What is Psychosis?

What is Psychosis?

What is Psychosis?

Strange and unusual experiences (often referred to as psychosis) are changes in how you think, feel, or make sense of the world around you, which can sometimes feel confusing or out of the ordinary. These experiences can include hearing voices that others do not hear, seeing things that others do not see or having unusual and sometimes distressing beliefs. For some, these experiences may happen once, lasting for a short period of time.  For others these unusual experiences can continue to happen over a longer period of time. They may be linked to many things such as stress, difficult life events, or changes in wellbeing. Whatever the cause, you can talk to someone who will listen and work with you to find the right support.

Not everyone that has unusual experiences would be described as experiencing psychosis. Those who has unusual experiences that persist or cause distress may be referred to as experiencing psychosis

While psychosis can be different for each person, there are some experiences many people say they share...


These are when you sense things that other people don’t. These can be things you see, hear, smell, taste or physically feel.

For example:

  • Hearing voices or sounds that others can’t hear.
  • Seeing things which other people do not see.
  • Tasting things when you haven’t eaten something.
  • Feeling someone/something touching you when there is nothing there.
  • Smelling things which other people cannot.

These are unusual beliefs that other people within your community do not share, even though they feel real to you.

These vary from person to person, but some people talk about feeling worried or paranoid:

  • That others may be trying to cause harm to them
  • That they are being watched or under surveillance
  • That there food or water has been poisoned.

People also talk about having unshared beliefs that they have a special purpose or a special power

  • Confusion
  • Fear
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Thinking or speaking differently, for example in an unclear or disorganised way.
  • Difficult feelings, for example experiencing significant mood swings and/or becoming more anxious, down, or numb.
  • Changes in behaviour, for example isolating yourself from other people to feel safer.

Common myths about psychosis exist.  These include......

Psychosis is always caused by 'mental illness'    -  These experiences can be linked to things such as stress, lack of sleep, grief, trauma, or big life changes. Everyone's story is different.

There is a clear cause for psychosis  -  A combination of lots of factors can lead to experiences of psychosis. These factors are unique for every individual. Factors which are known to increase someone’s risk of experiencing psychosis include a family history of psychosis; stressful or adverse life events; drug use; and more.

People with psychosis are dangerous  -   "The media often shows people with psychosis behaving like this even though very few people who experience psychosis ever hurt anyone else" – SAMH.   Even if someone with psychosis were to hurt someone, many are simply trying to cope with difficult feelings or events.

If help isn't sought early, recovery isn't possible  -  Many people recover from or learn to live well with strange and unusual experiences. Support, connecting with others and understanding can make a big difference.  Support can help at any stage of psychosis — early, ongoing, or during recovery. It's never too soon or too late to reach out.

Psychosis is a rare experience  -  Psychosis is usually first experienced during the teenage years.  It is experienced by roughly 3 in every 100 young people in Scotland. That’s actually quite a lot of people.  Up to 10% of people will experience a voice hearing at some point in their lives.

Only medication helps/medication is the only option  -  Support can include many things. This can include talking therapies (e.g. psychology), lifestyle changes, and connection with others.