Someone experiencing symptoms of psychosis may be hearing or seeing things that others do not, or have strong beliefs that others dismiss. They may also be acting different to normal and perhaps even withdrawing from friends and family, or even their academic studies.
Psychosis can be very frightening and isolating for a person, and it may be extremely difficult for them to approach others to discuss what they are experiencing.
Psychosis can arise for a variety of reasons. In some cases, it can be a symptom of other mental health conditions such as Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia, it can be a one-off episode triggered by high levels of stress/trauma or it can even be triggered by drug use. This is sometimes referred to as drug-induced psychosis and for some people can even occur after trying drugs for the first time.
If you are worried about your mental health, then please make an appointment to discuss this with your GP as soon as possible and consider coming to speak to an advisor at the Student Wellbeing Centre.
