Learn About Psychosis
Learn more about what psychosis is and how specialized support can help you get back to the things that matter to you.
Signs Of Psychosis
“Psychosis” is a word to describe a range of experiences that relate to changes in how we process information and interpret the world around us. This includes changes in perceptions such as hearing or seeing things, having trouble in processing information, or feeling suspicious of others. For some, these experiences can feel unusual or even scary at times. And for others, experiences associated with psychosis can feel exhilarating — like a gift or spiritual awakening.
All of these interpretations are valid – after all, they’re our experiences. These experiences can come and go and change in intensity with time. Sometimes they can worsen and disrupt your daily life, interfering with the ability to engage in activities and relationships. Understandably, these experiences can be difficult to describe to others. If you relate to the common signs of psychosis, we we’re here to support you sharing how you’re feeling with someone you trust, so you can start feeling more like yourself.
This video from the British Psychological Society offers a helpful overview of psychosis:
How Common Is Psychosis?
Experiences of psychosis happen more often than most people think. Approximately 100,000 young people experience an episode of psychosis each year in the United States—that’s an average of 274 young people each day. It is estimated that 3 out of every 100 people will experience an episode of psychosis in a lifetime, which makes it about as common as diabetes among young adults. (Sources: NIMH 2022, Perala 2007; CDC 2020)
So if you think you may be experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. If you’re still uncertain about what you’re experiencing, take our self check-in questionnaire.
Why Is Getting Support Early So Important?
- Strengthen mental and emotional wellness
- Help young people stay engaged with school or work
- Improve overall quality of life and relationships
What Is Specialty Care For Psychosis?
Michigan speciality care teams, called NAVIGATE and ACT Early programs offer coordinated specialty care (CSC), a recovery-oriented practice focused on rapid access to care and shared decision making among participants, their families and the care team. NAVIGATE, ACT Early teams are trained to provide a range of supports that will look different for each person, depending on individual goals and needs. The primary role of a CSC team is to first uncover, and then help you achieve the things that matter most to you. While this is a little different for everyone, many young people are focused on goals related to completing school, keeping a job, feeling more like themselves, and maintaining healthy relationships.
Specialty care programs are holistic in nature, which means that they take a treatment approach that addresses all areas of life. Depending on your specific needs, early treatment may include:
- Individual Resiliency Training: therapy focused on identifying strengths, healing from difficult experiences, and learning new coping skills
- Peer Support & Family Peer Support
- Education and support for the whole family & support network
- Support with educational and/or career goals
- Medication management as needed
Substance use treatment as needed
We believe that all people should have access to quality care. Our programs are proud to offer services regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
View Empowering Stories
If you’re struggling right now, you are not alone. Check out young people and their supporters share about their experiences overcoming mental health challenges.
Sharing our experiences can help others along their journey.
Interested in sharing via a video or short article? Learn how you can get involved.
Testimonials
I was going to the [NAVIGATE] meetings and talking with people. That was the best decision I ever made. They believed in me, and that gave me faith to believe in myself.
– James, NAVIGATE Program Participant
The deep caring, experience, and expertise with which everyone on the staff has offered such a comprehensive variety of helpful programs has been of immeasurable value to our daughter and our whole family.
– Parents of NAVIGATE Program Participant
This program helps the whole family unit to heal. And when the whole family is healthier, then the program participant is healthier. So long term, the prognosis is much better for everyone.
– Keela, NAVIGATE Family Peer Partner, Kalamazoo team
Those [NAVIGATE] meetings, those check-ins – they kind of just remind me that people are out there looking out for me.
– Garrison, NAVIGATE Program Participant
Just because you had psychosis, doesn’t mean you can’t live a rich and meaningful life.
– NAVIGATE Program Participant
Tell us your story
Our community is built by peers, caregivers, and team members who are passionate about youth well-being. Stories help us to connect and empower each other.
Learn the different ways to share your story.
Make A Referral Or Request Information
Fill out the form below to be connected to your nearest coordinated specialty care team. In addition to using this form to start the referral process for a young person, you can also use it to ask us anything about our services or psychosis, or request an educational presentation and/or materials for your Michigan-based organization.
A care team member will respond within 2 business days.