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 can’t see (hallucinations) or believing things which are not true (delusions). It can also involve confusion when thinking or speaking (disordered thinking and speech).

Psychosis can affect people in different ways. Some may experience it once, some may have short episodes throughout their life, or some may live with it most of the time.

Psychosis is not a diagnosis itself; it is referred to as a symptom of particular mental health conditions. Doctors and psychiatrists may describe someone as experiencing psychosis rather than giving them a specific diagnosis.

Some people may experience psychosis on its own but if they experience psychosis along with other symptoms, they may be given one of the following diagnoses:

  • severe depression
  • schizophrenia
  • bipolar disorder
  • schizoaffective disorder
  • paranoid personality disorder or schizotypal personality disorder
  • postpartum psychosis
  • delusional disorder.

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 – 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.

NHS Central Access Point

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

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.

Local Minds

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

How can we help?

Learner Welfare Drop-Ins

The Learner Welfare Team offers a range of drop-ins including confidential 1-1s, mixed drop-ins and wellbeing walks with our therapy dogs. We will also offer specific drop-ins including Sexual Health Drop-Ins and drop-ins for our Looked After Children (LAC) learners.

Please see the current timetable below:

Day Time Type Room Time Type Room
MONDAY 8:30-9:30am Early bird Drop-in 1909 Social Space 12-1pm 1:1 Drop-in B009
8:30-9:30am Sexual Health Drop-in S006
TUESDAY 12-1pm Inclusion Drop-in S006 3-4pm Afternoon Drop-in 1909 Social Space
3:30-4:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
WEDNESDAY 8:30-9:30am Early bird Drop-in The Hub 1:30-2:30pm 1:1 Drop-in H101b
THURSDAY 11-12pm 1:1 Drop-in S006 12:30-1:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
3:30-4:30pm Afternoon Drop-in The Hub
FRIDAY 8:30-9am Dog walk and talk Meet at 1909 Social Space 12:30-1:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
3-4pm 1:1 Drop-in H101b
Group sessions
1:1 sessions
Sexual Health

Early Bird Drop-in/Afternoon Drop-in – No appointment necessary, drop by for a chat with the Learner Welfare Team and mingle with other students.

1-1 Drop-in – Confidential 1-1 session (10-minute slots) with a member of the Learner Welfare Team. No appointment necessary.

Sexual Health Drop-in – Make an appointment on the Student Dashboard to get advice and support from our Wellbeing Mentors.

Dog Walk and Talk – Enjoy a short walk around the outskirts of our campus with our therapy dog.

Inclusion Drop-in – No appointment necessary, drop by for a chat with our Inclusion Officers.

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.