Psychosis Psychosis is a serious mental disorder characterized by thinking and emotions that are so impaired, that they indicate that the person experiencing them has lost contact with reality. People who are psychotic have false thoughts (delusions) and/or see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations). These are referred to as “positive” symptoms; “negative” symptoms like loss of motivation and social withdrawal can also occur. These experiences can be frightening and may cause people who are suffering from psychosis to hurt themselves or others. It is important to see a doctor right away if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of psychosis.

The Importance of Language Those who control the language control the conversation Language can reflect and determine who are the experts on the experience Stigmatization, which is so well established by the very language we use as to pass unnoticed Respecting what language speaks to the person

Traditional Medical Approach to Psychosis Don’t talk about it Not a real experience… a false experience? Hearing voices, visions, delusions and paranoia are regarded as just symptoms of mental illness and therefore non-sense, meaningless and unworthy of discussion Already have an agenda of what’s going on Challenge people in their experience Experiences that people should keep to themselves

An Alternative way to Approach Psychosis/ Alternate Realities Other ways of regarding this experience that are not related to the medical model’s notion of mental illness A real experience Meaning and purpose can be found in the experience It is a way of interpreting the world that makes sense. Adaptive at the time and adaptive now Common human experience (humanize the experience); we all experience Alternate Realities on a continuum

An Alternative way to Approach Psychosis/ Alternate Realities #2 Redefine the so-called symptoms of an illness as understandable personal experiences, which although sometimes distressing, can be certainly overcome True experts- people experiencing and living with psychosis/ Alternate Realities Appreciating the experience in a holistic way Seek to understand the experience Seeks to discover: What does this experience mean?

Diversity of the Experience People diagnosed with psychosis, including schizophrenia, are a diverse group, who have diverse experiences, and who need diverse approaches to cope and ways to support them People need access to as many options as possible and to use them or discard them as they see fit. They are offered the opportunity to choose the way which they feel makes sense to interpret their experience(s) What are different ways of interpreting the experience?

Tips Respect and be open to each person’s way of exploring and interpreting the world and reality Stay open and non-judgmental Admit, face and open up to our own biases and value conflicts Sit with discomfort; we can’t be afraid to discuss aspects of our humanity that routinely terrify many of us Validate peer’s experience

Tips #2 Avoid invalidating and shutting down peer Offer the opportunity to choose and access various options and ways of interpreting the experience of psychosis Develop a shared reality (mutuality) Connect with the person where they are at Support them in humanizing and normalizing their experience Seek out strengths- Supporting people living with and experiencing psychosis/ alternate realities should not focus on weakness and deficiencies but rather strengths and gifts

4 Tasks of Intentional Peer Support 1) Connection 2) Worldview 3) Mutuality 4) Moving Toward

Is it Possible?

Professionals/ Clinicians with lived experience, recovery and peer support Peer support relationships change other relationships Recovery takes a community and options that speak to each person (including the medical approach) Stay true to the values and principles of recovery and peer support