10 Ways to Support Your Loved One Through Psychosis

Our words hold significant power, especially when it comes to the way we talk about mental illness and mental health.

For individuals experiencing psychosis, the world can feel disjointed and confusing. As a family member, caregiver or friend, the language you use can profoundly influence someone’s experience—shaping both their healing process and your relationship with them.

The impact of language is evident in its ability to provide comfort, clarity and reassurance. Schizophrenia, in particular, is the psychiatric condition most strongly associated with stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination. It has a far worse public acceptance than any other mental disorder (Reavley and Jorm 2011).

How we refer to those experiencing schizophrenia or psychosis matters. Using words such as “schizo,” “crazy,” “insane” or “psycho” lack humanity compared to the phrase “a person living with schizophrenia.” Individuals living with psychosis may feel isolated or misunderstood. The words we use carry meaning and stigma, but also information and identity. Research indicates that our word choices can activate specific areas of the brain, directly impacting a person’s subjective experience  (Boroditsky 2011).

While words can hurt, they also have the power to heal. Words of encouragement can improve health outcomes.

Here are 10 ways you can help and support a loved one through psychosis with your words and actions:

1. Educate yourself. Psychosis is characterized by disruptions in thinking, perception and behavior, often leading to delusions, hallucinations and difficulty distinguishing reality from imagination. It can include unusual sensory perceptions, beliefs and behaviours. The experience can vary in intensity and duration. You can learn by listening to your loved one describe their experience without judgment.
2. Be patient. Maintain realistic expectations in the recovery process. Acknowledge your loved one’s experience with words that embody understanding, such as “I know this is tough and it might take time.” This not only validates their feelings but also reinforces the idea that recovery is an individual journey.
3. Use person-centred language. Do not refer to people as their condition. Use language that puts people first rather than the disease or symptoms (a person living with schizophrenia rather than a schizophrenic). Normalizing mental health diagnoses can help reduce stigma, encourage open conversations and greater acceptance in society.
4. Put the relationship between you and your loved one first. Engage in enjoyable activities together, whether it is watching your favourite movie or spending time in nature. These simple activities reinforce the bond between you and your loved one.
5. Encourage connectedness. Support your loved one in participating in communities based on their interests.
6. Encourage routines. Use gentle and guiding words to foster routine and stability amidst confusion. Simple phrases like “How about we sit down for a meal at the same time every day?” or “Let’s take a walk together in the morning” promote structure. These suggestions reinforce their involvement in managing their well-being.
7. Practice empathy. Validate their feelings instead of refuting their reality. Try to steer conversations toward constructive, supportive dialogue. For example, saying, “I understand you’re feeling scared” and “Let’s focus on what we can do to help you feel better today” places emphasis empowerment rather than dispute. Understanding is not the same thing as agreeing. Symptoms are part of the condition and do not define who they are as individuals.
8. Help them understand themselves more positively. Help your loved one exercise agency in their lives. Self-stigma occurs because psychosis and schizophrenia labels have a negative connotation. See things from their perspective and empower them to achieve their goals towards recovery.
9. Take care of yourself. Seek a community for yourself. Identify your stress points and strategies to manage them. Consider connecting with others whose loved ones have experienced psychosis, too.
10. Explore options for professional help. Clinical professionals can provide critical guidance on next steps, support and treatment for your loved one.

Thoughtful, empathetic communication can significantly improve well-being. Using language to foster understanding, structure and connection plays a vital role in supporting your loved one through recovery. By reframing how we talk about mental health, we create an environment of support and understanding.

CMHA offers many programs that support individuals who experience psychosis or schizophrenia.

This World Suicide Prevention Day, know that you are not alone. There are people, programs and services that are here to help you.