Meet Amy, She Has Psychosis

Available with English captions and subtitles in Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Portuguese, and Spanish.

What is psychosis and what is it like for those who experience it? Learn more about recognizing signs and symptoms and how to know when to seek help.

What Is Psychosis?

Meet Amy.

Just last spring, everything seemed on track for her. After graduating high school, she was making plans for the future, and having a good time with her friends.

But lately, things have felt different. Confusing. She’s suspicious and distrustful. She hears, sees, and thinks things she can’t explain. People seem to be talking about her on TV. The world feels unreal. Like she’s in a movie. Hallucinations, paranoia, trouble thinking.

Amy’s symptoms are signs of what doctors call psychosis. Psychosis often strikes just when young people are trying to make their way in the world. It’s not uncommon, affecting more than one in 100 people. A combination of genes and environment play a role in causing it.

As Amy’s thoughts become more disorganized, she can’t concentrate. She’s afraid. She wonders if her house is bugged. She thinks people are out to get her. Even her friends and family may be in on it.

She’d rather keep to herself. Nowhere feels safe.

Fortunately, the people who care about Amy recognize there’s a problem and help her seek professional care. With support and treatment, she gets back on track. Back to her friends, back to her life. Feeling happy and in control.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing psychosis, be like Amy and get the right help.

Want More Information?

Looking for even more information about psychosis? You may find these resources helpful.

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