Psychosis is a mental health experience that causes a person to lose touch with reality, affecting how they think, feel, and perceive the world. It can be distressing and frightening, but with the right support, people can recover and live meaningful lives.

Schizophrenia is a longer-term mental health condition in which psychosis is a key symptom. It is often misunderstood – but it is not a “split personality” or a violent condition, as stereotypes might suggest. With understanding and the right care, many people with schizophrenia manage their symptoms well.

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis is not a diagnosis itself – it’s a set of symptoms that may occur in several mental health conditions. During a psychotic episode, someone may experience:

Hallucinations

• Seeing, hearing, smelling, or feeling things that aren’t there
• Most common: hearing voices
• These experiences feel very real to the person, even if others can’t see or hear them

Delusions

• Strongly held beliefs that are not based in reality
  Example: believing they are being followed, spied on, or have special powers

Disordered Thinking

• Thoughts may feel jumbled or disconnected
• Speech might be difficult to follow, or jump from topic to topic
• Difficulty concentrating or making sense of what’s happening

💡 Psychosis can be brief or ongoing, and can be triggered by stress, trauma, lack of sleep, or substance use.

What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a diagnosed mental health condition involving repeated or long-lasting episodes of psychosis, as well as other symptoms that affect thinking, emotions, and behaviour.

Common symptoms:

• Hallucinations and delusions (psychotic symptoms)
• Difficulty organising thoughts or expressing emotions
• Withdrawal from others or lack of motivation
• Reduced ability to carry out everyday tasks
  Flattened mood or reduced emotional expression

💡 Symptoms usually begin in late teens to early 30s. Every person’s experience is different.

Related Conditions

• Schizoaffective disorder: a mix of schizophrenia symptoms and mood disorder symptoms (like depression or mania)
• Brief psychotic episode: sudden onset of psychosis that lasts for a short time, often linked to trauma or extreme stress
• Drug-induced psychosis: triggered by substance use, particularly cannabis, LSD, amphetamines or withdrawal

Psychosis in the Workplace

Psychosis is rare in the workplace but it can happen, especially if someone is under intense stress or has stopped taking medication. You might notice:

• Unusual or disorganised communication
• Paranoia or suspicion of others
• Withdrawal, confusion or talking to themselves
• Difficulty concentrating or staying on task
• Unusual beliefs or references to hearing voices

A supportive, calm response is key.

How to Support Someone Experiencing Psychosis

• Stay calm and grounded: Your calmness helps them feel safer.
• Don’t argue with hallucinations or delusion: You can say, *“I understand that’s how it feels to you.” 
• Use simple, clear language: Reduce background noise or distractions if possible.
• Offer reassurance: Let them know you’re there to help and they’re not alone.
• Encourage support:  If it’s safe, gently suggest they talk to their GP or mental health team.
• If in crisis: Call 999 or take them to A&E, especially if there’s risk of harm.

Myths & Misconceptions