info & resourcesthe road to recovery for families
“Promoting Recovery from First Episode Psychosis: A guide for families”
by Sabrina Baker MSW, RSW and Lisa Martens MSW, RSW
Produced by CAMH – The Centre for Addiction & Mental Health
ISBN 978-1-77052-382-1 • 76 pages • booklet/guide
Excerpt from intro:
“What is psychosis?
The word “psychosis” is used to describe conditions that affect the mind when there has been some loss of contact—a break—with reality. Psychosis can lead to confused thinking, false beliefs, hallucinations, changes in feelings and changed behaviour. About three out of every 100 people will experience a psychotic episode in their lifetime. Psychosis can happen to anyone. It is important to remember that psychosis can be treated.
What is first episode psychosis?
First episode psychosis refers to the first time someone experiences psychotic symptoms or has a psychotic episode. A person experiencing a first episode of psychosis may not understand what is happening to him or her, and may feel confused and distressed. Mental and emotional problems are often like physical problems: the sooner they are treated, the better the chance of recovery. The longer psychosis is left untreated, the more the person’s life is disrupted. Delays in treatment may lead to a slower and less complete recovery.
Family members can play a significant role in helping to identify early signs of psychosis, in seeking prompt and appropriate treatment for their relative, and in promoting the recovery process. Promoting Recovery from First Episode Psychosis is based on research, practice guidelines and the authors’ own experience working with clients and their families in the First Episode Division at CAMH.”
The guide is divided into two parts:
> Part I is designed to help families support their relative’s recovery. It includes information about treatment of psychosis, crisis intervention, and working with mental health professionals.
> Part II focuses on the family’s journey to recovery. It describes specialized services for families, self-care strategies, and communication and limit-setting tips.
This is an updated link to a NEW & REVISED version of “First Episode Psychosis: An Information Guide” that is currently available on the CAMH publication site:
www.camh.ca/-/media/files/guides-and-publications/first-episode-psychosis-guide-en.pdf
About the Authors: “Promoting Recovery from First Episode Psychosis”
Sabrina Baker , MSW, RSW is an experienced certified social worker who has worked for over thirty years in the mental health care arena in various settings, focusing on family-centred care and family therapy. She currently works in private practice specializing in promoting recovery with families whose relatives have mental health issues – through support, education and counseling. She is passionate about teaching, training, supervising and consulting students, workers and volunteers in promoting and providing family-centered care.
Lisa Martens, MSW, RSW is a social work professional providing social work services to inpatients and their families including: individual and family counseling, advocacy, resourcing specialists and crisis intervention.
> To buy a hard copy, you can CLICK here to go the the CAMH website