Family and friends

How to identify psychotic symptoms?

If your loved one is experiencing a crisis, it's important to recognize psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices, sleeplessness, ritualistic activities, being overly suspicious, having strange beliefs (looking through walls, seeing things or people that don't exist for others), or having unpredictable outbursts.

If so, it's important to get her/him in clinical treatment as soon as possible. If the symptoms are acute (out of control, posing a danger self or others) call our emergency number.

What are serious psychiatric symptoms?

Certain symptoms of psychiatric illnesses are more life threatening than others. In principle, an individual would require admission should their symptoms pose a danger to themselves or to others. These symptoms include and are not confined to: very violent, aggressive disruptive behavior or homicidal ideas, self-harm, suicidal attempt, confusion, paranoia, severely impaired judgment or severe depression.
Our services can reasonably be expected to improve the recipient’s condition or prevent further regression.

What should I do/not do in a crisis situation?

Do's:
- Look out for psychotic symptoms and take action. The earlier you might catch these, the sooner you can get your loved one the help they need.
- Encourage a visit to the MHF to help her/him feel better. Be understanding if the person is suspicious about it and try to explain that MHF is really meant to help.
- Comply with reasonable requests: this gives the loved one the opportunity to feel somewhat "in control".
- Take care of yourself! Taking care of a loved one (in crisis) is very intense and can be a heavy burden to bear. Make sure you get to do relaxing activities/hobby’s and reach out to family/friends who can lend support.

Don'ts:
- Don't threaten: this may be interpreted as a power plat and increase fear or may lead to aggressive behaviour.
- Don't criticize: it will make matters worse.
- Don't squabble with other family members: over "best strategies" or allocations of blame. This is no time to prove a point.
- Don't stand over your loved one: if she/he is seated this might be perceived as intimidating and can lead to aggressive behavior. Instead, seat yourself.
- Avoid continuous eye contact or touching
- Don't block the doorway: but keep yourself between the loved one and an exit.

If the person was admitted, am I allowed to visit?

Yes! Regular visits are generally a positive part of recovery. We welcome visits from family and friends of clients treated in admissions. Our staff members are readily available to offer support, advice and to answer any of your pertinent questions. Check our opening times for visits. Exceptions may be made through arrangements with an admissions staff member.