Ok, I know I need to talk to my friend about psychosis, but what do I actually say?
Here are some useful phrases to help get the conversation started, and some things that you should never say.
“I’ve noticed that you haven’t been acting like yourself lately. I’m worried about you, is something going on?”
Don’t say “What’s wrong with you?”
“How do you feel? What are you experiencing?”
Don’t say “I know what you’re feeling right now.”
“Can I help you find someone to see about your concerns?”
Don’t say “Get help or you’re on your own.”
Do you want me to take you to the counseling center?
Don’t say “Treatment sounds scary. I’d be afraid to go there.”
“I know you have a real illness, and that’s whats causing these very real thoughts and feelings.”
Don’t ever say “It’s all in your head.”
“I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.”
Don’t say “We all go though times like this.”
“Tell me how you think I might be able to help you.”
Don’t say “There’s nothing I can do, it’s all up to you.”
“It might not feel like it now, but the way you’re feeling now can and will change.”
Don’t say “Just snap out of it.”
“There is help out there. Treatment works and I’m willing to support you in getting help.”
Don’t say “If you just look on the bright side you could fix this yourself.”
