Empowering families affected by psychosis

Encouraging a relative to seek help when they are not ready can cause tension in your relationship and set up unintentional communication barriers. Yelling at or bothering family members out of disappointment and frustration is not helpful or productive. Your relative may be resentful of and resistant to these pressures, which can seem like an invasion of their personal life.

If your relative uses hurtful words, it is best not to take them to heart when they are feeling unwell. It may not be the best time to have a serious conversation when your relative is experiencing active symptoms of psychosis. It is better to postpone important discussions until both of you are ready.