Links to further information:
http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-topics/psychosis/
Psychosis
Psychosis occurs when illness, drug use, or severe stress disrupts the functioning of the brain to such an extent that it interferes with our normal experience of reality – for example, hearing voices when no one else is around or experiencing disorganised thoughts or behaviour.
Most people are able to recover from an episode of psychosis, although sometimes psychosis may be part of a longer-term illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. If you think you may be experiencing psychosis it is important that you seek treatment early.
Key Points:
- Learn about the symptoms of psychosis so you can understand what is happening and get help early.
- Treatment involves both medication and support. Make use of community support services for optimal recovery.
- It is important that you take care of yourself to help prevent relapse - learn tips for reducing stress, and make your wellbeing a priority – keep active, eat a balanced diet, get a good night’s sleep, and make time for fun activities.
Overview
Information sheets to help you learn about the different types of psychosis.
 | What is psychosis? | Canterbury District Health Board | |
| Cannabis users get schizophrenia earlier |  | |
| Puerperal psychosis & postnatal depression | Best Health - UK | |
What can I do? - Self help measures
In this section you will find resources to help reduce stress and improve wellbeing.
 | Help with Psychosis Workbook for Youth | Here to Help | 6 Pages |
| Easy to Read | |||
| Information for Clients | National Early Intervention Executive Committee | 8 Pages |
| Information for Family & Friends | National Early Intervention Executive Committee | 10 Pages |
| How can I help? | Canterbury District Health Board | |
| Getting help early | Canterbury District Health Board | |
Clinical Resources
Resources to help improve clinical practice.
Support
In this section you will find resources to help you be the best support person you can be; plus support services around the country.
| Psychosis: A Guide for Family & Friends | Here to Help | 4 Pages |
| Easy to Read | |||
| How to Help People Recovering from Psychosis | Here to Help | 2 Pages |
| Easy to Read | |||
| Webhealth |  | |
| NZ health & social services | |||
| Mindnz | Mindnz | |
| NZ website helping to increase awareness and understanding of mental illness and psychosis | |||
| Early Psychosis Prevention & Information Centre | Early Psychosis Prevention & Information Centre (EPPIC) | |
| Australian early psychosis website | |||
| Mindnet |  | |
| Internet-based resource and e-bulletin about mental health promotion and prevention | |||
| Health Translations Directory | State Government of Victoria, Australia | |
| Multiple Languages | |||
| Psychoses related websites | | |
Date last reviewed