Psychosis
It’s completely normal to feel stressed, confused, or really upset sometimes. But if your thoughts start to feel so mixed up or overwhelming that you lose track of what’s real and what isn’t, it could be a sign of psychosis.
Psychosis isn’t just about feeling down or anxious—it’s when your brain processes things differently, making it hard to tell the difference between reality and imagination. It can feel scary and confusing, especially if you don’t understand what’s happening.
What Are Hallucinations?
One of the biggest signs of psychosis is experiencing hallucinations—when you see, hear, feel, smell, or taste things that aren’t really there. These can feel completely real, even if no one else experiences them. Some common examples include:
- Hearing voices – This could be whispers, shouts, or even conversations that no one else hears.
- Seeing things – Shapes, people, shadows, or flashes of light that aren’t actually there.
- Feeling things – Like insects crawling on your skin or someone touching you when no one is there.
- Smelling or tasting things – This could be strange smells or tastes with no explanation.
Hallucinations can be frightening and might make everyday life feel difficult—concentrating in school, doing homework, or hanging out with friends can become harder.
Delusions: When Thoughts Become Confusing
Psychosis can also involve delusions, which are strong beliefs that don’t match up with reality. For example:
- Thinking people are following you or spying on you when they’re not.
- Believing you have special powers or a big mission to complete.
- Thinking things on TV or the radio are sending secret messages just for you.
These thoughts can feel completely real, and it might be hard to trust other people if they don’t believe you. This can make it difficult to ask for help.
Why Does Psychosis Happen?
Psychosis can happen to anyone, but it’s rare before your late teenage years. It can be caused by a mix of different factors, such as:
- Mental health conditions – Psychosis can be linked to conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression.
- Stress & Trauma – Going through a traumatic event (like bullying, abuse, or losing someone important) can sometimes trigger psychosis.
- Drugs & Alcohol – Substances like cannabis, LSD, or MDMA can sometimes trigger psychotic episodes.
- Lack of sleep – If you go for long periods without sleep, it can cause hallucinations or delusions.
- Physical health conditions – In rare cases, illnesses like epilepsy or infections can lead to psychotic symptoms.
Psychosis isn’t your fault, and it doesn’t mean you’re "going mad"—but getting the right help early can make a big difference.
Top Tips for Coping & Getting Help
1. Talk to Someone & Get Support
If you’re hearing voices, having hallucinations, or struggling with confusing thoughts, you don’t have to deal with it alone.
You can call NHS 111 Mental Health Triage Service for advice, support, and guidance 24/7. Just dial 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk. They can help you figure out what’s going on and what to do next.
Other places to get support:
- Your GP (Doctor) – They can check what’s happening and refer you to a specialist if needed.
- Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) Team – These are mental health professionals who can support young people with psychosis.
- Charities & Helplines – Organisations like YoungMinds, Mind, and Samaritans offer advice and a place to talk.
2. Get Specialist Help Early
The sooner you get help, the easier it is to manage symptoms and feel better. If needed, the Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) team can offer:
- A full assessment to understand what’s happening.
- Treatment options, including therapy, support, and sometimes medication.
- Help for you & your family to understand psychosis and how to manage it.
You, your family, or even your GP can refer you to the EIP team.
3. Avoid Alcohol & Drugs
Drinking alcohol or using drugs can make symptoms worse, especially if you’re already struggling with confusing thoughts or hallucinations.
- Cannabis, LSD, MDMA, and other drugs can sometimes trigger psychotic episodes, even if you’ve never had them before.
- Alcohol and stimulants can increase paranoia and anxiety, making it harder to feel in control.
If you’re worried about how drugs or alcohol are affecting your mental health, talk to a trusted adult or support service for advice.
4. Look After Your Mental & Physical Health
Psychosis can feel overwhelming, but taking care of yourself can help manage symptoms:
- Get enough sleep – Try to have a regular bedtime and avoid screens before bed.
- Eat well – Your brain needs the right nutrients to stay healthy.
- Stay active – Exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood.
- Reduce stress – Meditation, breathing exercises, or creative hobbies can help you feel more in control.
5. Keep a Balanced Routine & Take Breaks
A healthy routine can help you feel more stable and in control. Try to:
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
- Eat at regular times to keep your energy up.
- Make time to relax, especially during stressful times like exams.
- Talk to someone if you feel overwhelmed—bottling things up can make them worse.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of psychosis, you’re not alone, and you’re not "going mad." Lots of people go through this, and with the right support, things can get better.
The most important thing is to reach out—whether it’s a friend, family member, teacher, or support service. You deserve help, and you don’t have to go through this alone.
When should you worry?
Advice and Guidance
Top Tips
Top Tips : 1
If your child says that they are hearing voices or experiencing other types of hallucinations which they are finding confusing or worrying, it is important to get help, support and advice.
Call NHS 111 mental health triage service as they can provide advice, support and guidance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Mental Health Triage Team has a wide range of skills, including on the phone brief psychological support and has access to key services and organisations that can offer mental health support to you and your child in your time of need. Just dial 111 or online at www.111.nhs.uk.
Top Tips : 2
If needed, the Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) team can offer specialist assessment and treatment for people with symptoms of psychosis. Young people, parents and carers or your GP can make a referral to EIP.
Top Tips 3:
Alcohol and drugs can make symptoms such as hallucinations or not being sure what is real or not real, worse. Your child should avoid drinking alcohol excessively or taking illegal drugs.
Top Tips 4 :
Lack of sleep or disrupted sleep, not eating or drinking properly or high levels of stress can also make hallucinations worse. It is important for physical and mental wellbeing to make sure that your child has enough sleep, eats well, etc.
Top Tips 5 :
Make sure that your child has a balanced daily routine: a good night time routine and eating and drinking enough. Relaxing is also important so make sure your child has time to chill out during stressful times such as revising for exams.
Self care and Prevention
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