone you trust, a friend or family member, maybe a teacher, or somebody at work.

(If you need help right now click here for some options.)

If your GP thinks you may have psychosis, they will probably ask you to see a psychiatrist. Don’t worry, this isn’t as scary as it sounds! Psychiatrists are doctors just like any other, they just specialise in illnesses of the brain, and they are the best people to understand your illness and help you get well again.

Most people see their psychiatrists as an out-patient in a regular doctor’s office somewhere close to where they live; it doesn’t mean you will have to go to hospital. Even if you are quite unwell you may be able to have home visits so that you don’t need to go to hospital.

Psychiatrists usually work in a team with nurses, social workers and other healthcare professionals like psychologists and occupational therapists. This means there are lots of people with different skills who can help support you with what ever you need to get well. Usually one of the team will be your key worker which means that they work most closely with you to look after your wellbeing.

Your psychiatrist and key worker will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will help you get well again. If your diagnosis is psychosis it is very likely they will suggest you take regular medication to help relieve your symptoms. They will also recommend other treatments to help you get well.