New herr

[Tara5]

Hi Everyone 

I an new. My 18 year old child is currently having her first episode psychosis. Currently in hospital.

in anyone’s experience how long has their lived ones forst  or only psychosis lasted?

[Ru-bee]

Hi @Tara5 I just wanted to pop by and welcome you to the forums.

I hope that you'll here from others soon who have had a lived experience of this and can share this with you. In the meantime I wanted to leave this link to a past webinar we held as I feel it might be relevant and helpful as well: RECORDING // Carers Week Special Webinar // Naviga... - SANE Forums

[Snuggles]

Hi @Tara5 

Welcome to the forums, it's lovely to meet you. 😊

I'm so sorry that you and your 18 year old child are going through this. That must be incredibly difficult and overwhelming. While I haven’t personally experienced psychosis, I’ve read about others’ journeys, and I know that recovery looks different for everyone. Some people improve within weeks or months, while for others, it takes longer. Hopefully, the hospital team can give you more clarity on what to expect in your child's specific situation.

Please know that you're not alone, there are people who understand and care about what you're going through. Be gentle with yourself, this is a lot to process. Sending you support and strength during this challenging time.

Take care,
Snuggles 🥰

[Spirit_Healer]

Good morning, @Tara5 .

I had my first episode at age 17. Because my parents delayed seeking help (not wanting me to be medicated), my episode lasted 12 weeks. 

It sounds like your child is getting the help they need. As @Snuggles said, the duration of an episode can vary from a couple of weeks, up to several months.

The most important thing is that your child is compliant with medication and other treatments (group therapy, psychology, etc.). These will be protective factors against their illness - both the duration and severity of their current episode, and future possible episodes.

@Ru-bee 

All the best!

[Tara5]

Thank you Ru bee. Your words have been incredibly helpful ♥️

[myheartache]

My Daughter has regular psychotic episodes because she lacks self care (She is 21 and not at home). Her longest episode was approximately 8 months and during that time she managed to travel overseas, backpack Europe and come home again. I know she was psychotic because f our phone calls during that time. I can only imagine her terror/anxiety. It was obvious over the phone. 

When she returned she wound up in hospital, and was medicated. She seems ok now but if she lacks sufficient self care, sleep or is overusing her negative coping substances she can slide into it again. She is in therapy but now is incredibly paranoid. So much that she often cuts contact with me.

It can be daunting for us as parent to witness their experiences. It must be so much more experiencing it first hand. Do not be too eager to get her out of where she is. I believe that professional support in a structured environment is very helpful. Her age is in her favour for recovery. Intense, multi faceted support is what is needed in my opinion and I hope that your child gets what she needs to be well. Be kind to yourself and be kind to her. Her paranoia may make her say a lot of things that are frightening. She may not trust where she is, but if she is safe, then that is of paramount importance.