Psychosis Explained
What is psychosis?
What is psychosis?
Psychosis is a set of symptoms that can change how someone thinks and experiences the world. These are sometimes called extraordinary experiences.
Extraordinary experiences are rarely shared by the people around the person having them. But even though others can't see or hear them, they are very real for the person experiencing them.
On the next few pages, you'll learn what kinds of changes you might notice, common myths worth setting aside, and why early support matters. Take your time — there's no rush.
What it can look like
Tap any card to see examples. Psychosis can show up in different ways — most people only experience some of these, not all.
Unusual Thoughts & Beliefs
Examples- A belief that others can read their mind
- A belief that things in the environment have special meaning or hidden messages
- A belief that someone or something is trying to harm them
Perceptual & Sensory Changes
Examples- Seeing or hearing things that others do not
- Uncertainty about whether experiences are real
- Feeling things under the skin that aren't there
Disorganized Behavior
Examples- Wearing clothes that don't match the weather
- Rearranging the furniture at 3 a.m. for no specific reason
- Starting to make a meal, then walking away partway through
Functional Changes
Examples- A decline in grades
- Withdrawing from family or friends
- Not showering or brushing teeth regularly
- Slowed processing speed
- Getting overwhelmed easily
Myth vs. fact
There's a lot of misinformation about psychosis in our society. Tap each card to flip it and see what the research actually says.
Experiencing psychosis means I have schizophrenia.
Click to revealThere are many reasons someone experiences a first episode of psychosis. Engaging in treatment improves outcomes.
Experiencing psychosis means life will change dramatically.
Click to revealRecovery is possible and a full, meaningful life is possible. Not everyone who experiences a first episode goes on to have a second.
People experiencing psychosis are dangerous.
Click to revealThe media paints a very different picture. While having a safety plan is important, people experiencing psychosis are not more dangerous than anyone else.
Psychosis is rare.
Click to revealAbout 3 in 100 people experience psychosis at some point in their lives.
Psychosis and a split personality are the same thing.
Click to revealPsychosis does not lead to a split personality. They are entirely different experiences.
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night convinced the noise you heard was a burglar, and couldn't get back to sleep until you checked all the doors? Unlike a first episode of psychosis, that kind of experience doesn't typically affect daily life — but it gives a small sense of the intensity and feeling psychosis can carry.
Positive vs. negative symptoms
In a first-episode program, you might hear providers talk about positive and negative symptoms. These words don't mean "good" or "bad" — they describe direction.
Examples of negative symptoms
These aren't usually the first thing people think of when they hear "psychosis," and they overlap with other mental health experiences. They can be hard to address without support.
Next steps
Psychosis can be scary and full of uncertainty. It can feel like nothing will ever be the same. But that's not true. Early support makes a meaningful difference, and recovery is possible.
If any of what you read here feels familiar — for you, or for someone you love — reaching out is the next step. EASA's team can help you figure out what's going on and what support might fit.
Ready to talk with someone?
Get in touch with the Lane County EASA team. Consultations are free and confidential.
Contact EASAPrefer to keep exploring first? Learn about Attenuated Psychosis →