When you hear the word ‘psychosis,’ what words and images come to mind? Have you ever heard someone call something or someone else ‘psychotic?’
Psychosis can be a heavy-sounding word for what is a treatable mental health condition. Like many other mental illnesses, however, it also comes with stigma and shame.
The term psychosis refers to a range of conditions that affect the mind, in which there has been some loss of contact with reality. A person with psychosis is, at times, unable to tell the difference between what is real and what is in their mind.
Approximately three per cent of people will experience a psychotic episode at some stage in their life. A first episode usually occurs in adolescence or early adult life, most commonly between 18 and 24 years old. Psychosis occurs across all cultures, socioeconomic statuses and genders.
The early signs of psychosis are quite broad and can point to other conditions. Psychosis is treatable, especially when diagnosed early. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the early signs, and to contact your health-care professional or Mental Health and Substance Use services if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one.
Each individual is unique and no two individuals will have exactly the same symptoms or warning signs, but one or more warning signs are likely to be evident. These signs are particularly important if they are new or have worsened in the last year:
If you or someone you know suspects a psychotic episode, or are showing the early signs of psychosis, where do you begin?
Karen O’Neill is a practice lead with Mental Health and Substance Use Services Network at IH. “We like to say, ‘Any door is the right door.’ Diagnosis often starts with a family physician. But a young person can refer themselves without a diagnosis by calling 310-MHSU directly,” she says.
“We can do a screening and assessment, and then refer you to the EPI services in your area without having to go to a doctor first,” Karen adds.
For many, the first episode can be the last, which is why early intervention is so important. In fact, there’s medical proof that early intervention:
Early intervention in psychosis is also important to minimize disruptions in a young person’s life. Intervention offers recovery, increases resiliency and self-determination, and minimizes the chances of a future episode.
One year ago in 2022, Interior Health expanded Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) services for young adults 19–30 years old across the region thanks to funding from the B.C. Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction.
Today, there are more than 50 clinical and non-clinical staff on early psychosis care teams in Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, Trail and Cranbrook, as well as 13 satellite locations. Work is underway to hire peer support workers – those who have lived and living experiences with psychosis.
EPI breathes hope into a world previously mired in stigma and shame. We are truly working from a proactive, upstream approach.
Psychosis care teams offer holistic services, and include nurses and nurse educators, social workers, psychiatrists, counsellors, life skills workers, vocational rehabilitation professionals, occupational therapists, dietitians and students. Our teams will soon include peer support workers and psychologists.
"I am so grateful to work within a framework that supports clients and families," said Melanie Prince, Early Psychosis Intervention Team lead, Vernon Mental Health and Substance Use Services. "Our approach at IH not only improves health outcomes for those accessing EPI services, but also informs our communities and works to reduce stigma."
Care is compassionate, client and family-centered, non-judgmental and non-stigmatizing. Our services are offered in places that are comfortable for youth and young adults, including virtually. Services are also available in First Nations communities and on reserves.
"Having worked in EPI for many years, I have witnessed tremendous change and growth in IH services over the last year," said Jen Sheeley, BSc(OT) Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) care coordinator, Kamloops Mental Health and Substance Use Services. "We are now doing what we have always intended to do: offering occupational therapy, vocational support, counselling and family groups, programming of all kinds, providing vast community education and creating new partnerships.
"This expansion has most certainly lead to a more robust and responsive service our clients and their families and I am so proud to have been a part of it."
Here is some of the feedback and messages our clients have shared with us:
“My case worker is a knowledgeable, caring, competent worker who helps me navigate through the journey and the system. She always makes me feel heard."
“[Interior Health’s] EPI services got me out of my house, giving me something to do, which has been very helpful to have to help me get out of bed. I felt welcomed and the staff has been very kind to me.”
“I am very pleased that my son is finally getting all the consistent support he needs to stand any chance of recovery. Prior to enrollment in the EPI program it was a devastating roller coaster.”
Education and engagement are an important part of what we do within the Early Psychosis Intervention Program. Our EPI teams across IH appreciate and welcome opportunities to connect with colleagues, families and communities about our program.
If you would like to learn more about psychosis, or have an event happening which you would like us to be a part of, please email Alicia Vicic, EPI regional nurse educator, Interior Health North.
Interior Health service listing: Early Psychosis Intervention Services
Early Psychosis Intervention Fact Sheets and Brochure
Early Psychosis Intervention B.C.
Foundry BC Reality Self-Check Tool
British Columbia Schizophrenia Society (BCSS)
BCSS works with IH to ensure that people living with mental illness and their loved ones are supported along their journey.
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