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How to handle it — when things don't feel real

Psychosis needs support, not white-knuckling. Here's what to do.

Your thoughts, senses or reality feel scrambled, and it's unsettling.

— Right now

  • You're not 'going crazy' — this is the mind misfiring under load, and it's treatable.
  • Tell someone you trust what's happening. Don't carry it alone.
  • See a GP as soon as you can — early help makes the biggest difference.
  • Cut the grog and any drugs — they make it worse and muddy the picture.

— Don't

  • Don't tough it out in silence hoping it passes.

— Later

  • headspace or Orygen (under 25s) and your GP are the doors to early treatment.

More on this → Schizophrenia & psychosis

When things don't feel real: the short version

  1. 1.It's the mind misfiring under load — and it's treatable.
  2. 2.Tell someone. See a GP early — it changes everything.
  3. 3.Cut the grog and drugs — they make it worse.
  4. 4.Frightened or at risk? Lifeline 13 11 14, or 000.
  5. 5.Recovery is the norm with the right help.
Understand itRead the full schizophrenia & psychosis guide →Work on itStart A way through →Talk to someoneFind help →
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