Because of their young age, family, loved ones and other community workers involved with them are considered allies in treatment. They are therefore met with the young person by the treatment team (if he or she accepts, to which he or she is strongly encouraged), as soon as possible as soon as the treatment is initiated. A psychoeducational approach aimed at groups of families complements the psychoeducational and support intervention offered to families. For families where the need for family therapy arises, a specialized therapist will offer a series of meetings to improve their ability to solve problems, communication, etc. Interventions take into account the delicate balance between, on the one hand, the family/community support necessary for the young person's recovery, and, on the other hand, the importance of encouraging separation/individuation and the development of the latter's autonomy . The philosophy at the heart of the treatment is to consider this young adult/adolescent as having life projects and potential, but having to adapt to an illness that he or she must learn to "control" better rather than as a "vulnerable patient" who must be avoided the stresses of life. This perception allows the young person to cultivate hope and reach their full potential while taking into account their limitations.

CMHA - For Relatives

CMHA - For Relatives (Siblings)

These psychological education groups aimed exclusively at relatives aim to provide information about the disease, its treatment and how relatives can help the sick person. Studies show that when relatives participate in this intervention modality, the number of relapses of the disease is reduced.

Welcome meetings at the JAP clinic

Has your loved one just been admitted to the JAP clinic? Never attended a welcome group? We want to meet you!  This meeting will allow you to better understand psychosis, treatments, care and the recovery process. You will also have the opportunity to hear from a young patient about their lived experience.

*If you have to miss work or school, we can provide you with a medical appointment certificate ticket, as this meeting is an integral part of the treatment offered at the JAP Clinic

You can register using this form. 

Evening Meetings for Loved Ones

These evenings, led by a family peer helper and a worker from the JAP clinic, take place every 2nd Tuesday of the month. All the members of the entourage are the bienvenu.es. Different themes are addressed (medication, relapse prevention, communication, taking care of oneself as a loved one, etc.). You can refer to the newsletter to find out the theme of the month.

It is also an opportunity to come and ask your questions about psychosis, follow-up at the JAP clinic, the stages of recovery, etc. in a non-judgmental context, with other people who have been through the same thing.

Register here: this form.  

During a psychotic event or during remission, at home, siblings may be very worried about their sibling's condition and be afraid of losing him/her, of losing this special relationship they have. In addition, a bit like the birth of a new child, siblings may fear losing the parents' attention, as the young patient monopolizes a lot of the parents' time and energy.

Similarly, the young adult's friends can respond to psychosis in a number of ways. Some will move away temporarily, not knowing how to react/act, because it hurts them too much or because of the prejudices of the other friends in the group.

You can refer to the Siblings' Guide to Psychosis for more ideas and resources.

Are you worried about your loved one's behaviour?

Because it is important to treat psychosis as early as possible, it should be detected as early as possible, during the phase before frank psychosis (prodrome), or even earlier, when the signs and symptoms are subtle and may go unnoticed or be mistaken for the adolescent crisis or a "bad patch." If your loved one's behaviour seems strange to you, to the point where you can no longer recognize them, you should think about the first signs of psychosis. If this situation has been going on for a while, confirm your impression with the people around him. If you try to share your observations with him, but he does not show any openness, an evaluation by a doctor may be necessary. Young people should be put in touch with a doctor if you notice more than one of these signs:

• Hears voices or sees things that others cannot see or hear;
• Acts strange, other young people find him strange;
• Has bizarre ideas, false beliefs (that he is followed, watched, that he is the Messiah, etc.);
• Has difficulty concentrating on watching TV, a movie or reading a book;
• Is suspicious, paranoid, or suspicious;
• Speech that is difficult to understand, illogical or does not make sense;
• Eat less, lose weight;
• Sleeps with difficulty, is restless;
• Abandons his friends and isolates himself more and more;
• Has mood swings or is very irritable or anxious.

You can also use the SQS's Refer-o-Scope online tool to detect suggestive signs of psychosis.

Talking to your child

It can sometimes be difficult to talk to someone with psychosis. While there is no magic recipe, a few general tips can make it easier:

• Be yourself,
• Educate yourself and understand that the person behaves and speaks differently due to psychotic symptoms,
• Keep in mind that psychotic symptoms are painful for everyone and that it is normal to feel a variety of emotions: shock, fear, sadness, frustration, anger, despair, etc.
• Talking to other people will help you deal with these emotions. Maintain confidence in the person's recovery. Even if it takes time, be patient,
• When a person is in psychosis, their needs may vary. At one point, they may need more supervision (e.g., if their judgment is impaired) and at other times, they may need more autonomy, but with help in decision-making processes.
• Try not to "take it personally" when the person is hurtful in their words when they are in crisis,
• Stay as calm as possible and avoid an authoritarian tone,
• Eliminate distractions (radio, television, etc.).
• Give it space. It is important to understand that an overly emotional attitude on your part may amplify the state of distress in which your loved one is plunged,
• Speak one person at a time,
• Share what you observe about their behaviour (e.g., you're scared, confused, etc.).
• Ask them if there are any things that are on their minds.
• If necessary, repeat your questions in the same wording.
• Check if he is ready to see a doctor and offer to accompany him.

Source: CAP mental health | Mental Health | Network of Caregiver Organizations

"There is still a lot of prejudice against people with mental health problems, to the effect that they are violent people.

I now know that this is not true. We must not trust the media and generalize. People who have had psychosis are more often dangerous to themselves than to others."

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