Psychosis

Psychosis is when an individual experiences a very different perception or interpretation of reality from those around them. This might include seeing or hearings things others cannot see (hallucinations) or believing things which are not true (delusions). It can also involve confusion when thinking or speaking (disordered thinking and speech).

Symptoms of psychosis include:

  • Hallucinations- where you hear, feel, see or taste something that is not there but feels real. An example would be hearing voices
  • Delusions-a strong belief or perception which is not shared by those around them. An example would be a belief that people are seeking to cause them harm
  • Confused and disordered speech and thinking- where speech and thoughts come at speak which are confused

Experiencing these symptoms would be referred to as having a psychotic episode.

The cause of psychosis is a specific mental health condition, for example severe depressions, bipolar or schizophrenia. Psychosis can be triggered by a number of factors or events, for example trauma, stress, substance misuse, a physical health condition, head injury, childbirth or medication.

How can I look after myself?

Recognise your triggers – It may help to keep a diary of things that could have triggered a psychotic episode. For example, life events, mood, diet or sleep. This may help to understand what impacts the psychosis, what can be helpful and the warning signs to look out for.

Look after your physical health – manage a healthy diet, exercise and sleep. Avoid drugs and alcohol as this will make you feel worse.

Try peer support – it may help speaking to others who have experienced the same thing, it allows you to support each other. You can find peer support groups for psychosis through:

Create a crisis plan – it may help to have a plan in place for support around you when you begin to feel unwell.

Where can I receive support?

The following resources may contain sensitive information.

Seek help from your GP

NHS Central Access Point – If you need mental health support, you can call this service on 0808 800 3302 24 hours a day.

Local Minds – offer face-to-face services across England and Wales. These services include talking therapies, peer support and advocacy.

Voice Collective – This is an organisation with a website that has information about voices, visions, coping, recovery, getting help in a crisis and peer support groups for young people aged 12 to 18. It also contains useful information for carers.

Hearing Voices Network – Info and support for people who hear voices or have other unshared perceptions, including support groups.

How can we help?

If you would like to access support and arrange a meeting with our HE Welfare Team, please email HE.Welfare@loucoll.ac.uk.

 We also offer the following weekly during term-time:

HE Common Room:

  • Start the day right – Tuesdays 8am-9:30am
  • Cake and Chat – Fridays 2pm-3:30pm

Room TBC

  • HE Drop-In – Thursdays 2pm-3:30pm

HE Health Assured:

You can get support, information and advice through HE Health Assured which is offered independently of the college. You can also access free counselling through HE Health Assured and download their free app ‘Wisdom.’  Call 0800 028 3766. This line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Mental Health First Aiders

We offer a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) service where students are able to call the Mental Health First Aid phone available Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30 if they feel they need someone to talk to. Our staff will support you with various issues such as academic pressure, bullying, wellbeing support, panic etc.

Please call 07483 956433 or 07483 956434 if needed.