What is Psychosis?
Data Snapshots
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) defines psychosis as a symptom of several possible psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and more.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains that the word "psychosis" is used to describe conditions that affect the mind. During a period of psychosis, a person’s thoughts and perceptions are disturbed, and the person may find it difficult to understand what is real and what is not real.
What is Early Psychosis?
Early psychosis, or first-episode psychosis (FEP), refers to the time when a person first shows signs of beginning to lose contact with reality.
Find Help
If you think you might be experiencing psychosis and would like to get in touch with a local mental health provider:
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you or someone you know is in distress or has concerns about mental health or psychosis, here are some confidential and free resources:
Crisis services listed here are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise noted.
- National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Hotline: 988
Languages: English and Spanish - National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- National Suicide Prevention Chat
- Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741
- Emergency NAMI Helpline: 800-950-NAMI (6264)
Mon - Fri, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. EST
In a crisis, text “NAMI” to 741741 - SAMHSA 24-Hour Helpline: 800-662-4357
- SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline: 1-877-726-4727
Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST - NIMH Helpline: 866-615-6464
Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST