This page is dedicated to friends and family. You provide an important role in supporting your loved one, whether providing more practical support or essential emotional support.
"3 people in every 100 will experience psychosis in their lifetime." (NIMH, 2015)
It can be hard at times to witness a loved one experiencing psychosis. There are however a number of things that you can do to support them during times they may feel distressed.
-Stay Calm
-Distract them, this could be by having a conversation about something they enjoy or encouraging them to engage in a hobby with you.
-Remember you may not share this experience (cannot see or hear what they might be experiencing) but for them it is very real and very scary.
-Show an understanding that this must be very scary.
-Encourage them to use coping strategies they have developed in their time with the Early Intervention Service.
-You can talk with them about the evidence for their beliefs, but try not to get into an argument about this.
-Please try not to panic or get angry, colluding or agreeing you can hear/see things too.
- Ask them what they would like you to do.
- Respect their need for privacy and their own space.
- Gently offer for them to spend time with you or trusted family members - respect their decision if they say no.
- Please try not to worry or fuss around them excessively, taking it personally, ignoring the person or forcing them to do things.
NHS carers helpline - 0808 8020202 www.nhs.uk/carers
Time to change campaign: www.time-to-change.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness: 0300 5000 927 www.rethink.org
Mind - 020 8519 2122 www.mind.org.uk
Carers will receive an informal carer's assessment with the Early Intervention in Psychosis team. This is for us to undnerstand your needs better and where and how we can provide support for you.
Family work is an essential part of the package of care your loved one receives with us at the Early Intervention for Psychosis service.
Family work is an individualised approach to support families in reducing their distress. We do this by using education of your loved ones experiences, discussing problem solving, and sessions around communication.
We offer family work routinely in the service and the majority of EIS staff are trained in a model of family intervention. Please ask your loved ones' care co-ordinator for more information about how to access this.
We run a local friends and family group in each of the four areas of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall. Please ask your loved ones' care coordinator about this.
We also run a carers group regularly across the service which is hybrid. You can join remotely (using a phone/laptop/tablet) or face to face.
Carers Services in the Black Country
Each borough has a different carer service that can provide you with advice and support. Find out more about your local carer's service.
The Carer's Service in Sandwell is available for anyone whose loved one is under the care of Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which includes the Early Intervention Service.
Find out more: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/carers-service
The Carers Hub for Walsall residents provides information & education, emotional support, respite and organising short breaks for carers.
Carers or professionals can refer to the Walsall Carers Hub through the following methods:
- Online Referral Form: Available on the Walsall Carers Hub website: Home - Walsall Carers Hub.
- Telephone: Call the Walsall Carers Hub helpline on 01922 616798 to speak with a member of the team.
Residents in Dudley can benefit from the Carers Hub where you can speak to other people in a similar position, receive a carers assessments, join carers groups and receive one-to-one support if needed.
More information for support for carers in Dudley can be found at: www.dudley.gov.uk/carers