Given their young age, family, loved ones and other community workers involved with them are considered allies in treatment. The treatment team therefore meets with them and the young person (if the young person agrees, which is strongly encouraged) as early as possible once treatment begins. A psychoeducational approach for family groups complements the psychoeducation and support offered to families. For families who need family therapy, a specialized therapist will offer a series of sessions to improve problem-solving, communication, and so on. 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 their autonomy. The philosophy at the heart of treatment is to see this young adult or adolescent as someone with life plans and potential who must adapt to an illness they need to learn to better "master," rather than as a "vulnerable sick young person" who must be shielded from life's stresses. This view allows the young person to cultivate hope and reach their full potential while taking their limitations into account.

CMHA - For loved ones (parents)

CMHA - For loved ones (siblings)

These psychoeducation groups, exclusively for loved ones, aim to provide information about the illness, its treatment, and how loved ones can help the person who is ill. Studies show that when loved ones take part in this form of intervention, the number of relapses of the illness is reduced.

Welcome meetings at Clinique JAP

Has your loved one just been admitted to Clinique JAP? Have you never attended a welcome group? We want to meet you! This meeting will help you better understand psychosis, treatments, the care offered, and the recovery process. You will also have the chance to hear a young patient speak about their lived experience.

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

You can register using this form. 

Evening meetings for loved ones

These evenings, led by a family peer supporter and a clinician from Clinique JAP, take place on the second Tuesday of every month. All loved ones are welcome. Different topics are covered (medication, relapse prevention, communication, taking care of yourself as a loved one, etc.). You can check the newsletter for this month's theme.

It is also a chance to come and ask questions about psychosis, follow-up at Clinique JAP, the stages of recovery, and so on, in a non-judgmental setting, with other people who have had a similar experience.

Register here: this form.  

During a psychotic episode or during remission, at home, siblings may be very worried about their brother or sister's condition and afraid of losing them, of losing this special relationship they have. In addition, a bit like the birth of a new child, siblings may fear losing their parents' attention, as the young person who is ill takes up a great deal of the parents' time and energy.

In the same way, the young adult's friends may react to psychosis in several ways. Some will pull away for a time, not knowing how to react or what to do, because it hurts them too much or because of the prejudices of 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, we should try to detect it as early as we can, during the phase before frank psychosis (the prodrome), or even earlier, when the signs and symptoms are subtle and may go unnoticed or be mistaken for typical teenage turmoil or a "rough patch." If your loved one's behaviour seems strange to you, to the point where you no longer recognize them, you should consider the first signs of psychosis. If this has been going on for some time, confirm your impression with the people who spend time with them. If you try to share your observations with them and they show no openness, an assessment by a physician may be necessary. Young people should be put in touch with a doctor if you notice several of these signs:

• Hears voices or sees things that others cannot see or hear;
• Acts strangely; other young people find them strange;
• Has bizarre ideas or false beliefs (that they are being followed or watched, that they are the Messiah, etc.);
• Has trouble concentrating on watching TV, a movie or reading a book;
• Is distrustful, paranoid, or suspicious;
• Speech that is hard to understand, illogical or does not make sense;
• Eats less, loses weight;
• Has trouble sleeping, is restless;
• Withdraws from friends and becomes increasingly isolated;
• Has mood swings or is very irritable or anxious.

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

Talking with a young person

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

• Be yourself,
• Get informed and understand that the person behaves and speaks differently because of psychotic symptoms,
• Keep in mind that psychotic symptoms are painful for everyone and that it is normal to feel a whole range of emotions: shock, fear, sadness, frustration, anger, despair,
• Talking with other people will help you manage these emotions. Keep confidence in the person's recovery. Even if it takes time, be patient,
• When a person is experiencing psychosis, their needs may vary. At times they may need more supervision (e.g., if their judgment is impaired), and at other times they may need more autonomy, but with support in decision-making.
• Try not to "take it personally" when the person says hurtful things while they are in crisis,
• Stay as calm as possible and avoid an authoritarian tone,
• Remove sources of distraction (radio, television, etc.).
• Give them space. Understand that an overly emotional response on your part may heighten the distress your loved one is in,
• Have only one person speak at a time,
• Share what you notice about their behaviour (e.g., you are afraid, you are confused, etc.).
• Ask them whether anything is worrying them.
• If needed, repeat your questions using the same wording.
• Check whether they are ready to see a doctor and offer to go with them.

Source: CAP santé mentale | Mental health | Network of organizations that help loved ones

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

I now know that is not true. We should not take the media at their word and generalize. People who have had a psychotic episode are more often a danger to themselves than to others."

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Read the full testimonial (PDF)