Psychosis occurs in about three percent of the population and can be treated effectively. Psychosis affects the ability to accurately determine what is real and what is not real. It usually begins in the teen years and is due to several factors including biology, stress, trauma, and drug use.

Some early signs of psychosis:

• Friends and family say you seem different
• Things seem different, unreal, or surreal
• Not doing well at school or work
• Not trusting people
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities
• Decrease or increase in energy

Some common signs of psychosis:

• Confused thinking
• Hallucinations
• Delusions or false beliefs that:
  • You are being followed
  • People can hear your thoughts
  • You have special powers or abilities
  • You know about plots or conspiracies
  • Thoughts are being put into your head
• Changes in behaviour, mood, and/or communication
• Suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety