Empowering families affected by psychosis

Stressors are events or situations that we must cope with or that we must adjust to; they are not necessarily negative events or situations. Stressors can include major life events such as the birth of a child, the loss of a job, ongoing problems (e.g., poverty, health problems) or daily hassles such as transportation difficulties and child care issues.

Having a relative experiencing psychosis can make families susceptible to stress. You need to find a balance between supporting your relative in their recovery and finding time for yourself. It is important for you to manage your own stress so that you can effectively participate in your relative’s recovery. Learning to recognize and manage stress can help you avoid burnout from supporting a relative with psychosis, and can increase your mental health and the well-being of your entire family.