Recovery from psychosis

Most people begin to recover within a few weeks or months of starting treatment for a first psychotic episode. Most symptoms are then less intense or some even disappear. This makes these people feel better able to cope with their daily lives. It is true that, in certain people, some of the symptoms may persist in the recovery phase, but with the right treatments, the vast majority of people recover successfully from their first episode of psychosis.

Recovery data:

• About 20% (1 in 5) of people who have psychosis will have a single episode.

• 60% (3 out of 5) of people with psychosis will have more than one episode, that is, they will have a relapse. However, between relapses, these people can be well and lead completely normal lives.

• Some people, around 20% (1 in 5), continue to experience symptoms and other difficulties. We have more and more strategies to help these people improve their quality of life. The combination of pharmacological treatment with psychosocial intervention is essential to promote recovery.

What does it mean to recover from psychosis?

Recovery typically refers to a number of changes in attitudes, values, feelings, goals, and skills or roles that a person experiences after a psychotic episode. On the one hand, it is an improvement in psychotic symptoms, and on the other hand, it is about establishing a fulfilling life and learning to cope with the difficulties that can involve having suffered from a mental health problem. Recovery can also include a sense of psychological well-being, such as having good self-esteem.

Every person is different and the way they recover from a psychotic episode will also vary from person to person. Some people will recover from psychosis very quickly and others will need more time to recover and will deal with day-to-day life more gradually.

Recovery from the first episode can take several months. If symptoms persist or return, the recovery process can be prolonged. Some people experience a difficult period before things really settle down.

People in recovery may experience:

• Impatience (recovery may seem slow).
• Depression and isolation.
• Social anxiety.
• Decreased self-esteem.
• Difficulty accepting that they have a disorder.
• Problems accepting support and working with the treatment team.
• Having the feeling of not being understood by other people.

In order to achieve the maximum possibilities of recovery, teamwork is very important. It has been shown that when the healthcare team works closely with the person and their family and also with the different support networks, the recovery process improves and the satisfaction of the affected person increases.

What helps and what doesn't help with recovery

What helps?

• Take antipsychotic medication regularly.
• Ask for help soon.
• Talk to trusted people about your concerns.
• Support from family and friends.
• Understand and acquire strategies to control and adapt to psychosis.
• Having good living conditions: healthy habits, social relationships, hobbies, etc.
• Having a job or occupation that makes you feel useful and makes you have fun.
• Take care of your physical health, exercising and eating in a balanced way.
• Have hobbies and pastimes that make you have fun.
• Talk to other people who have also experienced psychosis.
• Give yourself time and space when you need it.

What doesn't help?

• Taking drugs such as cannabis, LSD, speed, cocaine; or drinking alcohol
• Exposing yourself to more stressful situations than necessary
• Not talking, keeping things to yourself
• Avoid contact with people
• Toxic relationships with other people (who make a lot of negative comments about you or constantly criticize the things you do).