Are you worried about someone's mental health?

The information on this page is taken from our "Are You Worried About Someone's Mental Health? Factsheet"

Sometimes changes in behaviour may indicate that a psychotic illness is developing. Psychosis rarely comes out of the blue. Typically, it is preceded by a gradual change in behaviour. This can happen over a relatively short period or over a number of months. Some of the changes you may see include:

• becoming depressed
• being preoccupied with unusual new ideas or odd beliefs
• change in sleep patterns, lack of or too much sleep
• changes in social behaviour, overly friendly or withdrawn
• not able to function as previously, unable to cope with work or studies
• becoming overly suspicious and paranoid such as thinking people are talking about them

If these symptoms worsen it might be best reading our Getting Help In A Crisis Factsheet

If you are concerned that someone is suffering from the onset of psychosis, it is important to seek medical help early. Evidence suggests that the earlier psychosis is recognised and treated, generally the better the outcome.

Unless there is a crisis, treatment for mental health problems is normally accessed through a person's GP who can prescribe medication, arrange an appointment with a psychiatrist and make a referral to the local community mental health team if necessary.

Helping someone must start by encouraging them to realise there is a problem and seek help. It might be helpful to read our Dealing With Unusual Thoughts And Behaviours Factsheet

If your relative/friend has refused to see a doctor but you still believe that they are suffering from a mental health problem (which may or may not be a sign of a psychotic illness developing) it may be time for you to seek help. 

Typically GPs will only see a patient if they have asked for help. As Community Mental Health Teams will often only see clients if they have been referred by the GP, this presents a particular difficulty for people with psychotic symptoms as they often do not believe they have a problem (this is known as “lacking insight”). If you find yourself in this situation please see our Are you worried about someone's mental health? (179 kb)  factsheet.