Frequently Asked Questions
Does having psychosis mean that I am going crazy?
No, it does not mean you are going crazy, psychosis is a chemical imbalance in the brain. It means that for some reason your brain is sending messages that are incorrect or problematic. It can cause you to think things that aren’t true, or see or hear things that aren’t real. Psychosis does not change who you are, it is a condition you may experience and recover from
Will I get better? Will the symptoms ever go away?
Everyone’s recovery looks different. Some people will recover from psychosis very quickly and return to their regular activities, and others will need time to respond to treatment and may need to return to their regular activities more gradually.
What we do know is that the earlier you get help, the better your recovery will be. Because it is a chemical imbalance in the brain, it is possible that you may need to take medication for a long time. With the right supports, medications, and healthy lifestyle choices, youth who have experienced psychosis can go on to have meaningful and productive lives.
Does having psychosis mean I have multiple personalities?
If you have ever heard that psychosis is the same things as having a multiple personality disorder, that is a MYTH. People who experience psychosis may hear voices, see things, or sometimes not feel like themselves, but they do not have more than one personality.
What are some things I can do to get well?
The recovery process is different for everyone, but there are some general things that everyone can do to improve their mental health. In addition to meeting with your mental health supports and regularly taking prescribed medications, some more strategies for staying well include:
• Learning about psychosis and recovery
• Setting achievable goals including strategies for coping with change
• Staying social and having a trusted support network
• Participating in positive social, recreational and work activities
• Maintaining regular medical check-ups
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle including diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep