What is Psychosis? Symptoms & ways to find support

4th February, 2026    |    By  headspace    |     18

Psychosis is an experience when someone has difficulty making sense of what’s real. They might see or hear things that others can’t or have unusual ideas and beliefs. This can affect how they think, feel and act. It’s important to know that psychosis can be treated. In fact, most people who experience psychosis get better and go on to lead a fulfilling, productive life.

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Psychosis and other mental illnesses

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What is psychosis?

Psychosis is an experience where someone has difficulty making sense of what’s real.

A person experiencing psychosis might:

  • See or hear things that others can’t, or
  • Have unusual ideas or beliefs.

Psychosis can affect how someone thinks, feels and acts.

  • The symptoms of psychosis often appear for the first time in adolescence or early adulthood. This can be frightening and may feel like it turns a young person’s world upside down.
  • The causes of psychosis are complex and usually involve a combination of factors, such as:
  • Traumatic experiences
  • Challenges at school, home or work
  • Substance use
  • Genetic factors
  • It’s important to know that psychosis can be treated. Most people who experience psychosis recover and go on to live fulfilling, productive lives.

Signs and symptoms of psychosis

The symptoms of psychosis are different for everyone, but some common signs include:

  • Confusing thoughts that make everyday communication unclear or hard to understand
  • Strong beliefs in things that aren’t real to other people
  • (for example, believing you’re being followed or that someone is trying to harm you)
  • Hearing or seeing things that aren’t actually there
  • Sometimes this can affect other senses like touch, smell or taste
  • Feeling cut off from the world or feeling less emotion towards others
  • Changes in behaviour, such as:
  • Bursts of extreme energy, or
  • Suddenly having very little energy to do anything at all
  • Mood changes, including feeling excited, depressed or irritable for reasons that aren’t obvious to others
  • What’s the difference between psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder?
  • Psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are often confused because they share some similar symptoms, but there are important differences.

Psychosis

  • Psychosis is usually episodic.
  • Some people may only ever have one experience of psychosis.
  • Others may experience it during times of stress or increased substance use.
  • In over three-quarters of cases, people experience a good recovery.

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

  • These terms describe long-term conditions with ongoing symptoms.
  • They are usually managed with medication and counselling.
  • Schizophrenia is generally diagnosed when symptoms of psychosis (such as hallucinations or paranoia) have been present consistently for six months.
  • Bipolar disorder involves ongoing cycles of extreme highs and lows in mood.
  • Because symptoms can change over time, diagnoses can also change. Sometimes people are diagnosed with one condition, and that diagnosis is later changed or removed.

Seeking support

Just as the symptoms of psychosis are different for everyone, recovery looks different for each person too.

Recovery isn’t only about reducing symptoms. It’s about finding the right support, learning how to manage difficult times, and building a life that feels meaningful.

Recovery is an ongoing journey that takes time, patience, effort and support.

Treatments for psychosis may include:

  • Education
  • Medication
  • Counselling
  • Emotional support from family, friends or community
  • Practical support, such as help returning to study or work
  • Other parts of recovery may involve:
  • Staying active
  • Sleeping and eating well
  • Reducing alcohol or other drug use
  • Managing stress
  • Building healthy relationships
  • Developing independence

 

When to get help

If you feel like you may be experiencing psychosis:

  • Tell someone you trust what’s going on
  • Do a “reality check” with them – do they hear or see these things too?
  • Visit your GP if symptoms last for a week or more, even if they come and go
  • Ask someone you trust to come with you, so you feel supported
  • Avoid self-diagnosing based on online information – speaking with a doctor is the best way to get the right support

Psychosis can be frightening, confusing and disruptive, but help is available. With the right support, most people recover.

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of psychosis, reaching out early can make a big difference.

For more information and support, speak with your GP.
If you’re a young person aged 12–25 in Australia, you can also access support through the headspace Early Psychosis Program.