Psychosis is a mental health condition that is characterized by a disconnection from
reality. People experiencing psychosis will have distorted thoughts, impaired perceptions
and may exhibit behaviors that seem unusual. Psychosis can be a symptom of a various
mental health disorders, it can be extreme stress, substance abuse,trauma, certain
medications or something else. It is important for anyone experiencing psychosis to seek
medical attention as soon as possible for a medical intervention.
There are a few ways to recognize psychosis in a loved one. The first thing you will
notice is a behavior change or possibly asleep change, below I will list 12 signs of
psychosis to be aware of to help you identify the condition, so you're able to seek
treatment.

1. A noticed disturbance and sleep patterns
2. Hallucinations, visual, auditory, olfactory and tactile (feeling things on skin) or any
   sensory perception not based in reality
3. They may begin to avoid medication
4. They may experience increased paranoia
5. Delusional thinking is another sign of psychosis
6. They may be starting projects but not following through with them
7. They're self-care or hygiene is slipping, they may continue to wear the same clothes
   day after day
8. People may begin to start asking if they are okay
9. Feeling removed or withdrawn and isolating
10. They will have a hard time keeping up with their day-to-day life or routines
11. Change in eating habits, either bing eating or not eating
12. They begin to avoid others and responsibilities
    It may be a good idea if your loved one experiences psychosis occasionally, to keep
    an emergency plan written down in a place you can access it easily. This document
    should include names of doctors, medications, preferred healthcare facility. You should
    also include they're individual signs that they may be going into psychosis, so you know
    what to watch for. The person that this form is created for needs to agree that if you
    recognize these listed signs of psychosis, and believe that they are beginning to suffer
    from the effects of psychosis, they agree to comply to go to the hospital to seek
    treatment. If there is a hospital that they do not want to go to or other things that they do
    not want, list those on your emergency plan as well.
    The important thing about psychosis is that it is recognized and treated as soon as
    possible. Psychosis can be dangerous, and normally requires medication management
    to effectively stop it, so it is very important to take steps to receive treatment as soon as
    you're able. If the person refuses medical treatment, then you must contact emergency
    services for help. You can call your local crisis center, or dial 911 or 988 for help in
    mental Health crisis. Being compassionate and empathetic and validating their feelings,
    not agreeing with them just simply understanding will go a long way in receiving
    cooperation from anyone who is experiencing psychosis.