Psychosis is a mental health condition where people lose some contact with reality.

This might include seeing or hearing things that other people can’t see or hear (hallucinations) or having beliefs that are not held by others (delusions).

When a person experiences psychosis symptoms, it is sometimes referred to as having a psychotic episode. It can cause severe distress and change in a person’s behaviour.

The main symptoms are:

  • Hallucinations: When you hear, see and sometimes feel, smell or taste things that are not present outside of the body.
  • Delusions: When you believe in something that is contradicted by argument or is not shared by other people within that culture or experience.
  • Disordered speech: When you have a thought disorder that affects the way you talk. For example, you might repeat words, go on wild tangents without an obvious point, rhyme words or pause for long periods of time.

The outcome of psychosis can be tied to how quickly they receive treatment. If left untreated, psychosis can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to function and live a happy, productive life.

People with psychosis also have a higher risk of self-harm and suicide therefore it is incredibly important to contact your GP or contact the Early Intervention Team as soon as possible.

You can find a longer list of symptoms on the NHS website and NAViGO’s Choice and Medication portal.

Talking therapies, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), can help you deal with your experiences. CBT helps you to manage the way you react to situations by helping you to learn what maintains your problems so you can have an alternative view of them and behave differently by learning new ‘coping skills’.

Family interventions are another important talking therapy. The dynamics of a family can cause stress which is linked to relapse. While we all try our level best for our loved ones, sometimes the things we do don’t have the desired effect. Family interventions aim to improve communication and help everyone understand each other better.

Sometimes it may be necessary to use medication. This is an important aspect of treatment and one that will be thoroughly discussed with you to help you make informed choices about medication. You can see a list of medicines we might offer you on our Choice and Medication portal.

Sometimes people develop severe symptoms which may place them or others at risk of harm or death. If this happens then you may need to spend time at our adult inpatient facility. This would be only where necessary to maintain health and safety of all concerned and would be for the shortest possible period of time. You would then receive a package of care to support you on discharge back home.

If you’re in a mental health crisis and need urgent help, call the Single Point of Access on (01472) 256256 and select option 3. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you can call NHS 111 free from a landline or mobile phone.

If you’d rather text than talk on the phone, you can text ORANGE to 85258 to contact a trained volunteer from Shout. They’ll be able to help you reach a place of calm and, if necessary, signpost you to local services. This is a free, 24/7 service.​​​​

If you are experiencing symptoms of psychosis contact your GP as soon as possible so they can refer you to our service. Alternatively, if you have never accessed mental health services for psychosis before then you can contact the Early Intervention Team for support or advice.

If you are already receiving NAViGO support, discuss your concerns with your care coordinator who will be able to help you get assessed and receive treatment.

Safespace provides instant support if you’re vulnerable and need assistance with your mental health out-of-hours. You can speak to the team using Zoom or by visiting NAViGO House on Brighowgate in Grimsby. Find the latest opening times here.

If you’re under 16, speak to your GP, who may be able to refer you to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

If you’re concerned about someone else, you could contact a GP for them. If they have never experienced this before please contact the Early Intervention Team directly for support and advice. If they’re receiving support from NAViGO, please contact their care coordinator.

If someone needs urgent treatment and they are at risk, call the Single Point of Access on (01472) 256256 and select option 3. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alternatively, you can call NHS 111 free from a landline or mobile phone.

Orcha Apps Library: This library lists thousands of NHS-approved health apps by condition, making it quick and easy for you to find support.

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